Some research suggests that a goldfish has a longer attention span than you do. How do you think you stack up? Find out more in this edition of the learning notes where we’ll be myth busting.
I promise you that you will feel better after reading the first notes by Patti Shank and Josh Kaufman. I’m not sure how you will respond to notes 3 and 4 by Ryan Tracey and Bonni Stachowiak – they might poke you a bit to get you out of your comfort zone.
I’ve got my sons to thank for this edition’s theme: myth busting. One of the fun things of being a parent is that kids introduce you to so many new, interesting and fun things. My sons always wanted to watch ‘Mythbusters’ on TV with me. Every episode was fun to watch with them and we all learned a lot.
Here’s a trivia for you. Did you know that Mythbuster Jamie Hyneman received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Twente for his ‘Mythbusting’ work? I think it’s well deserved and a clear statement that myth busting is an important function in our society.
In our days of ‘alternative facts’ I think myth busting is needed more than ever. So let’s bring in some fine examples of myth busting for learning professionals.
by Patti Shank
What’s it about?
There is this popular idea that the human attention span has shrunk from 12 to 8 seconds. So what? The idea also states that goldfish have a 9 second attention span!
Why read it?
Where to find it?
https://elearningindustry.com/8-second-attention-span-organizational-learning
by Josh Kaufman
What’s it about?
The idea of the 10.000 hours rule to become an expert is too simple to be true. As Josh Kaufman shows us often good is good enough without becoming an expert. In these cases a 20 hour learning approach might do the job.
Why read it?
Where to find it?
by Ryan Tracey
What’s it about?
Ryan Tracey does some mythbusting here around gaming. He shows gaming has become mainstream and not an activity exclusive for young folks. He advises that you, being learning professional, should be gaming.
Why read it?
Where to find it?
https://ryan2point0.wordpress.com/2017/04/03/5-games-every-e-learning-professional-should-play/
by Bonni Stachowiak
What’s it about?
Bonni Stachowiak debunks two persistent myths related to learning: ‘learning styles’ and ‘the learning pyramid’.
Why read it?
Where to find it?