Andrew Mason | Blog

Unlock the Power of Learning with Dual Coding Theory

2023-02-12T16:16:36-07:00

Have you ever had difficulty understanding a concept or idea? Do you feel like the words just don’t “click” in your memory when you read them? If so, you may want to consider using dual coding theory to improve your learning and memory retention.

Dual coding theory is based on the idea that we use both verbal and visual codes when processing and storing information in our brains. In other words, we not only use language to learn and remember, but we also use images and symbols to understand and store information.

Using dual coding techniques can help learners of all ages, but it is especially helpful for those who struggle with traditional forms of learning, such as reading and writing. By presenting concepts in both verbal and visual formats, learners can better encode and organize the information, leading to improved comprehension and performance.

For example, if you’re trying to learn the structure of an atom, you can read a definition of the atom and also look at a diagram to create a mental image of the concept. This combination of verbal and visual cues can help you better understand and remember the information.

Research has shown that the use of dual coding can improve memory retention, comprehension, and problem-solving abilities. So if you’re looking for an effective way to improve your learning and performance, consider using dual coding theory and combining verbal and visual cues to better understand and remember information.

INTP: My Personality Type

2022-06-29T22:59:52-07:00

I find it very hard to describe my personality.

INTP. I think the description below is pretty spot-on.

INTPs are philosophical innovators, fascinated by logical analysis, systems, and design. They are preoccupied with theory, and search for the universal law behind everything they see. They want to understand the unifying themes of life, in all their complexity.

INTPs are detached, analytical observers who can seem oblivious to the world around them because they are so deeply absorbed in thought. They spend much of their time in their own heads: exploring concepts, making connections, and seeking understanding of how things work. To the Architect, life is an ongoing inquiry into the mysteries of the universe. 1

To really understand me, you have to understand that I have Combined Type ADHD, which means I struggle a lot with my hyperactivity and attention span.

View this post for more details and why I talk openly about it.

Recently I have increasingly more aware of my inate perfectionism and how it negatively affects me.

Living with ADHD: The Benefits of Openness and Vulnerability

2022-06-29T22:59:52-07:00

I have Combined Type ADHD and it’s a big part of what makes me…me. It isn’t my entire personality, but it is constantly affecting me to the point I feel it’s important to know about when you meet or interact with me.

I didn’t know I had it until late in college and I often think about how different my life would have been had I known, and gotten help for it, earlier.

Because of this and because it is such a big part of my life, I talk very openly about my ADHD on social media, on podcasts, and to hiring managers.

Since I became very vocal about it, I have met so many other ADHD developers, some of whom were afraid to admit they had it previously because of the stigma. Even more importantly, several folks have told me they realized they had ADHD after hearing me talk about the symptoms and have gotten help.

There are companies out there who wouldn’t consider hiring me because of my ADHD, but every time I hear from someone who benefitted from me discussing it openly, I don’t care.

Medication completely changed my life and I currently take Vyvanse to help manage my ADHD.

If you want to talk about ADHD, hit me up on Twitter.

ADHD is being a perfectionist without the capability of motivating yourself to achieve said perfection. - @avresco

How to Add a Progress Bar Around Your Twitter Avatar

2022-05-24T14:34:24-07:00

My Twitter avatar is outlined by a blue, previously green, progress bar that I get asked about often.

The progress bar is updated in real-time every time I get a new follower. When I reach 10 new followers, the progress bar resets and the loop begins again.

To achieve this effect, I use BlackMagic.so, a suite of tools for influencers to enhance Twitter from Tony Dinh. Their main product is an analytics tools, but they have a free tool named Profile Progress Bar, which you can use to add a progress bar to your Twitter avatar.

The BlackMagic.so Profile Progress Bar Twitter Tool

Connect your Twitter account to BlackMagic.so to add a progress bar to your Twitter avatar. You can customize the colors and progress value to your liking and start the real-time updates.

BlackMagic.so has several other free, and paid tools, but this is currently the only one I use.

There is no real reason other than it’s fun.

Want to see it increment? Follow me on Twitter! 😉

Ruby on Rails - The Best Way to Develop Web Applications

2022-05-12T11:34:00-07:00

I have not finished writing this post yet so this serves a placeholder to remind me.

Let me know if you are waiting on it! That will give me incentive to finish it.

Stop Hoarding Notes

2022-02-12T16:16:36-07:00

Every time you encounter an old note, or any note, it is a good time ask yourself:

Is this note bringing me explicit value or can it be deleted?

Don’t hoard notes. If they are not serving their purpose they are useless. Get rid of them.

Note taking is similar to coding in this aspect in my brain.

Time for a story:

Early in my career, my mentor told me not to get “married to my code”. He explained further and I wish I had known at the time what an impact this statement would have on me.

Over the years I have created my own understanding of this statement. Throughout your time as a software engineer, you will write lots of code, and you will delete lots of code.

Don’t be sad that you or someone else has to delete your code.

You will write more.

Don’t let your pride get in your way and convince you that the removal of the code means anything more than it no longer serves its purpose in the codebase.

It’s 1’s and 0’s vibrating on metal.

The second you decide that it represents your worth you discount all the amazing code you have yet to write. There is a good bet that if you had to rewrite it, you’d do it differently.

The code is not important, the lessons you learned while building it are though and they aren’t going anywhere. The code’s purpose has been served. It was once needed but now it no longer is.

By acknowledging their contribution and letting them go with gratitude, you will be able to truly put the things you own, and your life, in order. - Marie Kondo.

Much like code, your notes should be created with a particular goal in mind and when they no longer serve that goal, it is time to thank them and delete them.

Chances are if you start traversing through your notes, you will find lots of things you forgot you saved. That is likely a sign that you haven’t been back to it since it was created. The information is in the note, you found it before when you needed it, and you will find it again.

If you are finding lots of information that would have been helpful had it been accessible, it’s time to find ways to make sure it resurfaces. Your brain is not a hard drive, it is not good at storage. What it is good at is making connections. Find ways to connect this note to others so there is a clear entry path or put new notes in a box (folder) that you review once a week. After potentially not seeing, or needing, it for an entire week, you may feel differently about its plans to take up space in your system. Regardless of implementation, the result is the same.

Less low quality notes, more notes that you bring you value.

Don’t hoard your notes. Like physical possessions, they do nothing but hide the beauty underneath.

⌫