Share with me my Reflections :): ICT as MindTool

ICT as MindTool

Visual Learning (1)

What is visual thinking and visual learning?

Visual thinking is a learning style where the learner better understands and retains information when ideas, words and concepts are associated with images. Research tells us that the majority of students in a regular classroom need to see information in order to learn it. Some common visual learning strategies include creating graphic organizers, diagramming, mind mapping, outlining and more.

How does visual learning help students?

Visual learning helps students clarify their thoughts

Students see how ideas are connected and realize how information can be grouped and organized. With visual learning, new concepts are more thoroughly and easily understood when they are linked to prior knowledge.

Visual learning helps students organize and analyze information

Students can use diagrams and plots to display large amounts of information in ways that are easy to understand and help reveal relationships and patterns.

Visual learning helps students integrate new knowledge

According to research, students better remember information when it is represented and learned both visually and verbally.

Visual learning helps students think critically

Linked verbal and visual information helps students make connections, understand relationships and recall related details.

Visual thinking and learning utilize graphical ways of working with ideas and presenting information. Research in both educational theory and cognitive psychology tells us that visual learning is among the very best methods for teaching students of all ages how to think and how to learn.

Graphic Organizers

A graphic organizer is a visual display that demonstrates relationships between facts, concepts or ideas. A graphic organizer guides the learner’s thinking as they fill in and build upon a visual map or diagram. They are also informally used as a term to describe all visual learning strategies such as concept mapping, webbing, mind mapping, and more. (2)

Types of Graphic Organizers

1. Mindtools

Mindtools are computer-based tools and learning environments that have been adapted or developed to function as intellectual partners with the learner in order to engage and facilitate critical thinking and higher order learning. These tools include (but are not necessarily limited to) databases, semantic networks (computer concept maps), spreadsheets , expert systems, systems modeling tools, microworlds, intentional information search engines, visualization tools, multimedia publishing tools, live conversation environments, and computer conferences.

Created by me for testing

Mindtools are cognitive amplification and reorganization tools. They amplify the learner’s thinking by transcending the limitations of the mind. Mechanical tools were developed to facilitate and amplify physical work. The wheel and the lever provided humans with an enormous mechanical advantage. The industrial revolution added artificial sources of power to extend that advantage and the amount of physical work that could be performed.

Mindtools are critical thinking devices. They do this by modeling—in their functions— critical thinking skills. The tools scaffold meaningful thinking; they engage learners and support them once they are engaged. Mindtools actively engage learners in creation of knowledge that reflects their comprehension and conception of the information rather than replicating the teacher’s presentation of information.

2. Concept Mapping:

What is concept mapping? Essentially, concept mapping is a structured process, focused on a topic or construct of interest, involving input from one or more participants, that produces an interpretable pictorial view (concept map) of their ideas and concepts and how these are interrelated. Concept mapping helps people to think more effectively as a group without losing their individuality. It helps groups to manage the complexity of their ideas without trivializing them or losing detail. (3)