On 06/10/2010,
in engagement / engaging students, learning preferences, learning theories, memory, multimedia, pedagogy,
by Daniel Christian
20 facts you must know about working memory — from The E-Learning Coach
Excerpt:
The Basics
- Working memory used to be called short-term memory. It was redefined to focus on its functionality rather than its duration.
- Working memory can be thought of as the equivalent of being mentally online. It refers to the temporary workspace where we manipulate and process information.
- No one physical location in the brain appears to be responsible for creating the capacity of working memory. But several parts of the brain seem to contribute to this cognitive structure.
- Working memory is characterized by a small capacity. It can hold around four elements of new information at one time.
- Because learning experiences typically involve new information, the capacity of working memory makes it difficult to assimilate more than around four bits of information simultaneously.
- …
Capacity
“With this in mind, here are a few sites that feature cognitive psychology podcasts, research, articles and news. I’m even sneaking in a few brain science sites for the true believers.”
“And just in case you’re new to this field, cognitive psychology is the discipline that examines our mental processes, such as attention, perception, memory and learning. Cognitive psychology uses an information-processing model to explain mental operations in computational terms. Your resources are below. Enjoy.”
From DSC:
Anyone who has followed my work knows that I am interested in digital storytelling. Why?
- First of all, because of the engagement factor. Those in education and training know what one must first engage the student — draw them in and get them hooked — before anything else of any lasting substance can happen
- Digital storytelling unleashes a huge amount of creativity — students can play different roles on a team: script writing, videography, illustration, music/audio creation, acting, props, etc.
- This medium combines the power of multiple other types media — a very potent communication mechanism; one that is able to elicit emotion as well
- There is power in a story — and, with repetition — is one of the best ways I’ve experienced of having learning “stick” with me (i.e. addresses long term memory and a greater ROI from one’s investment in education)
Thanks,
Daniel
Original posting from:
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/01/digital-directors-guild-digital.html