#Social learning

[mindblowingscience]

In a groundbreaking discovery, bumblebees have been shown to possess a previously unseen level of cognitive sophistication. A new study, published in Nature, reveals that these fuzzy pollinators can learn complex, multi-step tasks through social interaction, even if they cannot figure them out on their own. This challenges the long-held belief that such advanced social learning is unique to humans, and even hints at the presence of key elements of cumulative culture in these insects. Led by Dr. Alice Bridges and Professor Lars Chittka , the research team designed a two-step puzzle box requiring bumblebees to perform two distinct actions in sequence to access a sweet reward at the end. Training bees to do this was no easy task, and bees had to be helped along by the addition of an extra reward along the way. This temporary reward was eventually taken away, and bees subsequently had to open the whole box before getting their treat.

Continue Reading.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Animal Culture

Social Learning

Aristotle was the first to provide evidence of social learning in bird songs.

Charles Darwin was the first to suggest what became known as social learning in explaining the transmission of an adaptive behavior pattern seen in a population of honey bees.

Social learning - happens when behaviors are acquired through observation or are taught by other members of a social group (e.g., caregivers, siblings) or social institutions (e.g., schools, places of worship).

Social learning among humans is important because it means that we can avoid costly and time-consuming trial and error and at the same time multiply the power of individual learning (Boyd & Richardson, 2005).

Our collective brain power makes it possible for certain behaviors to become more adaptive and spread among groups.

Animal Culture

The actual phrase animal culture was first proposed by Japanese primatologists who discovered socially transmitted food behaviors on Koshima Island in the 1940s among Japanese monkeys.

The scientists observed a female monkey dunk a piece of potato in the ocean. Basically, she washed her food before she ate it and this innovation spread to a few other monkeys in the troop (the term for a group of monkeys).

Over time, the scientists observed gender (female) and age (younger) differences in the monkeys’ abilities to imitate and learn the behavior but potato washing persists on the island today, over 60 years later (Hirata, Watanabe, Kawa, 2001). 

Social learning and transmission has also been documented in whales, dolphins and chimpanzees, as well as other animals:

WHALE SONGS

Male humpback whales produce various songs over their lifetime, which are learned from other males in the population.

Males in a population conform to produce the same mating song, consisting of a highly stereotyped vocal display involved in mate attraction.

Researchers were able to record a series of songs and identified the cultural transmission of these songs across geographic distances (Western and Central South Pacific Ocean) over 11 years (Garland et al., 2013; Garland, Rendell, Lamoni, Poole and Noad, 2017).

DOLPHIN SPONGES

A community of bottlenose dolphins in Western Australia use conical sponges as tools to find food (foraging).

During “sponging,” dolphins break off a sponge and wear it over the rostrum (snout) while foraging on the seafloor (Smolker, et al., 1997; Mann et al., 2008).

Scientists think that the dolphins use the sponges for protection while foraging.

Researchers, using genetic analyses, found that all ‘spongers’ are descendants of a single matriline (mother to daughter) which suggests cultural transmission of the use of sponges, as tools, within a specific population (Mann and Sargeant, 2003).

CHIMPANZEE TOOLS

Chimpanzees also use tools for foraging but different types of tools are associated with specific populations.

This means that not all chimpanzees make or use the same tools for the same purpose.

For example, one troop of chimpanzees plunges sticks into termite nests to gather food and another troupe uses bark or leaves as a kind of scoop to forage for termites.

There is a documented instance of chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of Congo creating a tool that is like a paint brush or bottle washer that results in more successful foraging.

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

Motivational Strategies for Engaging and Effective Microlearning

Microlearning is an educational strategy that delivers content in small, specific bursts, typically designed to be consumed quickly. This approach caters to the fast-paced lifestyles and short attention spans prevalent in today's society. However, the challenge remains: how do you keep learners engaged and motivated in these brief learning sessions? The answer lies in leveraging motivational concepts to inspire and enhance microlearning assets. Here’s how you can do it:

Understanding Motivation in Learning

Before diving into the specifics of how to use motivational concepts in microlearning, it’s important to understand what motivation is and why it matters. Motivation can be broadly categorized into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic Motivation: This comes from within the learner. It is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself. When learners are intrinsically motivated, they engage in learning for the pure pleasure and satisfaction derived from the activity.

Extrinsic Motivation: This comes from external factors. It is driven by rewards such as grades, money, or recognition. Extrinsically motivated learners engage in an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment.

Effective microlearning should aim to tap into both types of motivation to keep learners engaged.

Strategies to Incorporate Motivational Concepts in Microlearning

Set Clear and Achievable Goals

Setting clear, specific, and achievable goals is a key motivational strategy. In microlearning, each module should have a well-defined objective that is communicated to the learner at the outset. This helps learners understand what they are expected to achieve and provides a sense of direction.

For example, instead of a generic module title like "Introduction to Project Management," use a specific goal-oriented title like "Understanding the Basics of Project Management in 5 Minutes."

Use Gamification

Gamification involves incorporating game elements into non-game contexts. This can be an incredibly effective way to boost engagement and motivation in microlearning. Elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and progress bars can make learning more interactive and fun.

For instance, a microlearning module on customer service can include a scenario-based game where learners earn points for choosing the correct responses in various customer interaction scenarios.

Leverage Social Learning

Humans are inherently social creatures, and social interactions can significantly enhance motivation. Incorporating social learning elements such as discussion forums, peer reviews, and collaborative projects into microlearning can foster a sense of community and support.

Creating microlearning assets that encourage learners to share their achievements or discuss topics with peers can boost engagement. For example, after completing a microlearning module, learners could be prompted to share their key takeaways on a social platform or within a learning management system (LMS) community.

Provide Immediate Feedback

Immediate feedback is crucial for motivation. It helps learners understand what they did right or wrong and how they can improve. In microlearning, this can be achieved through quizzes, interactive exercises, and instant feedback mechanisms.

For example, after completing a short quiz at the end of a microlearning module, learners can receive instant feedback that not only shows the correct answers but also provides explanations and additional resources for further learning.

Utilize Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool to enhance motivation and retention. Stories can make learning more relatable and memorable by connecting the content to real-life experiences.

Microlearning modules can incorporate short, impactful stories that illustrate key concepts. For instance, a microlearning asset on leadership skills could start with a brief story about a well-known leader overcoming a significant challenge, thus making the learning experience more engaging and meaningful.

Personalize the Learning Experience

Personalization can significantly boost intrinsic motivation by making learners feel valued and understood. Microlearning assets can be personalized based on the learner’s preferences, needs, and progress.

This could involve adapting the content based on the learner’s prior knowledge, providing different pathways through the material based on their interests, or offering personalized recommendations for further learning.

Ensure Content Relevance and Practicality

Learners are more motivated when they see the relevance and practical application of what they are learning. Microlearning content should be directly applicable to the learner’s job or personal life and provide practical tips and tools that they can use immediately.

For example, a microlearning module for sales professionals could include practical techniques for closing deals, supported by real-world examples and scenarios that they are likely to encounter in their work.

Incorporate Visual and Interactive Elements

Visual and interactive elements can make microlearning more engaging and enjoyable. This includes videos, infographics, interactive simulations, and other multimedia elements that cater to different learning styles and keep the content fresh and interesting.

For example, instead of a text-heavy module on cybersecurity, use a mix of animated videos, interactive quizzes, and infographics to convey the information more effectively and engagingly.

Build a Progression System

A sense of progression can be highly motivating. Microlearning assets should be designed in a way that allows learners to track their progress and see how far they’ve come. This can be achieved through a series of interconnected modules that gradually build on each other, offering a clear path to mastery.

For instance, a microlearning series on digital marketing could start with the basics and progressively cover more advanced topics, with each module building on the previous one and helping learners see their journey from novice to expert.

Encourage Reflection and Application

Encouraging learners to reflect on what they’ve learned and how they can apply it in real life can enhance motivation and retention. Microlearning modules can include reflective questions, practical exercises, and prompts for learners to think about how they will use the new knowledge or skills in their daily lives.

For example, after a microlearning module on time management, learners could be asked to write down three specific changes they plan to make in their routine and how they expect these changes to improve their productivity.

Conclusion

Incorporating motivational concepts into microlearning is not just about making the content more engaging; it’s about creating an environment that fosters a deep, lasting desire to learn. By setting clear goals, using gamification, leveraging social learning, providing immediate feedback, utilizing storytelling, personalizing the experience, ensuring content relevance, incorporating visual and interactive elements, building a progression system, and encouraging reflection and application, educators and instructional designers can inspire learners and make microlearning a powerful and effective educational tool.

In today’s fast-paced world, where attention spans are short and time is limited, microlearning, infused with motivational strategies, offers a compelling solution to keep learners engaged and motivated. By understanding and applying these concepts, you can create microlearning assets that not only educate but also inspire and motivate learners to achieve their fullest potential.

[doccywhomst]

[legacykidsacademy]

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s development and future success. At an early learning academy, young children are introduced to a structured environment that fosters their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Understanding the benefits of quality early education can help parents make informed decisions for their child’s growth and overall well-being.

[the-future-talk]

https://thefuturetalk.com/how-artificial-intelligence-can-power-corporate-social-learning/

[therarthy]

[foldingfittedsheets]

I think something a lot of other people can relate to is the way that you get so conditioned to discomfort that you stop registering it.

I remember sitting at the table with my family, eating dinner as a child. I’d try to eat, because of course I was hungry. But sometimes the flavor or texture was so repugnant that it moved into a category of Not Food.

“Two more bites before you can leave the table.”

“I can’t,” I’d say, trying to explain the impossibility.

But because I was a child they heard, “I won’t,” and made me sit at the table. I’d sit in dull agonized silence, bored and hungry for hours until bedtime when they’d give up. I’d hate myself for not eating and my parents for forcing me to sit there. The few forcefeeding moments ended in vomit.

They’d say, “If you don’t eat this you can’t eat a snack later,” and I moved past trying to communicate my discomfort into accepting that I’d just be hungry.

That state of affairs didn’t last, because my parents realized nothing could force me to eat so they catered to my palate, worrying they’d starve me. But the message stuck. If you can’t do anything about a situation, just accept the suffering.

A few years later my mother called me off the playground to ask, “Are you limping?”

I shrugged. My feet had hurt for a long time, but that was just the way things were now. My mom pulled my socks and shoes off and gasped. The soles of my feet were covered in huge painful planters warts.

“Why didn’t you say anything?!” She demanded but I could only shrug at her. I’d learned a long time ago that saying things about my discomfort didn’t matter, so now I had no words. Sometimes things hurt and sometimes they don’t. I simply accepted and did my best.

Now as an adult trying to learn to improve my own conditions can be hard. If I make food that I can’t eat I’ll force myself to sit at the counter still, full of guilt and self loathing, trying to will myself to eat it.

At first I needed my betrothed to gently take it away to present me with something I could eat. Now on my own I can usually admit that it’s not happening before too long and get something else, but I still feel guilty.

Laying in bed at night waiting for my betrothed to finish getting ready I let out a huge sigh of relief when they turned the lights off.

“Why didn’t you turn them off if they bothered you?” they asked the first time it happened.

“I didn’t even know it was bothering me until it was gone.”

Assessing my physical state now to see if I can improve it is something I’m still relearning but I’m relieved to finally have the space and support to do it.

[social-learning-lab]

Gone

Early-bird deadline passed yesterday. You should have booked your spot earlier! https://wenger-trayner.com/events/

[spinnrblog]

Tap into the profound social insights babies offer: explore how their natural curiosity, authenticity, playfulness, and active listening skills can enrich adult connections. Read more: https://t.ly/yCySc

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

Using Nicole Lazzaro’s 4 Fun Types for Engaging Microlearning Gamification

Gamification has revolutionized the way we approach learning and development. By incorporating game elements into educational content, we can significantly boost engagement, motivation, and retention. One influential framework for understanding and implementing gamification in learning is Nicole Lazzaro's 4 Fun Types. This model identifies four distinct types of fun that cater to different aspects of the human experience: Hard Fun, Easy Fun, Serious Fun, and People Fun. Each type offers unique strategies for creating highly engaging microlearning experiences. Let's explore how you can use Nicole Lazzaro's 4 Fun Types to design compelling microlearning gamification.

Understanding Nicole Lazzaro’s 4 Fun Types

Nicole Lazzaro, a renowned game designer and researcher, developed the 4 Fun Types model to describe the various ways people experience fun in games. Her framework helps educators and designers understand the diverse elements that make activities enjoyable and engaging. Here's a brief overview of each type:

Hard Fun: This type involves overcoming challenges and achieving goals. It’s characterized by problem-solving, mastery, and the satisfaction that comes from accomplishment.

Easy Fun: This type focuses on exploration, curiosity, and imagination. It’s about the joy of discovering new things, playing with possibilities, and enjoying the process.

Serious Fun: This type connects to meaningful experiences and real-world impact. It involves activities that resonate with personal values and create a sense of purpose.

People Fun: This type emphasizes social interaction, competition, and cooperation. It’s about the fun that comes from being with others, sharing experiences, and building relationships.

Applying the 4 Fun Types to Microlearning Gamification

Each of these fun types can be effectively incorporated into microlearning to create a holistic and engaging learning experience. Here’s how:

1. Hard Fun: Mastery Through Challenges

Incorporate Challenges and Quests

Hard Fun is driven by challenges and the sense of achievement that comes from overcoming them. To incorporate this into microlearning, design modules that include challenging tasks, puzzles, and quests. For instance, a microlearning course on coding can feature progressively difficult coding challenges that learners must solve to advance.

Provide Clear Goals and Feedback

Setting clear goals and providing immediate feedback is crucial for Hard Fun. Each microlearning module should have specific objectives, and learners should receive instant feedback on their performance. This helps learners understand their progress and areas for improvement.

Use Leaderboards and Badges

Leaderboards and badges can enhance Hard Fun by adding a competitive element. Displaying a leaderboard that shows top performers or awarding badges for completing specific challenges can motivate learners to push themselves further.

2. Easy Fun: Exploration and Creativity

Encourage Exploration

Easy Fun is about the joy of discovery and creativity. Design microlearning content that encourages exploration and experimentation. For example, a microlearning module on graphic design can allow learners to play with different design tools and create their own artworks.

Use Interactive Elements

Interactive elements such as simulations, drag-and-drop activities, and clickable infographics can make learning more playful and engaging. These elements invite learners to explore content in a non-linear way, fostering curiosity.

Include Easter Eggs and Surprises

Hidden Easter eggs or unexpected surprises can add an element of delight to microlearning. These can be fun facts, bonus content, or mini-games that learners discover as they navigate through the modules.

3. Serious Fun: Meaningful and Impactful Learning

Connect Learning to Real-World Impact

Serious Fun involves connecting learning activities to real-world applications and personal values. Microlearning modules should highlight the practical relevance of the content. For example, a microlearning course on environmental sustainability can show how learners' actions can positively impact the environment.

Incorporate Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful way to create meaningful learning experiences. Use narratives that resonate with learners’ values and experiences. For instance, a microlearning module on leadership can include stories of real leaders who made a significant impact, inspiring learners to apply these lessons in their own lives.

Offer Reflection Opportunities

Encourage learners to reflect on their learning and how it applies to their personal or professional life. Reflection questions, journals, or discussion prompts can help deepen the connection between the content and the learner’s values.

4. People Fun: Social Interaction and Collaboration

Foster Social Learning

People Fun thrives on social interaction. Incorporate social learning elements such as discussion forums, group projects, and peer reviews into microlearning. These interactions can enhance engagement and create a sense of community.

Design Collaborative Activities

Design activities that require collaboration and teamwork. For example, a microlearning module on project management can include a group task where learners must work together to plan and execute a project.

Leverage Social Media and Sharing

Encourage learners to share their achievements and learning experiences on social media or within an internal platform. This not only promotes a sense of accomplishment but also inspires others to engage with the content.

Integrating the 4 Fun Types into a Comprehensive Microlearning Experience

To create a truly engaging microlearning experience, it’s important to integrate all four fun types into your design. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Identify Learning Objectives: Start by clearly defining what you want learners to achieve. This will help you align the fun types with your educational goals.

Segment Content into Modules: Break down the content into bite-sized modules that focus on specific topics or skills. Each module should be short and to the point, typically no longer than 5-10 minutes.

Incorporate Diverse Fun Types: Ensure each module incorporates elements of Hard Fun, Easy Fun, Serious Fun, and People Fun. This could mean including a challenging task (Hard Fun), an interactive element (Easy Fun), a real-world application (Serious Fun), and a social component (People Fun).

Use Multimedia and Interactivity: Leverage multimedia tools such as videos, animations, and interactive simulations to make the content more engaging. Interactive quizzes and activities can enhance learner involvement.

Provide Feedback and Rewards: Offer immediate feedback and reward learners with badges, certificates, or points. This not only motivates learners but also provides a sense of accomplishment.

Encourage Reflection and Application: Include reflective questions and prompts that encourage learners to think about how they can apply what they’ve learned. This helps in reinforcing the content and making it more relevant.

Promote Social Interaction: Create opportunities for learners to interact with each other. This could be through discussion boards, group activities, or social media sharing.

Monitor and Iterate: Continuously monitor learner engagement and feedback. Use this data to iterate and improve your microlearning modules, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

Conclusion

Nicole Lazzaro’s 4 Fun Types provide a comprehensive framework for creating highly engaging microlearning gamification. By incorporating Hard Fun, Easy Fun, Serious Fun, and People Fun into your microlearning design, you can cater to different aspects of the human experience, making learning not only effective but also enjoyable.

In today's fast-paced world, where attention spans are short and learners are bombarded with information, leveraging these fun types can help create microlearning experiences that stand out. They can inspire and motivate learners, leading to better retention and application of knowledge. By understanding and applying Lazzaro's 4 Fun Types, educators and instructional designers can transform microlearning into a powerful tool for personal and professional development.

[slfcare]

Lately I’ve been really into being honest to people about my positive feelings towards them. I told my classmate that I’ve admired her creativity from the start and named a project of hers that I loved, and her face lit up! I took the train with a project partner the other day and told her that I always have so much fun with her, and it prompted an entire conversation about the difficulties of graduating from ‘classmates’ to ‘friends’ and both of our insecurities in this regard (and how we’re definitely getting coffee later). I express my gratitude honestly. I say what I feel if I’d be happy hearing it, myself. I remember details so that I can refer to them later. Once you realize how great you can make someone feel, all of those mundane moments become so special. It will maybe even create some lasting connections, something I think we could all use more of.

[ableautism]

Social skills help all children know how to act in various social situations and are crucial for building relationships and learning. However, many children with autism struggle with their social skills. In addition to social skills classes in Duluth, Georgia, there are other ways to develop your child’s social skills. Here are some strategies that help children with autism build their social skills:

[lilacthebooklover]

my ten-year-old sister has been infected with toxic old man yaoi disease specifically of the billford variety. unfortunately, she considers it strange that bill is a triangle & ford is a human. her solution? make ford into a shape too. squares, ovals, oddly shaped blobs. forget humanizing bill– 2D ford is the way of the future <3

[egophiliac]

Hello ! I positively adore the running joke of Idia unknowingly finding Lilia to be the coolest guy ever whenever he doesn't know it's him, like when Silver described his father, or obviously with muscle red. I can't say what'd be funnier, Idia finding out his online best friend is actually Lilia, resident spooky hyper fairy; or them both never finding out, and it'd become even more ridiculous as time goes on. How do you think it'll play out ? You're always so on point

(Also, though it makes sense, I'm still devastated bat boy didn't get a ticket for the Halloween skeleton train : ( does anyone mentions him at some point ? Like how he'd have fit right in with all those Halloween town little freaks, and how he'd have impressed them with his spooks and scared techniques; after all he's been every Briar Valley's children worst fear on Halloween for centuries. I'm on the eng server and I didn't wanna spoil myself by watching the whole thing on youtube)

Have a nice day !

you and me both, Idia and Lilia being oblivious online BFFs (+ Idia being incredibly intimidated any time Silver brings up his jock gamer dad) is my favorite running joke/subplot. 🤝 it's SO good, to the point where I also am unsure if I actually want it to ever be resolved or not...maybe, like, as a post-canon stinger or something? everyone's standing around covered in overblot ink, and Idia and Lilia's phones go off at the same time...

(legit I do think this is part of why Idia couldn't be present for Lilia's dream, because for some reason Lilia decided he was going to just. embody his past self online. he probably quotes his own battle strategies or whatever in the middle of boss fights. Idia didn't pick up on the whole "oh how weird that we both live on a super remote island" thing, but he would spend thirty seconds listening to General Lilia describing siege warfare and be like "w-wait")

all that aside, however it does end up happening, I do see Lilia being very blasé and all "oh! cool!" about it. y'know, taking it very much in stride! and Idia...very much not.

(can't tell if tumblr is going to chew this into illegibility or not, this will be a fun surprise ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ)

as for Lilia sadly missing out on Halloweentown shenanigans...he does get one little mention as part of an offhand reference to the light music club, but so far no one has brought up how this basically is just Lost In the Book of Liliatown (Sebek's been too busy yelling about not getting to be in the same group as Malleus). 😔 honestly though, it's probably for the best that he got left out, because he would just settle right in and refuse to ever leave. canon would shatter. we would miss out on all the delightful angst of episode 7 because Lilia is too busy eating poisonous shrubbery inbetween practicing his very best screams, and no one can pull him away from it.

(I can hope for a sequel next year though...)

[therarthy]