Brain, Mind, Creative Learning & Problem Solving Methods

While searching the internet this week I found several good resource websites focusing on brain-based learning and problem solving. Each one of these sites contains a number of links to other resources on the same topic. In reviewing these sites I found valuable information that will help one develop an understanding in the relative topic areas. The websites are The Complete Method of Creative Problem Solving and the Enchanted Mind. 

At some point every organization will encounter a business issue that needs solving. With the variety of problem solving methods available to use, how does an organization know which one to choose? On the Complete Method of Creative Problem Solving website, organizations will find a variety of resources to help them creatively solve their problems. A majority of the resources on this site focus on “problem solving and decision making using the scientific method.” (Edmund, 2009) While this site focuses primarily on the ingredients and workings of this method, it also discusses the steps for creative, group, and management problem solving issues. A highly interesting feature of the site is the brief summary it provides on the other popular methods of problem solving: Logical, Non-Logical, and Technical. While not the primary discussion piece of the site, these summaries provide a brief overview of each of the other methods features. As a final note, you will also find several worksheets, tools, and supplemental resources to help you through the multi step problem solving process. 

Another website I found this week during my internet search is the Enchanted Mind. The Enchanted Mind is an excellent website to use in enhancing the mental aspects of creativity. This site focuses on the creative elements of ones mind and provides a variety of valuable resources on exercising the mind and improving one’s thinking. Within this site you will find a variety of articles on mental creativity and techniques for improve it through various avenues including meditation, self-awareness assessments, and mind games. Inspiration is a critical component of creative thinking. If you are highly interested in the inspirational side of creative mental thinking, then you’ll also find a multitude of inspiring articles here as well. Each one of the articles provides examples of how individuals can incorporate creative thinking into their daily lives. (Enchanted Mind, 2002)

Exercising the mind is an essential component of creative thinking. If you are into cognitive brain games and puzzles you will certainly find the ones in this site quite useful. There are puzzles to exercise and challenge the left and right side of the brain and some that will demand use of the whole brain.

One of the most valuable resources to this site is the discussion on the science of the brain and its impact on health. Without a healthy mind creativity will cease to exist. Understanding the importance of the brain and its impact on health is essential for dealing with health issues. The articles in this site will give you creative ideas on how to handle some of the more common health issues facing people today. Additionally, you can learn about the brain, its functioning, and all its wonderful components and how it affects creative learning.


References:

Enchanted Mind. (2002). Retrieved from http://enchantedmind.com/

Edmund, N.W., (2009). The Complete Method of Creative Problem Solving. 
Retrieved March 13, 2010, from  http://problemsolving.net/index.html

Instructional Design Blogs and Resource Sites

Hello, this week I discovered several blogs and resource sites that focus on instructional design and learning. Due to their rich content these blogs and sites deserve some mention and review. Each one has postings and tools on a variety of issues encompassing instructional design and workplace learning paradigms, e-learning, and web-based e-learning. In my review, I will provide and overview of the blog and sites features as well as the content which makes it unique and worth a visit. The following blogs and resources sites will be apart of my review: the E-Learning Curve Blog, Rose Colored Glasses, and Instructional Design Open Studio.

The E-Learning Curve Blog has numerous postings on work place learning paradigms and their environments, e-learning, web-based e-learning, and technology. Postings are rich in theoretical discussion and graphics and cover a broad range of current issues in the field. The blog is user friendly and contains many traditional blog features such as an archive, search feature, tweet, and other useful author preferred search tools. You will also find on the blog links to the authors produced podcasts on constructivism, Flash, Captivate, and workforce training. The postings on this site are quite useful and can aid instructional designers and developers in creating effective learning tools for their workplace.


A great resource site is Rose Colored Glasses This site contains a variety of instructional design information, tools, and resources that can assist course developers and designers at varying levels of experience in developing courses. A multitude of topics from A to Z can be found here including links to many external learning centers and educational tools. In reviewing this site, I found an array of content rich postings covering all areas of the design field and recommend readings for the discerning learner. One of the best things about this site is its ease of use and layout. It is very user friendly and can serve as a great ongoing resource for instructional design professionals and developers.


The Instructional Design Open Studio is another blog site with content rich postings on instructional design and learning. Postings cover a variety of issues from instructional design paradigms to training as well as E-learning ethics, laws, and marketing strategies. This site has an enormous archive of postings and a useful category organizer for arranging all its topics. Instructional designers and developers will find this blog a very useful resource for their growth and learning in the field.



Until next time… have a great day!

New Blog Links

I have found several great blogs on instructional design and learning. When you have a chance take a look at some of them.

Have a great day.

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