Ins and Outs of Instructional Design

         With growing research within the fields of neuroscience and neurobiology, scientists are forming new questions and finding out more about the functioning of the human brain. One might assume that the scientific study of the brain would be a direct guide to educational tools and informing educators how to present new concepts for learners. However, Jensen (2008) stresses that although the study of neuroscience suggests how certain areas of the brain function, this field must also be combined with other areas of study to form a more accurate view of the learning process. The brain is not only involved in everything we do, but can also be affected by our outside environments as well.                   The focus areas which Jensen (2008) stresses should be examined further within the school environment include nutrition, levels of stress, exercise, mood, and social experiences. All of these factors can have major effects on the brain, and research should work to bring about e

Instructional Design and Technology is a field which, I have found, is one that is not only novel and developing, but also an interdisciplinary study which requires knowledge of other subjects such as Education and Psychology. Within my first week of study, I have been introduced to various learning theories that have been considered in IDT to help advance the instructor’s knowledge of the processes involved in the acquisition of new information. In continuing my studies, I have noted the importance as a new student in this subject, to engage with the online community in hopes of gaining further insight into this fascinating field. Although I was able to find a wealth of information online on the topic of Instructional Design, there were three sites specifically which I found of particular interest in helping me gain a foundational knowledge of concepts and tools to be aware of when beginning study in this area. LeapsforLearning – When reviewing various posts on this site, I foun