Instructional Design and Learning Theories

There are many theories for how the mind absorbs and retains information.


Behaviorism
Cognitivism
Constructivism
Design-Based
Humanism
http://www.learning-theories.com/
Social Learning

Learning Theories and Enhancing Learning

The methods for communicating and learning have transformed with technology. Capturing and retaining the attention of today's learners is more difficult than ever before, because we are living in the digital era. Learners today are more adapted to learning from short videos and animations rather than a book or a text-heavy PowerPoint presentation.

Research on how the brain receives and processes information, is known as cognitive science. Cognitive science was applied in research studies of how our brain processes information when receiving information in the form of multimedia. This theory is called the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning.

The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning describes the way we learn through multimedia, according to Richard E. Mayer. Mayer developed the theory by using the Dual coding theory developed by Alan Paivio, and applied it as the basis for his research. The Dual coding theory suggests that the brain uses one channel for visual information and a separate channel for audio. Mayer's research lead to the Modality effect, which stated that learning, is significantly increased when information is presented through both channels.

Another reason to include a mix of text, images, and multimedia is to accommodate all learning styles. Everyone has his or her own way of learning. In order to incorporate all learning styles, consider including a variety of delivery options and activities. 

Retrieved from: http://mset.rst2.edu/msn/g/gilardi_b/brains/final/Teacher.html

Learning styles are similar to the theory of multiple intelligences. This theory comes out of psychology to document the fact that humans have individual strengths and ways of thinking. Education should incorporate multiple delivery systems and activities in order to reach every type of learner.

Howard Gardner of The Multiple Intelligence Theory (One of my favorites!)

http://youtu.be/l2QtSbP4FRg