Online Resources about the Brain and Learning

The internet is full of invaluable resources for the instructional designer. Digging into some resources to find real treasures can seem overwhelming, however I’ve compiled a few that I think do a great job in helping us understand the brain and learning, information processing theories and problem solving methods during the learning process.

1. Neuroscience and the Classroom 

This site offers a free course including videos, visuals and interactives that help break down the art and science of teaching from a neuroscience perspective. The principles discussed can be applied to learners of any age. I appreciated the connections presented among emotion, thinking, learning and memory. Much of the information presented debunks popular theories such as the left-right learner, and those of different learning styles. My favorite was unit 4 entitled “Different Learners, Different Minds”.  I appreciated that it focused on looking at learners’ strengths and weaknesses and the context in which we must solve problems.  What could be considered a weakness in one context can be a strength in another.  It is through the great collaboration between scientists, educational researchers and teachers that instruction can reach an entirely new level. I look forward to looking back at this site for additional workshops such as this one.

2. Five Minute Film Festival 

If you have a short attention span like me (and most of us in this day and age really) you would greatly appreciate the five minute festival presented on this site. The entire series is a collection of youtube videos celebrating the brain. My favorite film was “Born to Learn” which helped me see the importance of activating certain learning processes at critical junctures in life. This was emphasized in Chapter 2 of Learning Theories and Instruction, which discusses the development of the brain. It stated “the timing of environmental stimulation (or lack thereof) makes a considerable difference” in the development of certain functions or skills. It cited the example of a kitten who had its eye sown shut for the first three months of life. As a result, it remained functionally blind in that eye throughout life. The film discussed the critical period of learning language during the first 8 years of life.  For adult learners, which most instructional designers cater to, we must take advantage of the abstract thinking that can occur in adulthood versus childhood. Regardless, making connections in the brains our learners is the goal. This “festival” also gave me a great idea to use in designing future content to present to learners. I think this type of format not only helps learners pace themselves, but gives a lot of instruction in a little package.

3. Problem Solving and Metacognition in Education and Life

This final website is a mess of information (and I mean that quite literally, it is difficult to navigate through). However, it is a treasure trove of design principles, learning strategies and tutorials. I loved all the flowcharts created to simulate the design process and I am sure I will be referring back to these in the future.