Science+of+Instruction

= Science of Instruction =

= How Do People Learn? =

= Incorporating New Knowledge = ==Instructional methods in e-learning must support students in incorporating new knowledge gained through words and pictures into the existing knowledge in long-term memory by selecting of the important information in the lesson. For example, arrow or color to draw the eye to important text or visual information. List lesson objectives in the introduction.==

Why is it difficult to multiply 896 by 756 in our heads? Because we need to hold the intermediate products of our calculations in working memory storage.
==Instructional methods that overload the working memory make learning more difficult. Instructors should minimize irrelevant visuals, omit background music and environmental sounds, use simple language.==

= The Principles Important for e-Learning =

Clark and Mayer in their book "e-Learning and the Science of Instruction" are defining several principles important for e-learning:

 * ** Multimedia Principle: Use of words and graphics together **
 * ** Contiguity (Contact) Principle ** **: Place corresponding words and graphics together**
 * ** Modality Principle: ** **present words as audio narration**
 * ** Redundancy Principle: ** **don’t present words as text and narration**
 * ** Coherence Principle: ** **don’t add too much entertaining material**
 * ** Personalization Principle: ** **use conversational style and virtual coaches.**

Multimedia principle
==Instead of presented words alone, it is recommended presenting **words and pictures.** Learners are mentally making connections between the pictorial and verbal representations. It is recommended to add explanative illustrations not decorative illustrations.==

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Practice Exercises
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 * ==The e-learning should include several practice exercises per topic.==
 * ==Exercises should require applying knowledge and skills to job-realistic situations and environments.==
 * ==Few or no questions that require only rote recall of information.==
 * ==Distribution of exercises throughout the lesson rather than placement in one location==
 * ==More practice opportunities for highly critical tasks than for less critical tasks.==
 * ==Directions to practice exercises presented in text clearly visible near the question.==
 * ==Feedback appearing in text close to the question.==
 * ==Training in self-questioning when e-learning lack practice exercises.==
 * ==Study Skills & Effective Note taking for Online Students==

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E-learning types are the following:

 * ==Learner-led e-learning==
 * ==Facilitated e-learning==
 * ==Instructor-led e-learning==

__Learner-led e-learning__
==It is also called self-directed e-learning. There is neither an instructor nor a facilitator to help learners. All the instructions must be provided through the course material. Content may consist of Web pages, multimedia presentations, etc. The content can be accessed through a Web browser or CD-ROM.==

__Facilitated e-learning__
==Unlike the instructor, facilitator doesn’t actually teach. The facilitator answers questions from learners and helps solve problems. The facilitator may also grade and evaluate assignments. Assignments are typically made by posting them to a class discussion forum, where learners can also “hand in” their completed homework.==

Summary

 * ** People learn through two channels: visual and auditory. **
 * **Visual and auditory information enters eyes and ears and should be presented together to be stored in our memory.**
 * **Multimedia principle is based on cognitive theory and recommends in e-learning course include both words and graphics near each other.**
 * **Words better present as audio narration.**
 * **Use conversational style and virtual coaches.**
 * **E-learning courses can be learner-led, facilitator-led, and instructor-led.**

Horton, W., Horton, K. (2003). E-Learning Tools and Technologies, Wiley Publishing, Indianapolis.
