Structured Writing

Structured writing is a way of evaluating, arranging, and delivering different types of
information. It gives you a good starting point for any writing project and it can be applied to
any type of information, even spoken!

There are many key elements to good structure. Always Use clear, concise modules that convey a single topic, procedure or idea. You need to group related modules together and use short, meaningful headings and sub-headings.Always be consistent in the use of graphics.

There are many benefits of a structured writing. Structured writing ensures  that information is easily accessible and understandable. Content can be produced quickly and can often be re-used. It enables the setting and maintaining of excellent standards in all types of communication,
throughout an organization.

The most important factor for any writer is to always remember the user.They must be able to get to what they want quickly and easily. Don’t assume that the user will read through all the documentation sequentially.Always be conscious of how the user will access the information being presented.Make sure the user can find the right section of text quickly.

Multiple Intelligence Theory

This theory was developed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983.According to this theory every individual has seven types of intelligence.

Linguistic intelligence
Ability to use spoken and written words.

Logical-mathematical intelligence
Ability to use numbers and reasoning.

Visual -Spatial intelligence
Ability to visualize things and spatial dimensions.

Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence
Ability to control body motions.

Musical intelligence
Ability to master rhythms, tones and beats.

Interpersonal intelligence
Ability to communicate with people and form relationships.

Intrapersonal intelligence
Ability to understand one’s own emotions and inner state of being.

In our schools and society in general we focus more on the linguistic and mathematical intelligence ability. This theory emphasizes that we must also appreciate individuals who show gift in other intelligences. It also says that teachers must use a variety of ways to using music, cooperative learning, art activities, field trips, and inner reflection methods in class rooms.

This theory can be also applied for adult learning and development. For example if you are a highly Logical-mathematical individual and working in a job that demands heavy physical work, then you will be sure to be drained out. You will do better in a job that involves logical reasoning such as a programmer or analyst.

This theory also has its fair share of critics. Some argue that learning is synonymous with individual personalities and cannot be categorised.But this theory is widely popular and very interesting as well. Don’t you agree?

E-learning interactions in Flash

Recently I started learning Flash in detail and I must say it is truly addictive. Today I would like to share about the in-built function in Flash that can be used for e-learning interactions. In most e-learning courses at the end of each chapter or lesson, we access the learner. The most commonly used assessment techniques are multiple choice, true or false, drag and drop etc.

In Flash CS3, these interactions are in-built and ready to use, so that you needn’t create them from scratch. On the toolbar, navigate to Window > Common Libraries > Learning Interactions. Here you can find various assessment methods such as Drag and drop, Fill in the blank, Hot Objects, Hot Spot, Multiple Choice and True or False.

You can just drag any of the items to stage and start working. You can modify them according to the needs of your course and learners. I think this is a great resource for any e-learning developer.

E-learning Resources

I came across this site which has some free books on e-learning interactions, rapid e-learning, synchronous e-learning, Moodle, LMS and many more. These are really great resources and are absolutely free! Grab them now!


http://c4lpt.co.uk/resources/freebooks.html

E-learning demos

I would like to share few e-learning demos that i recently came across. This site has demos on cable box installation, Telephone customer service, Microsoft Netmeeting, and a overview on Fire extinguishers. Quite interesting! Check them out.


http://www.gpworldwide.com/elearning/demos.asp

Microsoft E-learning

Microsoft is the worldwide leader in e-learning providing an easy and effective learning experience . The biggest advantage with Microsoft is that the course content is created by the Microsoft experts themselves and so it is straight from the horse’s mouth.

Microsoft courses provide lots of interactivity with games, adventure activities, and their hands on lab give you a real-time exposure of the software. So taking their course can help you enhance your current skills, learn about a product, or even prepare for a Microsoft certification exam.

So what are you waiting for? Try an e-learning demo now.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/elearningdemo/nav/coursePlayer.htm

E-learning for kids

I recently came across this great website dedicated to fun and free learning. It consists of courses in math, science, reading, health, and computers for children in the age group of 5 to 12 years. It is a global non-profit organization run by volunteer staff consisting of e-learning and education experts.

You can also get involved and contribute to them depending upon your profile. You can do a monetary contribution. If not you can provide them your expertise and knowledge. You can develop e-learning for them or contribute your existing content. Do check them out!

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/

Problem- Based Learning (PBL)

The Problem Based learning or PBL is widely used in higher education and K-12 settings. In this method the students will learn by solving real world scenarios and problems. Here the problems are open-ended and do not have one right answer.

The students will be divided into small groups and they will be provided with a messy real world problem. The students need to investigate the problem and find meaningful solutions which will then be agreed upon and implemented.

In the traditional approach, the teacher provides facts to the students and then recalls them by various methods such as memorization, tests etc. In this method the students apply their knowledge directly to the problems and the teacher will act as a facilitator and guide them through the learning process.

PBL develops critical thinking, improves problem-solving skills, and enhances the transfer of knowledge to new situations. The major drawback for PBL is that students may not know what is important for them if they don’t have any prior experience. Also for the teacher PBL can be very challenging to implement as it requires a lot of planning and hard work.

Merrill's Component Display Theory

Merrill’s Component Display Theory (CDT) may not be as famous as ARCS or Gagne but nevertheless interesting. This theory discusses ideas and methods that can be used for instruction. It gives a Performance/Content dimension to instruction by linking the desired level of student performance with the type of content.


According to CDT, content can be divided into four types namely: Facts, Concepts, Procedures and Principles.


Performance is how the student applies his learning. The level of student performance is divided into three categories namely: Remembering, Using and Finding. By linking both you get the following matrix.



Facts Concepts Procedures Principles

Remembering



Using



Finding








This matrix is setup to determine the level of performance needed for an area of content. As an instructor, you can determine the goals for the learner using the above matrix. You want them to remember the facts or apply the principles, you decide. Interesting isn’t it?

Gagne’s nine Events of Instruction

Robert Gagne’s nine events of Instruction provide a guideline for developing instructional content.

Gain Attention
Do something to gain the learner’s attention. It is somewhat similar to a TV program where a teaser is shown to gain our attention and we definitely end up watching the complete program. You can gain attention of a learner by various means. You can tell them an interesting story, show a demo, or even ask them to solve a problem.

Inform learner of Objective
Inform the learner about what they are going to learn so that they will prepare for what is coming up next. In other words, tell them what you are going to tell them.

Stimulate recall of prior Knowledge
It is always easy to build on what you know. If the learner has a prior knowledge about the subject you can stimulate it by asking questions and help them build on their skills.

Present the Material
Here you go! Provide them the training material. You can chunk your content into various levels of difficulty in order to maximize learning.

Provide Guidance for Learning
You must help the learners to maximize their learning by providing them learning instructions. You can use a different medium or channel to achieve this.

Elicit Performance
In e-learning terms this can be called as a practice session. You ask the learners to do something with their newly acquired knowledge.

Provide Feedback
You need to provide feedback to the learner and tell them the correctness of their learning. Tell them why they have done a good job or not a good job. Always provide specific feedback.

Access Performance
Analyze whether the learning has taken place. Give information about general progress.

Enhance Retention and Transfer
Put the learner in a similar problem situation or provide additional practice in order to enhance retention. The learner must be able to transfer the learning to their future assignments.