Trainers Talk Tech

Before the year was up, I had the opportunity to host the training technology section of a one day conference hosted by our local ASTD chapter. I was given an opportunity to attend the entire day, and recently I had cause to dig up the materials from that day.

The first session of the day was called Brain Gym for Trainers, presented by Patti Templin. Patti was an enthusiastic speaker (for 8:30 am, she was better than a cup of coffee) who presented her topic on Educational Kinesiology - Brain Gym. I was skeptical at first, but then I started thinking about a problem we have as eLearning developers, and how something like a Brain Gym could be incorporated into an online program.

First, a Brain Gym is a series of body movements that enhance the learner's experience of "whole brained" learning. By performing these body movements, students are able to access those parts of the brain inaccessible to them, changing behavior and learning. To learn more, visit the Brain Gym web site. The research is amazing!

The motions are simple and rather fun. There are 26 distinct movements that help "jump-start" the brain. I know...it seemed a bit far fetched to me, and in the moment, I felt the same way. However, the more I thought about it, and yes, did it in the privacy of my office, I found myself more plugged in to my work.

Then, because I am hopelessly plugged in (I'd be a BORG if I could), I started thinking about how to incorporate these "brain gyms" into eLearning? Should there be a specific intro page with directions:"Now, before we begin, let's engage your brain. Stand up, spread out your arms, and..." Would the adult learner do it? "Welcome to Interviewing for Success. Before we begin, grab your ear lobes..."!

But what about creating learning for the K-12 group? This research has originally targeted that group, so why not incorporate the Brain Gym strategy into online learning dedicated for that group? We should be focusing on the transfer of knowledge, and if one or two brain gym activities kick off the eLearning project, what's the harm in that? I think it would be a kick if a computer lab full of students suddenly stood up and started stretching! Would it have an impact on the eLearning program they were about to take? I think so. If you develop for the K-12 audience, contact the Brain Gym people and see how you can incorporate it. I really think it could take your projects to the next level.

Unfortunately, I do very little work in the K-12 area...not because I don't want to, but because I don't have clients in that space. Am I willing to add Brain Gyms to my programs, targeting adults? Not yet. Is there a good reason NOT to? Not really...maybe I don't want to fly too far out of my programmers' comfort zone. Can I sit in front of a client and confidently pitch Brain Gym? No. I don't feel like I know enough about it. Could be a little more research time is in order...