Neuro Networked

 What about group reflection? Yikes, this can be intimidating. Who wants to share their thoughts publicly for everyone to see? Well, dear reader, you might be surprised to know that you’re probably already doing a lot of group reflection in your daily habits, like posting in online forums. For example, some discussion boards are public places where folks reflect on personal or professional topics. Do group reflections have some drawbacks? Absolutely. For one, waiting for others to post before you can share your feedback and reflections can be time-consuming. For two, online reflection sharing can be unclear and leave participants confused. So, while self-reflection in learning has its pros, group reflection has a few more cons. Overall, group reflection activities in learning require more structure to be truly beneficial. So next time you're about to hit "post," or design your own learning program,  remember that a little structure can go a long way in making group reflec

 Self-reflection is something we do both personally and professionally, but why? What’s the point? In my recent literary deep dive, I discovered that self-reflection lets us "connect the dots." It helps us ponder what we already know and identify the areas where we're still confused. Ultimately, reflecting on our learning leads to—wait for it—better learning!  Now I understand why including a self-reflection journal in my cohort certification course might be brilliant. It's like giving your brain a chance to have a little chat with itself, sorting out all the messy thoughts and turning them into a coherent blog.  So, today, I urge you to embrace the art of self-reflection in your personal or professional life and watch your understanding bloom!

Have you ever been in a course where the instructor required self-reflection? I sure have, many times! I've often wondered about their usefulness and whether they’re worth incorporating into my learning design programs. Recently, at work, I was tasked with designing a cohort certification program. I overheard the CEO mention that we could use "reflection" time as a continuing education credit. Hmm, really? Why?  Curious, I delved into the literature to uncover the benefits of "reflecting on learning" and found some interesting perks of both self-reflection and group reflection. If this piques your interest, stay tuned for the next few blogs on reflection!

Welcome back, my neuro networkers! Last time, we had a thrilling discussion about how long microlearning should be and what modalities it should include. Today, let's cut to the chase and address the burning question: Does it actually work? Do you genuinely learn anything from these bite-sized nuggets of wisdom? Recent research suggests that students welcome microlearning experiences. Who would’ve thought they’d enjoy short, bite-sized learning modules? And the best part? Learners actually do well with microlearning. It turns out that this might be because it reduces cognitive load. Microlearning allows learners to retain more information through a sense of control, which enhances motivation, retention, confidence, and achievement.So, does it work? Absolutely. But remember, keep it short (under 25 minutes), use solid instructional design principles, and mix up your modalities. Think videos, interactive activities, discussions—whatever keeps things fresh and engaging. Here’s a freeb

Last time we met, we had a thrilling debate on the length of microlearning—five minutes, ten minutes, under an hour—who knew time could be so contentious? This episode of Neuro-networked, we dive into the riveting world of what actually makes up microlearning. So, does it consist of short videos? Maybe some of you think it's all about interactive activities like discussion boards, quizzes, or video chats. Or perhaps you’re the "all of the above" type. Ding ding, you're correct! But hold your horses—it's not as simple as slicing a course into bite-sized pieces and calling it microlearning. Oh no, my friends, if only it were that easy. Microlearning design and development follow the same instructional design principles as any other learning initiative. You can't just hack away at content and hope for the best. At the end of the day, I always stick to the golden rule: learner first, content second, technology third. Learning considerations should follow this sacr

What is microlearning? It's a buzzword that gets tossed around a lot in the world of e-learning. But what on earth does it actually mean? Some folks claim it's a 5-minute learning experience. Others think it's a 10-20 minute session. And then there are the rebels who might even stretch it to under an hour. I've got to admit, I've participated in learning events of all these durations, and let's be real, so have you. Picture this: you've watched a quick YouTube tutorial on how to fold a fitted sheet (spoiler: it's still a mystery), a TikTok on how to perfect your dance moves (nailed it... not really), or a short training course on how to use the latest software at work. Congratulations, my friend, you've experienced microlearning! It's like snacking on knowledge instead of sitting down for a three-course meal—bite-sized, easily digestible, and sometimes leaving you wanting more. So, what is the perfect micro-learning timeframe for you? Take my qui