Cognitive Load and PowerPoint

A couple of articles that have really got me thinking about cognitive load theory and how it relates to using PowerPoint as a teaching tool.

The first article "Cognitive Load Theory" by David Lewis, provides an overview of cognitive load theory, of which he writes:

"[C]ognitive load theory proposes that since working memory is limited, learners may be bombarded by information and, if the complexity of their instructional materials is not properly managed, this will result in cognitive overload...later resulting in lower performance."

The second is an interview with educational psychology guru Richard E. Mayer titled: "The Cognitive Load of PowerPoint: Q&A with Richard E. Mayer". This is the best article on the use of PowerPoint in a training context that I've encountered.

Typefaces Give Us Signals

A fun, engaging, and informative video about typefaces.

Typefaces Give Us Signals

28 Web Conference Training Tips

Another excellent and informative offering from the eLearning Weekly. Here is the link: 28 Tips

Here are a couple as a teaser:

2. When developing PowerPoint slides to use in web conference training follow these guidelines:

a. Simplify content.
b. Use a large, bold, simple font like Arial.
c. Have no more than 6 to 8 lines of text per page (fewer are better).
d. Make no more than 4 to 5 training points per page (fewer are better).
e. Use plain backgrounds that contrast well with the text without clashing.
f. If possible, avoid complex animations (i.e. no spinning text, etc.).

15. If appropriate, check time zones before scheduling the web conference. You’d be amazed how often even experienced trainers forget to do this.and end up opening a conference at the wrong time.

16. Related to item 15, check in advance to make sure that dates and times appear correctly in all meeting listings and notification messages. Confirm that the dates and times you define are communicated consistently to all participants.

Here is the link again: 28 Tips
Here is the general link to eLearning Weekly

10 Powerpoint Tips for Preparing a Professional Presentation

One of my favorite blogs, MakeUseOf.com posted this article on May 23rd that I think is chocked full of good tips.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-tips-for-preparing-a-professional-presentation/

Also check out How NOT to Give a Presentation by Jeff Atwood at Coding Horror.

Edge and Emotion - What e-Learning Programs Are Missing

Great article in the Learning Solutions e-magazine.

Here are the key points:
1. Create a great and memorable beginning. The first slide is key! Avoid using a typical opening slide and never use bulleted lists. The first screen participants see is the most important vis-a-vis engaging participants.
2. Build anticipation.
3. Use rich evocative language...not stiff and formal.
4. Start with a question--can be rhetorical.
5. Photos rather than clip art.
6. Make it aesthetically pleasing. And learn how to use color.

COA folks can find this article here: T:\e-Learning Resources

The Webinar Blog: Web Conferencing Tips, News, and Opinions

Ken Molay's webinar blog has lots of useful advice. Use the search function to find specific topics of interest. This is a good one to subscribe to.

http://wsuccess.typepad.com/webinarblog/

His website www.wsuccess.com also has excellent resources available despite its marketing function. The "Recording and ownloads" page is the place to go.

10 Best Webinar Practices

Worth a look.

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/2391/10-Best-Practices-for-Webinars-or-Webcasts.aspx

How To Give A Killer Presentation

Check out this BNET advice on giving presentations:

http://blogs.bnet.com/ceo/?p=1584

Comment #6 gives some great PowerPoint pointers as well!

The eLearning Guild

You might consider joining the eLearning Guild. They appear to have numerous resources relevant to developing and conducting webinars and self-paced trainings.

I joined as an Associate which is free. Much more is available if you become a full member

http://www.elearningguild.com/

e-Learning With an Edge

This is a 17 minute podcast from the LearningTimes Network. Click on the "Listen in" link below and you should be able to hear the podcast.

"In this episode, Susan and Dan explore the notion that a lot of e-learning courses lack an effective, catching beginning. This premise is one of the main points in an article entitled "Edge and Emotion – What e-Learning Programs Are Missing" which the LT Green Room hosts discuss in this episode. Listen in, and then share your related openers, questions, ideas or feedback."

I put the referenced article on the T-drive. T:\e-Learning Resources\Edge and Emotion.

Ten Core Principles for Designing Effective Learning Environments: Insights from Brain Research and Pedagogical Theory by Judith V. Boettcher

Research findings into how our brains work (Bransford, Brown, and Cocking 2000; Damasio 1999; Pinker 1997) are stimulating a re-examination of traditional principles of designing teaching and learning experiences. Insights from this research are not only helping to deepen our understanding of traditional core learning principles, but they are also providing practical guidance on how to design learning experiences for our new high technology environments.

Accessing this excellent article requires you to sign up for a free membership to: Innovate: The Journal of Online Education. Its easy and takes a minute.

Link to the article: Ten Core Principles for Designing Effective Learning