Using the 5 Cs for eLearning Visuals Infographic In order to become effective teaching tools, visuals must reflect the user’s cognitive architecture and add something meaningful to the learning experience. The Using the 5 Cs for eLearning Visuals Infographic presents a simple approach to creating effective visuals for eLearning by considering the 5 Cs. The approach is designed to help developers decide when they really need to include images and to avoid adding images just for the sake of it. The 5 Cs for eLearning Visuals 1. Clear — Will a visual help make a point clearer? As people remember visuals better than words, it can be useful to consider presenting certain points with graphs, illustrations, and photographs. Many times, this will make content easier to scan and understand and ensures learners stay interested. 2. Concise — Will a visual summarize a point better than text? For content that requires extensive description or explanation, it may be better to express details visually. Not only does this reduce the amount of content on-screen, it also helps the brain function with its limited information-processing resources. 3. Connected — Will a visual help learners make connections? Visuals for eLearning help users see logical connections, including similarity, difference, correlation, and cause and effect, that would otherwise require explanation. Constructed graphics organize complex materials to highlight key features and show spatial relations between important aspects that learners are unlikely to deduce on their own. 4. Compelling — Will visuals make content more attractive? eLearning developers need to think carefully every time they consider using a visual for eLearning to decide if it will really make the message more persuasive, interesting, and likely to be read. 5. Complete — Will a visual help complete an idea? Certain types of visuals for eLearning, such as tables, serve to complete the central idea by helping to narrow down material. In addition, they allow course designers to exclude details, by summarizing, concluding, or recommending, while staying out of the way of the main message. View also: The Power of Visuals in eLearning Infographic Via: info.shiftelearning.comThe post Using the 5 Cs for eLearning Visuals Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

8 Reasons to Choose MATRIX LMS Infographic The 8 Reasons to Choose MATRIX LMS Infographic presents 8 reasons why you should consider MATRIX as your business LMS. Stunning user interface MATRIX has a beautiful, elegant and responsive design that keeps users happy and engaged. The LMS has a simple navigation, a graphical course catalog, and attractive dashboards for students, teachers, and administrators. Rich set of features New features are constantly being added, many industry standards are supported, and a wide variety of systems such as Google Docs, LDAP, Calendars (iCal), and SMTP/POP3 are integrated. Sell courses using the e-commerce feature Set prices for courses and allow students to purchase them from our graphical course catalog. Our shopping cart supports multiple discount codes and multiple currencies, with Authorize.net, Paypal, or Stripe as the payment gateway. Customize your company’s portal Matrix LMS is highly customizable, with options for configuring your logo, color scheme, URL, shortcuts, and fonts. You can even customize the site terminology or use the color picker to create your own color scheme. Make it easy for your students to connect with the Matrix collaboration tools Matrix LMS has built-in support for wikis, blogs, chat rooms, groups, and forums. Users can connect as friends with other users in order to message and exchange resources. Detailed analytics and reporting tools Create reports and charts of interesting data such as assignment grades, module progress, proficiency coverage, missing work, student activity, course status, completion status, and resource usage. Great customer support The friendly support staff is very helpful and respond to questions posted to the Matrix support forum in a timely manner. A Help centre is also available with searchable online help, how to videos, and getting started guides. Best pricing plans suited to your needs You can adopt a premium LMS for your business with all of its "power features". Low cost premium that cover all your company’s needs are offered. Via: www.matrixlms.comThe post 8 Reasons to Choose MATRIX LMS Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn Infographic Ever since the 19th century, when education was first standardized, learning in popular imagination is highly connected to age. The school system, back then and now, is modeled after a factory - people get education in batches, based on their date of manufacture. If you were manufactured seven years ago, that means it’s time to learn the multiplication table, for instance. And if you are ten and you still have not mastered the table, you are reshuffled to the un-smart batch. Perfect logic. Except the lives of many successful people proved it wrong. They mastered a skill at an older age. They are late bloomers. Late bloomers are people who achieved proficiency in some skill later than they are normally expected to. The key word is "expected." The It’s Never Too Late to Learn Infographic presents famous late bloomers who managed to succeed late in life and how they did it. Famous Late Bloomers Joseph Conrad (English Writer): Until 20 Joseph spoke no English at all Paul Cezanne (Painter): Until 20 never painted Rocky Marciano (Undefeated boxer): Until 20 never boxed J.K. Rowling (Writer): Until 23 taught school Sylvester Stallone (Actor): Until 24 only had adult film roles Vincent Van Gogh (Painter): Until 27 did not paint, only drew Alan Rickman (Actor): Until 28 had no film roles Reid Hoffman (Startup Entrepreneur): Until 30 never started companies Julia Child (The French Chef): Until 30 knew no French cuisine Martha Stewart (Home Decorator): Until 35 did no home decorating Dave Mc Cure (Angel Investor): Until 40 did no investing Momofuku Ando (Instant noodle inventor): Until 48 sold salt, was in jail Grandma Moses (Painter): Until 78 never painted Fauja Singh (Marathon Runner): Until 89 though marathons were 26 kilometres Learning something late in life might sound like a bad deal if you compare yourself to all the young talented folk. Understandable. The catch is that doing something earlier does not necessarily make you better at it than if you did it later. Could you say that Stallone is a worse actor than actors who started in their teens? Was Julia Child a worse cook just because she started cooking at 30? With Fauja Singh it’s even easier - just finishing the marathon at all he already wins. Via: fundersandfounders.comThe post It’s Never Too Late to Learn Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

Maximizing the Working Memory in eLearning Infographic In eLearning, one of the most important brain functions to consider is the working memory, one of the more everyday functions of the brain. In short, the working memory is what we use to perform efficiently and effectively in our daily lives, including learning. The Maximizing the Working Memory in eLearning Infographic presents how to design eLearning experiences to maximize the working memory for effective learning. Working Memory as a Learning Tool Working memory, plays a key role in our ability to learn, and thus, plays a key role in eLearning. If the working memory becomes overloaded, then meaningful learning will not occur. But if the learner is able to flow information effectively through the working memory, then the learner will maximize the learning experience for a long term impact. Working Memory Strategies Start with an overview of the material and clear learning objectives for the learning session to frame the eLearning experience; Present the content in order of complexity so start with the simple concepts first in order to scaffold up to more difficult and complex concepts, giving the working memory time to assimilate the new information; Chunk information into easy to digest sections with no more than 3 to 5 memorization items in any chunk; Revisit critical information to reinforce and strengthen retention; Encourage reflection and meta-cognition to move information out of the working memory into long-term memory. Effective eLearning Activities Using verbal memory aids like mnemonic devices to remember key concepts; Using visual representations of complex concepts such as flow charts, graphic organizers, charts, or other visual representations; Providing practice opportunities for learners to immediately put their knew knowledge to use in a simulation; Linking difficult to remember items with more meaningful ones, such as through the use of narratives or metaphors; And simplifying the language of the eLearning module, using active language and direct statements. Keeping these in mind will lead to more effective and engaging eLearning by helping learners use their working memories to full capacity without overloading them. Via: info.shiftelearning.comThe post Maximizing the Working Memory in eLearning Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

How Online Education Can Save You Money Infographic A college education is a must. While there are many brick-and-mortar institutions, a degree from one could cost you more in the end. One economical path to higher education is through an online university. The How Online Universities Can Save You Money Infographic presents how an online education could be best for your time and your finances. Online Education Saves on Tuition 2013-2014 Average annual tuition at: An in-state public university: $8,893 An out-of-state public university: $22,203 A private non-profit university: $30,094  Ashford University Online: $13,100 Online Education Does Not Require Room and Board Living in your own place off campus is comparable with living on campus at a public university and you could save a bundle by avoiding the campus housing of a private university. Average annual cost of room and board on campus at a public university: $ 9,498 Average annual cost of room and board on campus at a private university: $ 10,823 Average annual rent for a student living off campus in a shared apartment: $ 5,987 Average annual cost of utilities per person in a shared apartment: $ 425 Average annual cost of Internet and cable per person in a shared apartment: $ 193 Average recommended cost of food per year: $ 3,271 Total average annual cost of living off campus: $ 9,876 Online Education Works on Your Time School class schedules can be difficult to navigate. You must commute to class (from home or campus), wait until the scheduled start time, head to a different building for another class, and then walk to your dormitory or parked car. If you live off campus and drive to school, there is the additional aggravation of fighting traffic in and out of a crowded area. Via: forwardthinking.ashford.eduThe post How Online Education Can Save You Money Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

How Handwriting Enhances Learning Infographic Nowadays it’s less about putting pen to paper and more about turning on your laptop. But are we losing out by letting the art of penmanship die? Lots of evidence shows handwriting for kids stimulates the brain and offers benefits typing doesn’t. The How Handwriting Enhances Learning Infographic looks at the benefits and more that come with learning the art of handwriting. The Numbers Behind Handwriting 25-33% of children struggle with handwriting 20% of children use ‘text-speak’ when writing In the UK, for those aged 11: 40% of boys and 25% of girls fail to meet required writing standards 33% of adults have difficulty reading their own handwriting 1 in 6 adults in Ireland have difficulty reading written text. 1992: The year the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation launched their annual handwriting competition. Students are judged on style, flair and neatness of their handwriting. How Handwriting Stimulates the Brain Lots of evidence shows handwriting stimulates the brain and offers benefits typing doesn‘t; More language skilss: Relative to typing, writing by hand sees increased activity in the Broca’s area and the inferior parietal lobule - areas involved with language comprehension. The primary visual area is located at the back of the brain. More detail intake: Writing stimulates the reticular activating system (RAS). This system acts as a filter for everything your brain processes and gives priority to important data. When triggered, the RAS signals the cerebral cortex to pay attention to what’s being written and absorb the details. More skills: Repetitive processes, such as handwriting, strengthen connections between neurons in the brain, making it easier for impulses to travel along pathways. The stronger the pathway, the easier it is to recall the learned skill. Why Handwriting is Good For You Faster essays: Virginia Berninger of the University of Washington found that 2nd, 4th and 6th grade students who handwrote essays completed them faster than those using a computer. More complex ideas: In the same study, Berninger also discovered that students who handwrote essays had more complex ideas in their writing. Sharpened recall: Researchers at Washing University in St Louis discovered that individuals are more likely to recall words when they’re written down on paper rather than typed out. Stronger understanding: Researchers have found that, while students take more notes when using a laptop, those who write notes by hand have a stronger conceptual understanding of the material. Visual identification: Research suggests that learning to write graphically different languages, such as Mandarin, mathematics or music, can aid adults’ ability to identify shapes - hence it’s a good cognitive exercise. How to Improve Your Handwriting Don’t squeeze the pen. Too much pressure leads to cramped lettering and cramped hands Sit up straight but not stiffly. You should be comfortable. Put your shoulder into it. This helps for a more fluid and efficient style. Practice daily. Train your brain and hands each day Apps for Handwriting Dexteria: Therapeutic hand exercises to develop hand dexterity Letter School: An intuitive game that helps users learn letters and numbers Ready To Print: An app that teaches pre-writing skills Cursive Touch and Write: Games created to teach users how to write in cursive Evidence points to handwriting being more beneficial than typing. Perhaps it’s time to turn off the computer and go back to the basics: pen and paper. View also: Why Handwriting is Important for Learning Infographic Via: www.giraffe.ieThe post How Handwriting Enhances Learning Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

What It Means to Be an Expert Infographic Everyone’s dream is professional achievement. People, who work in a certain field, want to become an expert which is the greatest professional achievement. This process is long, we have to sacrifice a lot but at the end we will see the result of our efforts. The What It Means to Be an Expert Infographic presents the steps that should be followed in order to become an expert. What You Need to Know If you’re starting from scratch — learning to code, picking up a language, or anything else — here’s what you need to know: You probably have the capacity to pick up new knowledge in just about any field — 95 percent of people do, according to Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Cognitive Domain. Everyone learns differently. Understanding your learning style is essential, if you want to broaden your knowledge. It takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in something, which sounds more daunting that it really is. If you spend 20 hours a week doing something for 10 years, you’ve put in your 10,000 hours. In other words, once you’ve been working at your career for a while, you’re probably an expert in something. The goal is to figure out what it is. The brain takes eight weeks to build new neural pathways. If you want basic competency in a new skill, set aside two months to get up to speed — and be patient. How to Know When You’re an Expert 1. Knowledge Knowledge: Recognition of terms, ideas, procedures Comprehension: Extrapolate information without understanding of full implications Evaluation: Judgement of ideas and methods Application: Apply general principles to specific concrete situations Analysis: Separating a complex idea into parts with understanding relevant vs extraneous variables Synthesis: Creative concepts from multiple sources forming new complex ideas Evaluation: Judgement of ideas and methods using external evidence and self-selected 2. Skill Perception: Uses sensory cues to guide actions Set: Demonstrates a readiness to perform the task Guided Response: Knows steps requires to complete the task Complex Overt Response: Performs task in a fully confident, proficient, and habitual manner Adaptation: Capable of modifying actions to account for new problematic situations Organization: Creates new tasks incorporating learned ones Via: blog.zintro.comThe post What it Means to Be an Expert Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

4 Steps to Real Learning Infographic The 4 Steps to Real Learning Infographic presents 4 steps a teacher can do today to help make learning more real, along with practical strategies/suggestions for each: Redesign feedback Evaluate learning throughout the lesson Ask students questions about interests and goals to incorporate in learning, Link to the outside world with real-world connections or actual problems to solve. Is your feedback specific and direct? Do you use formative assessments and allow for reflection and self-assessments? Do you incorporate student interests and goals? Are you linking to the world beyond the classroom and concept? If not, these are easy steps you can begin to take today to vitalize learning and offer students the chance to engage at deeper levels. R.E.A.L. is an acronym to help prompt these standards in your teaching today. Via: magic.piktochart.comThe post 4 Steps to Real Learning Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

Why Become a Teacher Infographic New research shows teacher’s starting salaries beat the UK average by £3,500 32,543 new entrants planned to start a primary or secondary initial teacher-training programme in England in the 2014-2015 academic year. However, this number fills only 93% of the targeted places, compared to 95% last year. This could be down to the bad reputation teaching jobs have with some of the population, as the old (but wholly incorrect) adage goes "those who can’t do…teach". Quite contrary to the above statement, teaching is largely regarded as one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs a person can undertake, and as detailed below, choosing teaching as a career is a very smart choice, not just professionally, but financially. The team over at Edustaff, a teacher recruitment agency, have conducted some research into the benefits a teaching career has over other professions. They have revealed that teaching salaries and benefits far exceed many other popular vocations. The Why Become a Teacher Infographic provides a comparison of statistics on the average teacher working in the UK and explains why people choose the teaching profession. Average starting salary UK Average - £21,165 UK Teacher Average - £24,783 Average salary UK Average - £26,500 UK Teacher Average - £29,580 Average annual leave UK Average - 25 days UK Teacher Average - 65 days Average retirement age UK Average - 63.8 UK Teacher Average - 61 Average employer contribution to pension UK Average - 6.10% UK Teacher Average - 14.10% Via: www.edustaff.co.ukThe post Why Become a Teacher Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.

15 Ways Students Can Beat Procrastination Infographic Procrastination is definitely not students’ friend. It makes students randomly search the web, watch funny youtube videos or constantly check twitter stream instead of doing things that matter. It kills their time and leads to failure. Now it’s time to beat it! The 15 Ways Students Can to Beat Procrastination Infographic presents 15 efficient techniques to get rid of procrastination and be more productive! Procrastination - Beating Techniques As many as 1 in 5 adults (not just students!) may be chronic procrastinators. But procrastination doesn’t necessarily equal lazy. Inaction is often caused by anxiety, fear of failure or negative perfectionism. To stop the stress caused by not getting things done, try these simple, scientifically-backed, solutions: 1. Know yourself How: Understand how procrastination affects your life. Think about the habits that often cause it. What it helps: Insight prevents you from feeling inadequate. Helps you understand the causes of procrastination. 2. Practice Effective Time Management How: Create estimates for completing assignments. Compare accuracy of estimates across tasks. What it helps: Simplifies working pattern with effective planning. Improves quality of work and avoids stress. 3. Change Your Perspective How: Think about what attracted you to your assignments. Look beyond the grades to what interests you. What it helps: Identifying personal goals improves engagement. Reassessing an assignment makes it less intimidating. 4. Commit to Assignments How: Lis tasks that you’re confident you will complete. Make a point of crossing each task off. What it helps: Rebuilds faith in your own abilities. Commits to making good on promises. 5. Work in Productive Environments How: Choose where you work and with who wisely. Don’t study in places filled with distractions. e.g. TV. What it helps: Helps focus on the immediate task. Removes obstacles to studying. 6. Be Realistic How: Set reasonable targets to measure achievement. Be patient, change won’t come overnight. What it helps: Avoids self-sabotage from unrealistic expectations. Unrealistic goals feed procrastination; why try the impossible? 7. Self-Talk Positively How: Notice how you talk to yourself when procrastinating. Replace negative talk with positive. What it helps: Stops negative thinking before it starts. Encourages you towards achieving goals. 8. Un-Schedule How: Develop a flexible schedule that only includes important tasks. Keep plenty of time free for extracurricular activities. What it helps: Rigid schedule can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Greater happiness from the work done. 9. Swiss-Cheese Tasks How: Devote small chunks of time to a big task. Achieve as much as possible, without pressure. What it helps: Tasks seem smaller with holes punched in them. Builds momentum and reduces obstacles. 10 . Don’t Indulge Fantasies How: Stop fantasizing about desired results. Instead, devise practical steps to achieve them. What it helps: Imagination is the enemy of motivation. Viewing outcomes objectively improves working energy. 11. Plan for Obstacles How: List possible obstacles for completing assignments. Plan countermeasures, e.g., "Whenever I look at Twitter,I go for a break". Why it helps: Mentally prepares you in advance. Effectively counters procrastination. 12. Improve Learning Behavior How: Focuses less on gratification. Focus more on learning for the future. Why it helps: Develops correct behaviors in assessing mistakes. Improve behavior in combating procrastination. 13. Help Yourself How: Ask your roommates or family not to indulge your habit. If you mess up, deal with the consequences alone. Why it helps: People who expect help procrastinate more. Teaches self-sufficiency and independence. 14. Reward Progress How: Create a reward system to celebrate successful tasks. Similarly, arrange small punishments for failures. Why it helps: Positively reinforces effort and progress. Provides incentive and drive to achieve. 15. Learn to Forgive Yourself How: If you slip up, don’t be hard on yourself. Understand that there is no quick-fix solution. What it helps: Procrastination is often I rooted in your psychology. Forgiveness can improve future results. Procrastination is more than putting off tasks; it’s a fear of action. The solution? Have faith in yourself, live in the present and set realistic goals you can successfully achieve. Via: essay.expertThe post 15 Ways Students Can Beat Procrastination Infographic appeared first on e-Learning Infographics.