Journal of Online Learning Research and Practice
eLearning Design and the Right Brain is a relatively short ( and free ) e-book that examines familiar instructional matters with a renewed focus on stimulating emotional response in learners . Using the work of consultant and writer Daniel Pink , it outlines best practices for getting students motivated , enthused , and connected .
Premise
The premise of the book , which is Pink ’ s main message , is that the old world of left-brain , linear thinking in education and business is fading away and a new world of holistic left / right brain integration is emerging . This means that right-brain needs should receive attention when instructors design and implement coursework .
To engage students ’ emotional sides , the book offers multiple approaches based on Pink ’ s six right-brain aptitudes :
1 . Design : increasing student accessibility by incorporating visual elements in an intuitive , learnerfriendly GUI or in classroom presentations .
2 . Symphony : helping students see the big picture of content by providing mind maps , videos , and stimulating assessments .
3 . Story : adding realism by providing scenarios , comic strips , and case studies that incorporate narrative into learning .
4 . Empathy : humanizing the classroom or platform by providing open navigation , diagnostic feedback , and personalized learning .
5 . Play : increasing engagement and enthusiasm by providing interactive activities such as game-based learning , gamification , and simulations .
6 . Meaning : putting course content in context by providing performancebased learning objectives , ice breakers , and ponder activities .
Considerations
This is a useful book . However , there are some considerations . First , according to left / right brain hemisphere theory , the left-brain is responsible for logical thinking and response and the right- brain is responsible for emotional thinking and response . There is a tenuous veracity associated with the theory , but it does not matter regarding this book , because best practices prevail regardless of any theory . Therefore , it would be to every educator ’ s advantage to choose items from each of the six aptitudes , whether planning for in-person , online , or hybrid instruction .
Next , the author and Mr . Pink might not be classically trained in pedagogy or andragogy . An experienced and well-trained educator might prioritize the six aptitudes . For instance , it might be wise to start with Meaning [ e . g ., learning objectives ] before deciding on what Symphony , Story , or Play activities to provide for students . Those familiar with backward design will appreciate the logic of that .
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