One of the topics in this week’s learning module, information processing theory, particularly resonated with me in regards to instructional designs that best facilitate learning. There were 3 key takeaways on this topic relevant to instructional design.

1. The importance of attention to learning
   1. The sensory register is extremely limited. Attention (selective concentration) is the filtering mechanism used to determine which environmental stimuli are selected to pass on to short term or working memory.
2. The limitations of working memory
   1. The working memory can store 7 +/- 2 chunks of information and for no more than 15 – 20 seconds without rehearsal or some other mechanism for retention.
3. The implication of structural organization of knowledge on retrieval and integration of new knowledge.
   1. How knowledge is stored in long term memory influences how easily new knowledge is integrated into existing knowledge structures.
   1. Knowledge in long term memory is organized into structures or schemas. For example, the concept tree or the behavior driving a car are stored as schemas. The schema rather than isolated facts about the concept or behavior are activated or retrieved from long term memory as a single chunk of information that is moved into working memory as a point of comparison for new knowledge. The schema for dog might include four legs, barks, fur, tail, pants, likes bones, etc. When learning new information about the concept poodle, a student already having a schema for dog could integrate characteristics of a poodle into the existing schema of dog. Schema thus become progressively more expansive and organized as learning proceeds.

Although classic information processing theory assumes the brain is analogous to a computer, contemporary information processing theories have moved away from this oversimplified model of learning. Empirical evidence shows that human information processing is greatly influenced by emotion and motivation which are uniquely human qualities. Furthermore, humans don’t necessarily follow a linear information processing model. For an easily understandable, but comprehensive overview of information processing theory check out the article Information Processing Theory: Definition and Examples at https://www.thoughtco.com/information-processing-theory-definition-and-examples-4797966.

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is related to information processing theory in that sensory, working, and long-term memory are integral concepts in the model that inform instructional design. For example, a learning experience guided by CLT would be organized in a simple to complex format, pre-requisite knowledge would provide the structure for integration of new knowledge, and care would be taken to design instructional materials that did not place a high cognitive load on the learner. https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/cognitive-load-theory.htm provides a very succinct overview of CLT. However, I found this article most useful because it provides examples of application of the model to instructional design.

       The first week of my educational journey to becoming an instructional designer has been a mixed bag of emotions. I am supper excited, but extremely nervous. I am far from tech savvy. So, conquering the first step of this assignment, setting up a blog, was a huge challenge, but well worth the time and effort. Why? Because not only was I successful in completing the assignment, and making my first post, I found a treasure trove of information in the process. I am looking forward to the enormous growth opportunities that will ensue as a direct result of content from the three blogs I selected for this assignment.

       Delvin Peck is an instructional designer and e-learning developer who does freelancing work in the industry, but primarily focuses on career coaching for instructional designers. Simply stated, his blog is a gold mine for novice instructional designers looking to land their first job, as well as experienced designers aspiring to land their dream position. It is a rich resource for career development tools and advice. There are numerous articles that provide essential information on topics that range from how to become an instructional designer, to instructional design models and ADDIE, to securing employment and advancing in the instructional design field. Additionally, the site contains an awesome example of an actual portfolio, there is a link to a bootcamp opportunity, and an invitation to join an instructional design online community. A great deal of the content is useful for students as it covers the full spectrum of the instructional designer’s role. But it has the added bonus of coaching content to support the transition from student to instructional designer and from novice to expert designer. Check it out at www.delvinpeck.com.

      Scissortailcs.com/blog/ contains content related to mastery of the various aspects of the instructional design process specifically as it pertains to e-learning. It is a helpful resource for instructional design students because it contains practical information such as tips and advice for developing a portfolio and interview skills. It has usefulness over the course of an instructional design career because it addresses scenarios routinely encountered on the job. The content on this site resonated with me primarily because my interest lies in online and e-learning. The majority of the content is focused on issues related to instructional design for e-learning.

       This third blog resonates with me because I’m all about identifying my weaknesses and taking decisive action to improve. Although I’ve been reassured repeatedly that being tech savvy isn’t a prerequisite for the instructional design role, there are a few software programs that are essential tools of the instructional designer’s trade. First and foremost, among them Articulate 360. I elected to follow the Articulate E-Learning Heroes community to gain competency with the Articulate 360 course authoring tool. Community.articulate.com contains e-books, free courses, informative articles, and perhaps the most useful, discussion posts that offer the opportunity to gain knowledge from a large community of experienced instructional designers and e-developers. This resource is invaluable for students aspiring to become instructional designers as well as experienced designers because it provides readily available access to expert advice to assist in instructional design issues. The e-learning weekly challenges require specific mention as they offer opportunity for participants to move toward mastery of this popular course authoring tool.