In this activity, you will design an interactive slide presentation to showcase changes in synaptic connections which underlie the memory and neural plasticity of a specific audience.

Step 1. Review (50 mins)

Review the learning resources for this specific lesson.

Step 2. Select (30 mins)

Select one target audience of your choice among the following audiences:

• Stroke victims regaining mobility in paralyzed limbs
• Traumatic brain injury patients recovering from their brain injuries
• Alzheimer’s patients regaining short and long-term memory

Step 3. Design (240 mins)

Design a slide presentation to showcase how the brain works for the selected audience. To be more specific, your work must be able to address the following questions:

• What are common changes in synaptic connections that underlie learning and memory?
• How do these changes in synaptic connections affect your target audience’s memory and learning?
• What is neuroplasticity and how does it work?
• How do neurons change over time with respect to the target audience?
• How can the principles of neuroplasticity be applied to the functional recovery of your selected audience?

Step 4. Respond

Respond by designing an interactive slide presentation consisting of 15-25 slides (maximum of 40 words per slide, including the title/headings) that covers everything from Step 3. You may include pictures, graphics, and other interactive elements. 

Recommendations

You may use one of the following software for your work:

•  Powerpoint, MS Sway, Genially, Articulate 360, Google Slides

Step 5. Share (10 mins)

Share your work by clicking on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and pasting your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

Step 6. Interact (10 mins)

Evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - E of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for the grade you have provided, as well as comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.” You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item B is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item C is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item D is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item E is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….

OPTIONAL Step 7: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”