Learning Psychology

May 17, 2017

9 Tips To Engage "Right-Brained" Online Learners

The human brain is a package deal. Most people tend to favor one side over the other, though. In this article, I'll share 9 tips to engage right-brained online learners in your eLearning course design.

by Christopher Pappas

March 29, 2017

The #1 Reason You Don't Like Hearing Your Own Voice In An eLearning Course

Has this ever happened to you? You record the voiceover for an eLearning project, and when you play it back, you think “Yuck! Do I really sound like that?”. Or maybe you hear your outgoing voice mail message and think there must be something wrong because your voice can’t possibly sound that way…

by Greg Thomas

November 11, 2016

Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information

The brain is often likened to a processor. A complex computing machine that takes raw data and turns it into thoughts, memories, and cognitions. However, it has its limits, and Instructional Designers must know the boundaries before they can create meaningful eLearning courses. In this article, I'll explore how the brain works, from its basic biological and memory functions to its ability to process information. I'll also share 3 tips to help you create an eLearning course design that facilitates knowledge absorption and assimilation.

by Christopher Pappas

October 25, 2016

Information vs Knowledge: 7 Tips To Transform Information Into Knowledge In eLearning

We often use the terms "information" and "knowledge" interchangeably. While they do share a symbiotic relationship, there are distinct differences that have an impact on eLearning experiences. In this article, I'll explain the difference and I'll share 7 tips for transforming information into knowledge in eLearning in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and retention.

by Christopher Pappas

September 30, 2016

7 Neuroscience Fundamentals For Instructional Designers

We tend to focus on motivation, emotions, and behaviors when we design eLearning courses. All of these elements have one thing in common: they are all based on neuroscience; the study of how the brain absorbs and assimilates information on a chemical and biological level. In this article, I'll share 7 neuroscience fundamentals that every Instructional Designer should know.

by Christopher Pappas

September 11, 2016

9 Knowledge Retention Techniques For eLearning

Your online learners have a lot on their minds. Between their busy schedules and everyday distractions, it's easy to forget the key takeaways. In this article, I'll share 9 knowledge retention techniques that make eLearning memorable.

by Christopher Pappas

September 1, 2016

6 Sign Learning Theory Elements To Include In eLearning Course Design

If you are looking for a goal-centric learning approach that adds order to the cognitive chaos, then the Sign Learning Theory may be the best option. In this article, I'll explore the key components and 6 elements of the Sign Learning Theory you can include in your eLearning course design.

by Christopher Pappas

August 25, 2016

3 Tips To Apply The Levels Of Processing Theory In eLearning Course Design

If you think you have a firm grasp on how the human memory works, the Levels of Processing Theory may shed a whole new light on the subject. In this article, I'll explore the 3 key principles of the Levels of Processing Theory and I'll share 3 tips on how to apply it in your eLearning course design.

by Christopher Pappas

May 2, 2016

Practice Makes Perfect: 6 Tips To Improve Knowledge Retention In eLearning

Zig Ziglar, the famous author and motivational speaker, said that "Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment". But does practice really make perfect? In this article, I'll discuss how application increases knowledge assimilation and I'll offer 6 tips to improve long-term retention in your next eLearning course. 

by Christopher Pappas

April 17, 2016

7 Tips To Reduce Cognitive Overload In eLearning

Cognitive overload is the thorn in the side of eLearning professionals. In a perfect world, the human mind would be limitless and have the power to absorb an infinite amount of information without feeling strained. Unfortunately, this is not the case and we must ensure that our eLearning courses strike a perfect balance. Give online learners too much information and you overwhelm them; not enough, and you bore them. In this article, I'll share 7 tips to reduce your learners cognitive overload when designing eLearning experiences. 

by Christopher Pappas

March 21, 2016

Cognitive Limitations Of Adult Learners In eLearning: 6 Factors To Consider

The human mind can only absorb so much before it throws in the proverbial towel. But how much is too much? In this article, I'll delve into the 6 factors that determine the cognitive limitations of adult learners, so that you can increase knowledge retention and prevent cognitive overwhelm.

by Christopher Pappas

February 9, 2016

How Neuro-Science Drives eLearning Effectiveness And Retention

Over the last several years, I’ve helped many companies evaluate game-based learning and gamification technology solutions. I noticed that vendors are beginning to market how their solutions leverage “brain science”, “neuro-science”, “micro-learning”, and other terms. These are popular buzzwords indeed! The problem is that many solution providers don’t go beyond the use of the buzzword. Where is the substance behind the buzzword in their solution? Let’s provide some substance behind neuro-science as it relates to learning and learners’ retention.

by Bryan Austin