Learning Theories and Instruction – Walden University

Resource: Journal of Online Learning and Teaching – jolt.merlot.org

As the program I’m pursuing specializes in online learning, the title of this online journal naturally captured my attention.

One of the articles I thought looked interesting was titled “Two Approaches to Podcasting Use in the Classroom.” In one case, the teacher used podcasts to supplement her teaching materials—evidently much in the same way as the Walden University courses use video presentations. In the other case, podcasting was part of student assignments: they were to conduct interviews as part of their research and present their results on the Web.

Both teachers considered the use of podcasting to be beneficial, even though, for the teacher in the second case there were logistical complications (e.g., the need to train students before they could effectively use the technology, and the delay in the availability of equipment).

Resource: Thinking & Reasoning (through Academic Search Premier – Publications)

ISSN: 1354-6783
Publisher: Psychology Press (UK)

The publication is described as “an international journal dedicated to the understanding of human thought processes, with particular emphasis on studies on reasoning… Topics published in the journal include studies of deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, problem solving, decision making, probability judgment, conceptual thinking and the influence of language and culture on thought.”

One article that caught my eye was “The Psychological Puzzle of Sudoku” (Nov 2008). Though not yet available online, the abstract indicates that the article presents a theory of how people solve sudoku puzzles, including an examination of tactics and deductive strategies. It notes that “a major strategic shift is necessary to acquire tactics for more difficult puzzles,” suggesting that the puzzle solver will have to examine his or her approach and consider how to modify it in order to tackle puzzles at an advanced level.