Jill had a great point this week...so I'm going start with that....
Jill: "My understanding of metaphors and their value in the learning process became clear during my Human Computer Interaction course just last semester (and I'm old!). We explored how metaphors can be used when designing technology to enhance system usability. As a result of that discussion, I was able to apply the concepts to how people learn, and now, to transfer."
What really hit me when she made that comment was how things as simple as metaphors can make an impact on how people learn and apply what they are learning to things they are currently taking part in. Metaphors are something that all of us seem to use on a regular basis (sometimes daily) when we are trying to explain something. And how keen of someone to realize that they can be used on an educational level as well. Metaphors could be a way to make information a lot clearer to students who don't seem to be grasping concepts the way you initially present them. But can you overuse a tool such as a metaphor to get a point across?? I think you could. While a powerful tool, too many metaphors could possibly make a point become sloppy...making it so that someone may grasp a concept at first, and then get confused by another metaphors points.
All of the learning tools we are learning throughout this course seem to have their pluses and minuses. It seems to be up to the instructor to make the choice as to what tool they choose to use. Thus, making the concept of Instructional Design more in depth or complex. It excites me to learn about these different levels, and I'm intrigued by the different tools that keep coming out throughout the readings. I hope that in time I will be able to implement these tools in an effective manner.
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All of the learning tools we are learning throughout this course seem to have their pluses and minuses. It seems to be up to the instructor to make the choice as to what tool they choose to use.
Very true. One of my goals is to enable you to create a toolbox of skills, methods, and techniques that you can call upon in any given situation.
It excites me to learn about these different levels, and I'm intrigued by the different tools that keep coming out throughout the readings. I hope that in time I will be able to implement these tools in an effective manner.
You may find it helpful to delve more deeply into one or two, once you have a sense of what kind of tools are out there. Remember, since information is changing so rapidly, this course is also about helping you be able to make the connections necessary to be successful in your life-long learning endeavors.
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