Week 2 - Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources

The assignment for week 2: Using any search engine and the Walden Library databases, locate at least two resources (Web sites and/or online journals) on this week’s topics: the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process. Write a new blog entry that cites the websites and/or online journals, and comment on the value of these resources.

What a great assignment this week. I have spent hours doing research finding all sorts of relevant material and yet driven to continue looking. Clearly, there are lots of resources on learning and information processing theory and in all likelihood I could spend years doing research, however I have narrowed my search down to two resources I find interesting and relevant. I chose both of these journals primarily because of their relevance to learning and instructional design.

The first resource is a journal entitled Educational Technology, Research and Development
Publisher Information: Springer Science & Business Media

I like this journal because of the vast amount of articles that have something to do with learning in relationship to instructional design. I only read one article to completion, however I scanned a number of articles and found the information to be fascinating and in some cases very relevant to an ongoing understanding of the learning environment as it relates to instructional design. I suspect this is a journal I will review often. Here is a listing of a few articles. Please note, these links are only available to Walden University students and staff.

Learners' perceptions of instructional design practice in a situated learning activity
Nicholas Woolf, James Quinn. Educational Technology, Research and Development. Washington: Feb 2009. Vol. 57, Iss. 1; p. 25 (19 pages)

Managing cognitive load in educational multi-user virtual environments: reflection on design practice
Brian C Nelson, Benjamin E Erlandson. Educational Technology, Research and Development. Washington: Dec 2008. Vol. 56, Iss. 5/6; p. 619 (23 pages)

Learner preferences and prior knowledge in learner-controlled computer-based instruction
Theodore J Kopcha, Howard Sullivan. Educational Technology, Research and Development. Washington: Jun 2008. Vol. 56, Iss. 3; p. 265 (22 pages)

Characteristics of a cognitive tool that helps students learn diagnostic problem solving
Jared A Danielson, Eric M Mills, Pamela J Vermeer, Vanessa A Preast, et al. Educational Technology, Research and Development. Washington: Oct 2007. Vol. 55, Iss. 5; p. 499 (22 pages)

The second resource is also a journal, entitled Educational Leadership
Publisher Information: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, 1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria Virginia 22311-1714

I like this journal primarily because of three articles listed below. Overall, I am not sure that the journal as a whole is something that I am likely to use at this time as a resource. Most of the articles seemed interesting, but I have not yet determined their usefulness for myself as an instructional designer.

Moving with the Brain in Mind. Full Text Available By: Jensen, Eric. Educational Leadership, Nov 2000, Vol. 58 Issue 3, p34, 4p, 2 bw; (AN 3832977)

Brain-Based Learning: A Reality Check. Full Text Available By: Jensen, Eric. Educational Leadership, Apr 2000, Vol. 57 Issue 7, p76, 5p, 1 bw; (AN 3162330)

Fragile Brains. Full Text Available By: Jensen, Eric. Educational Leadership, Nov 2001, Vol. 59 Issue 3, p32, 5p; (AN 7147042)