Using Cartoons To Teach - A Novel Concept In 1948

A friend brought this cartoon to my attention to start a discourse of the content of this short vignette. However, what I find interesting (aside from the content) is that the designers had a good grasp of basic adult learning theory. The obvious goal is informational, not action-based. This isn't on the job training, but rather, basic American 'propaganda'. If you are an American, the ideals brought forth in the cartoon, espouse what the United States has been founded upon for generations. This is a great little cartoon short. I highly recommend it.

Text With Audio In Your Presentations?

The debate has been going on for some time whether or not there truly are different "learning" styles. Then we went on to debate whether or not we should include text on screen with our audio: some say its distracting for the so-called auditory learners. I say text with audio is the right thing to do - if done right!

Jim Henson "got it". Watch this very old clip of Kermit the Frog and see what I mean.

Garr Blogs On McKee

Garr Reynold's recent blog on McKee and the concept of storytelling is worth reading for e-learning instructional designers and educators everywhere. The goal of education is not to merely dispense information but to effect change in the lives of the students. Storytelling is the difference between spewing information and effecting change. One method impacts us and touches us at an emotional level, the other simply presents facts for memorizing and forgetting.