Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information - eLearning Industry

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ELEARNING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

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5 min

Information Processing Basics: How The Brain

Processes Information
The brain is often likened to a processor. A
complex computing machine that takes raw data
and turns it into thoughts, memories, and
cognitions. However, it has its limits, and
Instructional Designers must
know the boundaries
before they can create meaningful eLearning
courses. In this article, I'll explore how the brain
works, from its basic biological and memory
functions to its ability to process information. I'll
also share 3 tips to help you create an eLearning
course design that facilitates knowledge absorption
and assimilation.

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Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information - eLearning Industry

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Friday 11 November 2016

Information Processing Basics: A

Guide For Instructional Designers
The brain is a wondrous thing. It transforms letters, numbers,
and images into meaningful data that governs every aspect
of our lives. Neural pathwaysspark
and new ideas meet
with the old to form complex schematic structures. But one of
the most miraculous tasks it tackles is learning. As eLearning
professionals, we must understand how information
processing takes place in order to create effective eLearning
experiences.

Brain Biology
The brain consists of many different structures, and the
cortex encases all of them. The cortex is the outermost shell

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of the brain that

takes care of complex thinking abilities. For
example, memory, language, spatial awareness, and even
personality traits. The inner regions of the brain control the
most primitive aspects of human nature,
such as our base
impulses, fears, emotions, and our subconscious. The brain

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also houses a "subcortex," which connects directly to the

cortex. As such, it's able to transmit and process information.

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The Human Memory

Instructional Designer

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Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information - eLearning Industry

ExtensionEngine, LLC
Now that we've briefly explored the physical makeup of the
brain, let's delve into one of its most vital functions: memory.
After all, memoryis
crucial for eLearning. If online learners

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aren't able to remember the information, then all is for

naught. We usually don't give memory much attention, as it's

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an automatic process. Every event, no matter how small,

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passes through the gates of our memory without us even

noticing. However, most of the occurrences are just passing
through and never take
up permanent residence. There are
three types of memory that Instructional Designers should be
aware of:
1. Sensory Memory

When our senses are triggered by a stimulus, our brains

briefly store
the information. For example, we smell freshly
baked bread and can only
remember its scent for a few
seconds before it vanishes. Even though the bread is no
longer in front of us, our mind's still hold onto its impression
for a short period. The brain then has the option to process it
through the memory banks or forget about it. In eLearning,
sensory memory is triggered by a visually compelling
image, background music, or any other element that utilizes
the senses.
2. Short-Term Memory

A process that falls under the purview of working memory,

which temporarily stores information when it is triggered by
stimuli. Short-term memorycan only hold a maximum of 7
items at one time. It also has a time limit, which is usually
between 10 seconds to a minute.
3. Long-Term Memory

After passing through the short-term memory, relevant

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Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information - eLearning Industry

information is moved to long-term storage. At this stage, the

brain is less likely to forget important details. However, even
the long-term memorycan diminish over time if we don't
refresh our knowledge.

Information Processing Stages

There are a number of Information Processing theories
and models. However, many suggest that the learning
process involves three key stages:
Stage 1: Input

The brain is exposed to a stimuli, at which point it analyzes

and evaluates the information. For example, the online
learner reads a passage and determines whether it's worth
remembering.
Stage 2: Storage

Our brains store the information for later use. It also adds it
to our mental schemaand encodes it. If the information is
not reinforced, the brain may simply forget it over time.
Stage 3: Output

The brain decides what it's going to do with the information

and how it will react to the stimulus. For example, after
reading the passage, the individual uses the information they
learned to overcome a challenge.

3 Tips To Improve Assimilation And

Absorption In eLearning
1. Make It Attention-Worthy

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Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information - eLearning Industry

Our brains can't possibly remember every single detail. If it

did, we
would be overloaded with so much information that
we wouldn't be able to function. Which is why you have to
make the brain take notice. Attention-grabbingimages,
facts, and charts are powerful stimuli. They send a signal to
the brain
that this particular item is worth remembering.
There is a caveat to this though. Only the most important
elements of your eLearning course should stand out. For
example, bright red bolded font to draw attention to a crucial
tip. Otherwise, you run the risk of cognitive overload.
2. Reinforce Key Concepts

The memory needs reminders from time to time, or else it

lets information slip through the cracks. Spaced
eLearninggives
you the opportunity to refresh the memory
over a period of time. For example, employees watch an
online task tutorial on the first day of the
eLearning course.
Later, they participate in a branching scenariothat
covers
the same process, followed by a summarization exercise.
The brain has the ability to explore the same task in different
formats, which prevents boredom and reinforces the
information.
3. Utilize Active Recall

Active recallinvolves
information retrieval and application.
For example, online learners must put the information in their
own words or use it to complete a simulation. In most cases,
they have to manipulate the data and apply it
out of context.
For instance, they must use a skill in a variety of situations to
solve real world challenges. Encourage online learners to
reflect on the topic and then determine how they will use it
outside of the learning environment. Learner-generated
content, summarizations, and
interactiveexercises are
highly effective active recall techniques.

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Information Processing Basics: How The Brain Processes Information - eLearning Industry

The brain processes information at astounding speeds. But

it's not an
invincible machine that absorbs every bit of
knowledge that comes along. For this reason, Instructional
Designersmust consider the mental limits of the human mind

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