Thursday, November 22, 2007
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences
As the web finds it's way into more and more homes, one day hopefully into all homes no matter the economic background, we as educators are gaining a tool that could become invaluble to each one of our students. As many students feel, sometimes multiple things get between them and their understanding of topics presented in the class. A few of the many are time, in that they feel like class time is too short to really absorb the information or ask questions. Questions are another area where I think students are uncomfortable, in that they feel embarrassed to ask what they see as a question that everyone has the answer to but they don't. The point is this, as the web becomes more and more prevalent in the education of our students, it is a great opportunity for us to reinforce our lessons with the web. We will have the opportunity to say to our students, btween class meetings, "If you didn't understand my explanation, try this web site, they have a great visual of the science concept that I was talking about". I talk about science because that is what I teach, but I am sure that with all subjects, whether it be math, art, or music, being able to view the concept that is being discussed, even if the visual is exactly what was done in class, the reinforcement of being able to view the concept multiple times in a row and at ones own pace, can only serve to enhance any class lesson.
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5 comments:
I have thought a lot about how Educational Websites can meet the needs of individuals who have a visual learning style. Although these learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to understand the content of a lesson, I think that websites are a great way to help them while they are at home. They will be able to see the assignments, rather than having them in their memories from class. They will be able to see class schedules, calendars, and anything else that the teacher sees fit to add to the website. Visual learners learn best by seeing displays of things such as diagrams, illustrations, videos, and hand-outs. All of these things are very likely to show up on a website. Having a website at their fingertips can help them retain information that they learned in class much easier because they get it reinforced on their own time at home. I think that websites are really great for visual learners in your classes!
What do you think?
I personally am a visual learner, and definitely believe teacher created websites are beneficial to students learning. First and foremost, this will enhance homework. When students have had a long day of learning multiple subjects and multiple topics it’s often hard to remember every detail of the day. When they go to do their homework and see a problem or assignment they don’t understand or remember how to go about solving, they will now have the ability to look it up on the website. If they can simply see an example on the website it may help them to remember exactly how to solve a problem or possibly even reteach it to them themselves. I also agree with Caroline that for visual learners it is definitely helpful to see calendars and assignments in front of them. Websites are definitely complimentary to visual learners.
I did not take into account what you both have brought up, calenders, rubrics and other documents that will help the students to organize themselves better. I find that having a calender in front of me at all times really makes a difference in my organization, and my ability to not feel so stressed about the work I need to finish that I can work easier.
Great point
I was also thinking about graphic organizers on a teacher’s website. If a teacher posted a blank downloadable copy of all the graphic organizers used in class I believe it would be beneficial to students when completing work at home. This would not only help visual learners but an array of other learning styles such as spatial. Also in regards to a Web Quest, I think it can definitely be a great social tool. When I was growing up I was extremely shy and when I worked on a group project I would usually never say what I knew or what I wanted to say because I was too shy and would therefore let other people talk for me. In a Web Quest students have the ability to work on their own separate but related topics and then bring their ideas back to the group. This way each student has to talk because they have different subject matters to talk about. This type of social learning is very helpful to those students who lack in the social context of school.
I love the idea of a graphic organizer. I am one of the most unorganized people in the world, and having a day planner in the past few years has been my savior! I never thought to put one on the computer, but that would be great. I always have access to the computer, and if I am going somewhere that I won’t, I can print out a page or two. Kids would really benefit, and start at an early age to get themselves together!
I think that’s a great point about a shy child too. I am also shy, and being online really helps me get things across better. I am able to say what I want at all times, rather than shying away from speaking out in front of my peers! Good point!
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