Students who are visual learners need some form of visual when learning new or current material. This type of learner will need pictures, visual cues, symbols, and less text. It is important to remember that not all visual learners will learn the same and use the same visual aids. Some students will need different types of visual aids and cues to learn and absorb the material. What works for one student might not work for another student who is a visual learner. Another thing for teachers to remember is when working with visual learners, you must always plan ahead and have every lesson prepared for these types of learners. A teacher may ask the whole class to take notes on the lecture, where as a visual learner may be given a graphic organizer to fill out with picture cues that go along with the lecture. Teachers need to ensure that they are planning for all types of learners in their classroom.
When using technology for visual learners, it is important to remember that technology might not be easily accessible that day or it may not work the way you want it to. Teachers should ensure that they have the activity also in print form for the students just in case. Also, when using technology students should recognize what types of programs and tools work best for them. This can include; using outlines, graphic organizers, pictures only and pictures with text. Think about the way each student learns and be prepared to teach to that. The technology and visual aids should only supplement the lesson not be the entire lesson. A way to use technology for visual learners can include; using inspiration software, web 2.0 tools, and other online resources such a board maker studio. Inspiration software allows teachers and students to create graphic organizers and picture webs to enhance the student's learning and allow support. Web 2.0 tools offer many sites and programs that will allow students to learn in their own way and at a pace that is comfortable to them. These tools will give students who are visual learners the help they need to be successful in the classroom. Lastly, board maker studio is a program that allows teachers to create visual picture cues, with or without words. These cues can be turned into stories or teaching aids when presenting a new topic. I have had personal experience with this program and I think it is a great tool for visual learners in the classroom.
Visual learners give teachers the opportunity to explore all the web based tools and see what is out there to supplement student learning. There are so many free tools and software that is available to students and teachers. These learners will learn to use the programs that are available to them and to become more independent and confident in there learning in the classroom.
I really liked what you had to say about visual learners. Visual teaching methods have become a big focus with me as I am starting my teaching career. I've found visual aids can be universal and transverse all types of learners. I can relate whole heartedly to keeping in mind technology might not be easily accessible that day or it may not work the way you want it to. I have had many days where I swear technology is against me and doesn't want the world to learn. Teachers I feel rely so much on everything working the way it is supposed to that many forget to have back up plans and first hand I can say that it really puts a kink into the classroom routine.
ReplyDeleteAlso I just checked out Boardmaker Studio as I never heard of that one. It seemed geared towards elementary level teachers but I definitely liked from what I read the ease of use. Some programs try to get way too complex and they loose the point of what they are there for, to make our lives easier.