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Friday Finds — Dual Coding Theory, Curiosity+Failure, Power of Naps

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October 11, 2024

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"When you arise in the morning, think what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love”

— Marcus Aurelius

Who else out there is a pickleball player? I finally jumped on the bandwagon, and I think I might be hooked. I feel like I'm the last person on earth to try it, but hey, better late than never, right? Let's hit the court if you're in the Columbus area and looking for a playing partner! I'm ready to dink, dunk, and my favorite - erne!

Thanks for reading!

🎶 What I’m Listening To

There is something about Alec Benjamin’s music that gets stuck in my head in a good way.

📰 News & Notes

Ten Ways Pictures Boost Learning: An Introduction to Dual Coding Theory

Dual Coding Theory suggests that combining verbal and visual information boosts learning by engaging both verbal and non-verbal cognitive channels. Techniques like adding relevant pictures to text, simplifying visuals, and using icons or mental imagery help deepen understanding and memory retention. However, distractions from unrelated images or overcomplicated visuals can impair comprehension, highlighting the need for the purposeful use of visual aids.

🎯 Takeaway: Using visuals effectively alongside text can significantly enhance learning and recall.

Curiosity plus failure is a passport to brilliance

Are curiosity and failure the ultimate brainpower duo? Research shows that when we're curious, our brain lights up with anticipation, and if we get the answer wrong, we actually learn better. Failure boosts memory consolidation, meaning those answers stick with us longer. So, L&D professionals should encourage learners to embrace curiosity and even enjoy a few wrong answers—they're making brilliance stick!

🎯 Takeaway: Curiosity combined with failure enhances learning by strengthening memory retention.

The Brain’s Twilight Zone: When You’re Neither Awake Nor Asleep

Neuroscientists are demystifying this in-between state, uncovering its role in memory processing and its creative potential. Turns out, the twilight zone between wake and sleep isn't just for weird dreams—it's prime time for your brain to mix memories and unleash creativity! Whether it’s recalling your last game of Tetris or crafting wild new ideas, this snoozy state might just be the ultimate hack for learning and problem-solving. So next time you nap, channel your inner Edison and see what brainy magic you can catch!"

 Takeaway: Embrace the nap—your most creative (and productive) work might happen right before you fully doze off!

Get help for your custom eLearning projects!

Are you looking at your L&D course wish list and realizing you need help, or are you wondering what’s possible but unsure where to start? Join us on Wednesday, October 30, as we explore the many ways we can help your team that lead to big wins!

Attend this webinar if:

  • You want to improve your learners’ engagement rate

  • You need to convert in-person training into online courses

  • You’re just curious about what’s involved in building custom eLearning

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.

Airtable Cobuilder

Create custom apps without needing any coding knowledge with the help of AI

www.airtable.com/platform/app-building

Practical Introduction to ChatGPT

Struggling to get the best results from ChatGPT? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this free course, Gianluca Mauro shares a practical framework to help you get the most out of ChatGPT every single time.

www.ai-academy.com/courses/practical-introduction-to-chatgpt

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🎧 Podcast

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

From Tool to Teammate: Understanding AI Agents with Mike Hruska

AI agents are becoming crucial in L&D. Mike Hruska explains how to integrate AI strategically and overcome skepticism. Tune in to learn more.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2ewE1Qy2zQs6e9MYpok0RM?si=cd35031cf1eb4f15

Discover What's Inside the eLearning Toolbox of Seasoned Pros

Join an exclusive, hands-on roundtable with eLearning and instructional design experts. On Thursday, October 24th, at 12:00 PM ET, Holly Owens, Tom McDowall, and Heidi Kirby will share their top tools that boost productivity, streamline workflows, and help them create impactful online courses quickly without compromising quality.

🧳 Where’s Mike?

If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical, we should talk.

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