U6d1 Implicit and Explicit Models

Explain the difference between implicit and explicit models and how you could use each in a lesson or educational setting. Base your explanation on the reading and other published sources you may have available.
Post your response in the discussion area.

Implicit and Explicit Models

The following adjectives can be applied to implicit learning: implied, hidden, symbolic, artful, approximate, imaginative, fiction.

These adjectives can be used when referring to explicit learning: utilitarian, obvious, real, actual, apparent, matter-of-fact, nonfiction.

To assist in building implicit learning models the following can be used:

Illustrative, relevant graphics

Examples and non-examples

Analogies

Processing knowledge

Prior knowledge learners should have access to diverse material

To build explicit mental models the following can be used:

Questions

Practice assignments and exercises

Train students to self-question

Self-explanations to problem solutions

Utilize collaborative learning

Provide detailed lecture notes to the students --- Richard

Reference:

Clark, Ruth. (2003). Building Expertise: Cognitive Methods for Training and Performance Improvement. Silver Spring, MD: International Society for Performance Improvement.

Comment from Michael Oltrogge:

Explicit modes of learning, seem to me, to be more of a type of information that just stays in my mind with little actual knowledge of the subject (example: HOMES for the great lakes) while the explicit side to homes could be a question such as construct a map of the great lakes. That would force the learner to understand the lakes geography and be able to name them. Good Post.

My Reply:

Two adjectives I meant to include in the discussion are:

An adjective that can be used when referring to implicit learning: indirect.

An adjective that can be used when referring to explicit learning: direct.

Thank you for your comments, --- Richard

My comment to Trina:

I think your mentioning of passive and active learning in relation to implicit and explicit learning is an important discussion area. I think passive (listening, watching) and active (interaction, writing, doing exercises) learning can be done with both implicit and explicit learning models though explicit might involve more active learning. --- Richard

U6d2 Software Evaluation and Comparison

Evaluate the two programs in assignment 6.1 for their use in creating implicit or explicit models.

I have been able to download the trial versions of Toolbook Instructor and Assistant and found both of them to be very similar to the other. They both have the same templates and buttons and the same course making capabilities. I think the quiz making capabilities are also found in many other software including CourseBuilder, Flash, Director, and Authorware. I think of the ones we have reviewed, that Hot Potatoes is the most user friendly and is capable of performing all of the test making functions that most teachers would need.

Implicit and Explicit methods of instruction can be utilized by each of these software programs depending on the approach of the teacher or the creators of the examinations or course contents. --- Richard

Reference:

Clark, Ruth. (2003). Building Expertise: Cognitive Methods for Training and Performance Improvement. Silver Spring, MD: International Society for Performance Improvement.

U6d2 Comment to Mark:

I agree with your statement that the two programs �look strikingly similar to each other.� I think most of what I have read in the postings seems to be a repeating of the ad copy supplied in the product descriptions. The interface of the two is identical with even the same graphics used in the interface design. I think often descriptions in the advertising world describe not reality but rather what the advertiser would like for us to believe. --- Richard

U6d3 Enterprise Tools

Discuss the efficacy of a browser-based, enterprise-wide tool for a team, especially if the team works in more than one location. As with other tools we have examined, discuss any features of the software you reviewed in u06s2 that support or limit good design. Are there clear disadvantages to one or both of the software programs? Post your response in the discussion area.

One of the advantages of the Internet is that people can retrieve and send information instantaneously and over long distances, in fact, from one side of the world to the other. When developing web based material, team members can be spread across the globe and share and develop projects provided they share compatible technology and software. Files and information can be shared and sent to any of the team members as long as they have an Internet connection, and in today's world that is almost anywhere in the world, or anywhere that there are telephone lines. High speed cable connections would be available in any city or higher educational institution in the world. Likewise, contents from the reviewed software could be shared, developed, and sent worldwide.

The Internet has realized the vision of the creator of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee, who wanted the possibility of �anything being potentially connected to anything�. Even though there is always room for creativity and individuality, there is also a need for standardization in many cases. For example, no one wants every light bulb screw mount to be different from all of the others. The computer world also realizes the importance of standardization, communication, and compatibility so that now most graphic and word processing software programs can be imported into other programs so that there can be an integration and interaction and communication amongst a variety of platforms. --- Richard

U6d3 Comment for Kathleen Cairns

I think you reasons list in the discussion of why one should deploy the Content Management Server 2002 (enhanced business user productivity, increased customer and partner satisfaction, reduced operating costs, enhanced developer productivity, reduction of time required to execute procedures, improved scalability and reliability, increased integration, greater interoperability, adhering to industry standards, integrated management of code and content) also applies to all Internet applications that are to be used in conjunction with other applications. --- Richard