Problem solving

Problem Solving

I find this article very informative.  It tells us that there are several ways to deal with problem solving.  Starting with the purpose of the problem, analyzing the problem and what methods are useful to solve the problem and activities to practice these skills.

http://connected.waldenu.edu/learning-and-perception/critical-thinking-skills/item/839-learning-critical-thinking-problem-solving-skills

Information Processing Theory

As each day comes and goes new things are being introduced in to our lives.  The brain takes these new pieces of information as soon as we hear it and decides where to put it.  Grocery lists get put into our short term or working memory and the information that we need to retain because we will be using it for various stages of our lives get put into the long term memory spot.

http://tip.psychology.org/miller.html

http://web.mst.edu/~rhall/ed_psych/info.html

Can games help improve on memory and learning?

There are many games that help to improve learning and memory skills.  Now days with the gaming systems from board games like Scene It to Nintendo Wii, have been able to help in memory recalling skills to learning how to do yoga and balance on one leg.

The key is to be able to interact with other players and the game itself.  The overall goal is to be able to:  Identify the characteristics of games that create motivation and engagement.  Integrate game structures into instructional designs for standard e-learning content. (christytucker.wordpress 5/4/11)

By these interactions one is able to focus long enough to learn.  By learning, one must memorize places or objects that are presented in front of them  so that if they failed the attempt to get to the next level or stage of the game they would have to start over.  By learning what they did wrong in the first or second attempt, they can recall by memory the steps and try to advance to the next level.


With many children games the object is for them not only to advance to the next level but hopes to retain the information.  For example an interacting spelling game, once the child learns the letters to a word he would be able to advance to reading a book.

For many of the elderly these memory type of games can have an improvement on the quality of life they live.  Keeping them focused, the mind stays sharper and alert

Many of the interacting games will get the player or learner a chance to make clear choices, help with thought processing and risks that may come as a result of their choices.

http://christytucker.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/integrating-game-design-principles-into-instructional-design-for-e-learning/

http://theadventurouswriter.com/blog/brain-games-improve-memory-thinking-brain-health/

The Gerontological Society of America (2007, November 20). Brain Exercise Can Enhance Memory, Thinking, In Older Adults. ScienceDaily. .

Instructional Design at it's best

The Upside of learning, I have found to be very interesting and informative especially for those of us who are still in the learning process of Instructional Designs.  On of the blog topics, Instructional Design for Beginners – What Motivates People To Learn?, talks about the ARCS  model of motivational design.  showing how motivation can improve learning and good work habits.

The Elearning coach gives the designer an insight to a successful and effective approach to ELearning for instructional designers.  Some of the topics in this blog under cognition are: 20 Facts You Must Know About Working Memory, How Visual  Clarity Affects Learning, The Power of Interactive Learning and many more curious readings.

The Christy Tucker wordpress has many views from different bloggers on Instructional Designing, Elearning and Workplace learning.  Some of these posts are very helpful.  I especially liked the  In the Middle of the Curve.  

There are many more enlightening articles on these and other sights on Instructional Designing and training techniques.  I hope you enjoy these readings.

http://christytucker.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/instructional-design-and-e-learning-blogs/

http://theelearningcoach.com/elearning_design/10-qualities-of-the-ideal-instructional-designer/

http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/index.php/tag/instructional-design/

Under Construction.......

As I learn how to use this new toy of mine (Blogging), I am sitting here experimenting with the gadgets......