Walden University Week 2 Searching for Information Processing Theory and Problem-Solving Methods

Once again, the overwhelming amount of information about pretty much anything one could hope to learn threatens to shut my search engine down.  The assignment this week - well, one of them, anyway - was to locate resources about the following topics:  the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process.  The first topic is of much interest to me, but I felt as if the resources already listed for the week covered that area.  I therefore chose to look into the other two topics.
I found a very interesting and thorough site on Information Processing Theory: http://www.education.com/reference/article/information-processing-theory/  .  I appreciate clarity and simplicity in learning communication, and this site demonstrated both, and was visually pleasing in font and design choices.  The organization was clear as was the information given.  There were references listed at the end for further gleaning.  The content was descriptive of the information processing model, and also gave implications and strategies for instruction.  I highly recommend giving this site a viewing if this topic interests you.
When I searched for Problem-Solving Methods, several results were listed.  I looked at a couple of the sites, and found this gem:
http://www.asa3.org/ASA/education/think/sde.htm#top2 .  Although this site also exhibited the simplicity and clarity I value, it isn't quite as eye-catching as some other views.  The information was compiled and presented by Dr. Craig Rusbult as part of his PhD process, and he describes strategies for learning as well as tips on design.  To receive the plethora of information that he gives, one could navigate for hours through the links on the various pages.  If you wish to review a specific topic, the front menu is very helpful.  One of the discussions and information sharing was about the Integrated Design Method (IDM) and Integrated Scientific Method (ISM).  Both are described as flexible and not rigid systems.  The IDM is a "roadmap that shows possibilities for creatively rational wandering," and ISM is a "way to understand structured improvisation, guided by goals."  Sounds interesting, yes?  I also appreciated his definition of a problem as any situation one can make a difference in or that one can make better.  This site also includes clear descriptions of theories and teaching strategies.

Why Joyful Journey?

When I first discovered that I needed to create a blog for my course of study, I realized that a name needed to be chosen.  How does one come up with a name?  Well, first of all, my sister has a marvelous blog based on her middle name, which is Grace.  Her postings reflect that theme, and they are more meaningful because of the underlying topic.  Second, my middle name is Joy, and I try to incorporate that into all aspects of my life.  There are so many single moments of joy in my journey, but my belief is that my Creator wants me to be in a constant state of joy.  I hope to continue the documentation of my journey much longer than the requirements of the class, and I hope to instill some level of joy into those who read/journey with me.

Walden University Week 1 Learning Theories and Instruction

My journey so far has not included searching and utilizing the blogging network.  This week, I have ventured into several blogs and seen varied content, as well as the magnitude of learning I can receive from this source.

As the video on blogs and the video on RSS feeds describe, there are tens of thousands of blogs that one can view.  I tried to narrow my search to technology tips and skill sharing.

One blog that I viewed is found at this link:
educationtechnologyguy.blogspot.com
The author has set up a very easy to navigate site that includes organizational tips as well as technology downloads and advice.

There were several sites in the Edublog link that I will definitely peruse in the future, but were rather overwhelming to someone who has not ventured too far into complex multimedia technology.   Other blogs were rather personal and specifically spoke to the writer's own journey.  I found many, although skillfully designed and visually appealing, did not speak to my needs as a learner in Instructional Design.

larryferlazzo.edublogs.org was a blog that dealt with much feedback on different learning theories and styles of teaching.  I will be able to develop my cognitive aspect of design by incorporating some of the research listed on his blog.

Another blog that I would love to explore is professorjosh.wordpress.com.  His writings seem to explore the relationship between the online student and instructor in various venues.  How to make the most of the environments for the benefit of the learner is very important to me in my future designing.

Beginning

So...another step in the journey toward a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology has been taken.  I have created a blog.  Hopefully, this will be the beginning of many posts to come and the recording of an awesome journey of learning and adventure!