Information Processing Theory and Approach

Do you know the intricate neural-psychological process that governs how your students (or anybody else) develop new knowledge in addition to information? That is the goal of Information processing theory aims to comprehend. It delve into the complex mechanism of perceiving, recording and processing information in the brain. The brain also retrieves information whenever required.

Read on to learn about the concept and ways you can make use of it when creating of online courses to help your students. Let's begin by looking at brief look back at the place it all began.

Skip ahead:

•       A brief history of Information Processing Theory
•       Concepts at the center from Information Processing Theory
•       How does this all happen within our brain?
•       Your students must be focused on the content you provide online
•       Basic information processing techniques to help your students to remember more.
•       Limitations that are less than average for Information Processing Theory in online learning
•       Strategies to make more effective the use of theoretical information regarding information processing in online learning
•       Humanize information processing theory in order to develop courses online with a human-like touch

     An overview of Information Processing Theory    

In the 1950s, researchers realized that computers had important information that could help us understand the way our brains work. George Armitage Miller and Edward C. Tolman developed the fundamentals of how human beings operate with short-term memory, and how they learn. Basing their work on this foundational design, two popular theories concerning the theory of information processing arose from the research: The Atkinson and Shiffrin Model as well as the Baddeley and Hitch Model of Working Memory.

The Atkinson and Shiffrin Model discusses the three stages of information processing. These include sensorimotor memories and short-term memory (working memory), and long term memory. The focus is on the importance of paying attention to and complex rehearsal patterns that contribute to information being saved in the long term memory. The Baddeley and Hitch Model of Working Memory is built upon these principles and provides a description of how we process language and spatial patterns.

Are you confused by the language of psychology? Don't worry! We've put together the most effective theories in order to give you the knowledge needed to comprehend the way we humans handle information. It is possible to begin understanding this by examining how humans manage information in our daily lives, and examining each function in greater detail.

     The most fundamental ideas in Information Processing Theory    

Being an educator of creators, it's important to be aware of the fundamentals of information processing.

Let's try it with one instance

Suppose, you're walking on the streets that are crowded, and come across a multitude of sights, sounds, and odors. Some people may even rub your shoulders if you're lucky enough to meet an angry crowd. In order to avoid this commotion and chaos, you choose to walk into a cafe which you are sure is peaceful and peaceful. Also, you remember that they offer the most delicious croissants and coffee in that area of town.

This is information processing theory being applied in real life. Let's look at how:

1. There are a variety of sensations you feel (people strolling around, a person who is touching your shoulder, a vehicle moving at a rapid speed, etc. - sensation. A stimulus is an external source of information or input)
2. The space you're looking at is perceived as crowded (perception is the way we perceive our perception of).
3. Based on the experiences you have had in the past (long time episodic memory) You identify this specific situation with being unsafe and uncomfortable (being in a position of being pushed around by your past experiences)
4. This way, you'll be able to remember that place where it gave the comfort you needed (another chain of association results in retrieving details regarding the quiet ambience of the café and the croissants that are an aspect of semantic memory).
5. The memory activates, and walk into the cafe (judging/analyzing before making a choice. The cafe's location is an example of procedural memory).

First, you sense your environment

Humans are able to receive information known as "stimulus" through five senses: smell, touch visual, sound, (hearing) as well as tasting. A sixth sense, which is connected to body's position when in balance, motion and balance, known as vestibular sensing also exists.

Senses and the associated sense organs

• Vision Eyes
• Audio - Ears
• Touch skin
• Taste - Tongue
• Aroma - Nose
• Sensory sense in the vestibular area, ears as well as various other components of the nervous system.

When your sense organs convert real-world information into electrical information and your brain process them and transforms them into information which you detect at the level of consciousness. Interpretation of the information you are able to perceive results from previous associations (similar data stored in the brain that are able to recall and draw an association).

Notification to creators: Unless you are making use of augmented or virtual reality in teaching purposes, the primary focus is inputs (stimuli) related to vision (reading texts or watching videos) and also the audio (voice or music in the background).

     Perception is a result of sensing.

The sense organs respond to a variety of stimuli within the outside environment, and converts the signals they receive into electrical signals, which can be identified by different parts within the brain. Sensory processing takes place within the organs which perceive and sense is carried out within the brain. Individuals with different perception and learning problems, they may be unable to process information fast.

For writers: If you're planning to make content in your class accessible to people who are disabled, it's recommended to consider accessibility-friendly design strategies. The most common examples of accessibility design is the need to prevent unbalanced spacing between words as well as paragraphs with long length by breaking them down into smaller paragraphs, and ensuring there plenty of white space.

When the data being observed is transformed (encoded) and stored within memory.

Memory can be a broad term that covers a variety of components of cognition. It's the act of recording and keeping data for a brief period (sensory and working memory) prior to transfer into long-term storage by consolidating (encoding).

Sensory memories can last between to two or three minutes. If you don't pay attention to the sensation and are unable to notice it, you'll not enter short-term memory. Research has found that short-term memory holds about seven items of data over fifteen to 30 minutes. If you are able to practice, your brain will be capable of retaining the information after which it deteriorates or is lost.

When you practice, your brain goes through a process called encode, which causes the information to be transferred into a long-term memory. When the data is stored in long-term memory, it is possible to retrieve the information at any time provided you do not let it undergo a process of loss or interfering. The range of memory is from what you saw in the last few minutes up to the things that happened long in the past. It can go to the time of your youth.

An important note to the authors of your project It is a common practice for the purpose of facilitating rote learning in situations of learning. We are however aware that a majority of students struggle to master the art of rote learning, as well as not such a great strategy to master difficult concepts and abstract data.

The different kinds of memory that are long-term comprise:

1. The term "explicit memory" refers to the memory that can be accessed consciously. If you are asked by someone what the capital of Great Britain is, you are able to say it's London. Hence explicit memories can also be classified as declarative memories. Declarative memory can further be subdivided into:

• A sporadic memory experiences of specific occasions which occurred in your life for example, like visiting a friend's house during childhood
• Semantic memory - Being able to recall what you've learnt regarding the globe. This can be the case when you declare of World War 2 (September 1 September 1939).

1. Implicit memory is stored in your long-term memory your brain, but it can be linked to performance and movements. Examples of this include the ability to swim, or remembering how to drive even after an extended gap and so on.

 Attention can help keep memory longer, while also improving your ability to learn.

Our sense organs are able to receive plenty of information however they do not register inside our brains unless we're paying attention to the information. They are stored in "sensory memory" after perception. They will last for only a couple of seconds (between 1/2 second and three seconds).

Focusing here means focusing your attention to a certain event in the face of different stimuli. One example would be when you enter a cafe you enjoy and choose to order the croissant that you would like although there are other things available.

Recalling the scenario of a busy street your brain may have noticed the existence of various individuals. However, it is possible that you have been too distracted to remember the faces of these people. That's why the data about their faces became stale and eventually, it's lost in perpetuity.

     How does this all occur within the brain?    

Being a creator educator you might be wondering how the data you give to your students are thought through in their minds. Baddeley as well as the Hitch Model of Working Memory gives a precise solution to this.

Researchers have suggested that the frontal region (a component of our brain) functions as an encoder that stores information which is later retrieved. The various kinds of memories are stored in various areas in the brain. According to Hitch:

• The auditory system's information (information that is in the form of sound that is usually recognized as language, music or a variety of other sounds) is stored within the Phonological Loop.
• Phonological loop consists of an the phonological database where data is held for a limited period of time, and also the articulatory process, where the brain is able to practice auditory signals to store for a long time.
• The Visuospatial Sketch Pad is an area of the brain that records spatial and visual information, such as patterns, shapes and more.
• The episodic buffer may enhance the ability for the brain's ability to record, encode and retrieve data by linking various brain regions that aid in processing information.

We'll now put the lessons we've learned from information processing in learning about online environments.

     Help your students concentrate on the information in your online course    

When you are developing or creating module, it is important to consider the task as follows. If you do not design your presentations or slides appealing enough, your students won't be interested in them then move onto the next. The students are able to look at the video or slide (sensation happens) but aren't able to absorb the content for sufficient time to retain the content in their short-term memory in their brains. It is important for them to practice the ability that is stored in their long-term memory. Then it disappears from their sensorimotor memory. So, keeping their focus is crucial.

It is important to consider the fact that your student could be distracted, daydreaming, or bored with your content. These things could influence the way that students pay focus on the content that is to be learned and stored into long-term memory. Therefore, making sure that your writing keeps your students' attention is crucial.

This is how you are able to accomplish:

• Encourage them to stop every 10 or 15 minutes. Attention spans for humans decrease during the first 15 minutes.
• Also, make your lesson plans to be separated into parts with a minimum of 15 minutes. There is no need to have video lectures or lectures lasting only ten minutes. Instead, give your students smaller activities such as games, chillout or chillouts.
• Create more interactive online learning environments that facilitate learning. We will explain why later on.

     Essential Information Processing Techniques to help your students learn better.    

In the event that information is saved in short-term memory, it could be moved to long-term memory or deleted. Repetition and practice is crucial to preserve information for a long time in long-term memory. It is crucial to design your lesson plans to allow students plenty of time to practise and re-experience what is stored within their brains. The process should take place in minutes. moments. So, at the conclusion of each lesson, which takes a short duration, ask your students to go back to practice, and even practice. This aids in making sure that the lessons they've learned is stored in their long-term memory.

Once something is stored in long-term memory and is then retrieved later in the event that you're asked. The effectiveness in retrieving the memory is dependent on the degree of curiosity the student was able to absorb information (were sufficiently attentive or was the material that you instructed them engaging enough and so on. ).

It is evident from the previous explanation that learning mostly occurs due to the way we interpret information, in addition to how we link it with what we already know and with which we have to be vigilant about it.

Does it really have to be that simple?

     Lesser-than-average limits of Information Processing Theory in online learning    

Human beings aren't machines. Though drawing comparisons between the brains of human and computers is appealing yet, the two are very distinct. Information Processing Theory doesn't discuss the role of motivation and emotions in our perception of information and remember things. Both are vital to learning and recalling things that we've learned.

It is believed that brains process information in a linear fashion -- information is perceived and stored. It is then processed (encoded) then stored later retrievable. This is known as sequential processing, which is what computers perform.

The brain, however, is capable of processing data concurrently, meaning it can efficiently process different kinds of information. The ability to multitask of the brain of humans does not correspond to what computers can do. Therefore, even though the concept of information processing is accurate in defining how we perceive and sort and process information, it doesn't take into account emotions and the manner in which our minds work.

The students you teach think that they have driven by their needs, desires, feelings, and needs that you might or might not recognize while designing the content of your class. It is therefore crucial to understand that you're instructing human learners and not robots. The most effective way to tackle this issue is by creating virtual learning environments that are exciting.

Now, let's explore ways you can incorporate motivation, emotion and engagement with others in your curriculum, making use of information processing theory to make for a more effective online course.

     Strategies for making the concept of information processing better for online learning    

Inspire your students focus to the work at hand.

Why would someone learn something regardless of what they're not interested in it? It's important to recognize an inherent determination or desire to enroll to take your class, and then be motivated to complete the course.

Motivation drives students to stay focused on your course material which results in improved processing of information (encoding) in addition to better information retrieval capabilities. Additionally, if your child doesn't have the motivation to learn, even a top-quality class will not be absorbed into their brains.

Motivation is a key factor in information processing as well. It is vital to respond appropriately to external stimuli.

• Your role as a Creator educator is to keep this enthusiasm.
• Be aware that motivation does not exist in an empty space. You must feel valued and get feedback that is positive and have a sense of being accepted by others to motivate oneself to keep working on something. Are you aware of your friends who encouraged you to do things when you were feeling low or wanted to be better at some thing? This is the same with studying as well.

The interpersonal and motivational aspects are in a way similar. Now, let's explore how this comes out within the social information processing theory.

Encourage social interaction during learning

While one-on-one instruction is effective individuals benefit from learning while working with others. That's that traditional education always is conducted in class or in groups. This is because the learning experience with other people is much more entertaining (and efficient).

Social Information Processing Theory is a part of the explanation for the interaction between people and others on platforms that are computer-mediated, for example, an online learning platform.

Humans also learn by models or observation, which means that they imitate what others do. If you are, the creator educator, take on the role as a role model, and let the students will mimic what you do. Albert Bandura, a famous psychologist, believed the fact that learning happens within social environments and it's difficult to remove "social" factors of the learning process.

With this thought in mind It is vital to

• Create online group activities
• Encourage students to interact with one another on websites and discuss their experiences.
• Consider collaboration as well as social media engagement essential parts of your course plan.
• Utilize social media tools for sharing ideas. It is a type of practice
• Give positive feedback to your classmates (other students) that act as positive reinforcement. For this to happen make sure you have your students evaluate the work of their peers positively.

 Make use of specific mental strategies designed to achieve your objectives.

The cognitive strategies of the brain are typically focused around a certain job. This means you must encourage your students to work on the subject right away. Cognitive strategies that can be employed to enhance learn online include not taking notes, repetition, contextual understanding, and mnemonics. (A Mnemonic is a method that helps you recall or access information stored within your memory.)

In this case, for example: VIBGYOR could be an abbreviation used to refer to the seven colors of rainbow that are: violet, indigo blue, green, yellow and orange. Other than acronyms, other varieties of mnemonics can be used, such as flashcards, categorizing objects and so on. All of them can help students remember what they've learned in a short time.

Encourage high-level information processing by using metacognitive strategies

Some researchers have suggested that there is something called "metacognition," which means "thinking about being thinking." While you're practicing, you repeat your practice, try to remember what you have forgotten, or use strategies that assist others to be able to remember or learn (such such as teaching in order to reach a specific goal) You are participating in metacognition.

The year 1987 marked the year in which A.L. Brown started to talk about metacognition techniques for learning. Through time, it has developed quite a bit.

Within the context of online classes, these are the most efficient metacognitive strategies.

• Advanced organizers: Encourage your students to reflect on your class by handing out course calendars ahead of time. They can anticipate the lessons they can expect, and link it with information they have already learned.
• Self-planning: Encourage your students to plan their projects, as well as how they'll structure their assignments. They will have the chance to "think about what they're currently doing" Cognitive processing.
• Self-monitoring scales that allow students to self-rate their performance can be a great method of determining what areas your students may require help. Make online forms to help students monitor their progress at the conclusion of each session or week, in accordance with your preferences.
• The self-evaluation process can be conducted periodically or after the completion of the program. As online courses are mostly utilized by self-motivated people therefore it is important that they experience favorable results.

Alongside self-evaluation, you can utilize associations to help students in learning and track the things they've learnt. To improve the effectiveness of this process it is essential to understand what your students already have discovered. So,

• When you are deciding to enroll someone into the educational system, you should evaluate the knowledge level they have for a better idea of if they are a good fit.
• If not, but you're launching an introduction course Make sure the course is designed to allow them to connect what you teach to something they're already familiar with. It is important to assist them in the process of decoding.

It is possible to implement methods such as image, chunking and the elaboration.

• Break your lesson in smaller segments Use engaging polls, Q&As, online debates along with peer-support, to keep your students entertained.
• Encourage your students to form connections to previous knowledge by presenting content in a manner that is simple to comprehend. It helps them use imagery to help students learn and retain information.
• Additionally, the online course will also require students to take part with the course material in a way that they are actively engaged. This method, also known as elaboration, is crucial in keeping students engaged. It will also establish connections with their previous knowledge in order to gain new knowledge.

Though these are all cognition and metacognitive methods but it's impossible to overlook the significance of emotions as well as motivation theories and social learning.

Incorporate social interactions as well as emotions into the mix

The majority of students register to take the course because of being unable to attend classes for different reasons. Online learning spaces can provide a feasible alternative to traditional face-to-face classes as well as increase the level of engagement in many cases. It is important to ensure that the online learning environment is lively and engaging. One of the key aspects is to employ strategies that are socially affective that involve communication with others and emotions. Make sure you know that "affect" refers to the feeling.

Here's how you can do this:

• Create a rapport with your students and help them develop by modeling. Create feelings of fascination and excitement, joy, with joy, happiness, satisfaction, and so on. It's easy to create these emotions among your students.
• It can cause your pupils to smile and be happy once they achieve certain levels of completion.
• Giving badges, certificates or any other form of positive reinforcement can help you install joy.
• When you give a surprise discount for students who have performed well. This can be a great way to bring joy and excitement together that makes students motivated to keep learning.
• Polling is a great way to create tests and games after each 15 minutes to ensure your students are engaged and encourage them to contribute their expertise on forums.
• As children become more comfortable in using social media so it makes sense to include social media in education too.

     Humanize the theory of information processing to make the online course a resonable experience    

The theory of information processing can assist us to comprehend how we retain and gain new knowledge in our minds through the sense organs in our bodies and our brain. While this theory is correct regarding how perception & memory, as well as perception work but it is not able to describe social learning and the role of motivation and emotions.

Furthermore, the human brain is extremely complicated and cannot be captured in how computers work. In your role as creator educators, it is important to consider the needs of students as well as their emotions at the front of their minds. In creating a fun online learning space and taking into consideration the limitations of human beings, you will be able to develop a successful online class that leaves an impression that lasts on learners.

provides you with a range of instruments that let the creation of course material which is social and engaging. It allows you to create educational materials made up of data processing methods but recognizes that your students are thinking and expressing human beings that enjoy engaging with each as they study. It provides powerful social interaction features that allow you to develop classes for small groups, and encourage lively discussions among your students.

Humanizing online learning lets you connect with your students in an engaging manner. If you'd like to learn more about the ways we can help to create learning courses built on the basis of psychological research Contact us today.

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