Week 5_2. Visual Learning
The most valuable thing I learned in this week’s lesson was the Screencast-O-Matic.com tool. I truly cannot wait to use this is some of my presentations this semester as well as in my freshman Learning Group.
I envision myself using Screencast-O-Matic.com and making videos demonstrating how to find a tutor online, how to use D2L, etc. I think it’s a great way to school freshman how to use new tools and software they have never use before in college. For example, I can record a whole demonstration on D2L and play it in a presentation for my Freshman Learning Group. I can also add Screencast-O-Matic media videos to my “Advising Toolbox” to demonstrate how to use D2L, TitanWeb, TitanJobs, TitanMail, and any other software a student on UWO’s campus might use.
I think visual learning has a great and significant impact on society’s learning. I think you can lecture and discuss and problem solve and read the material all your want, but many people really need two components of instruction in order to absorb the material: visual and verbal. If an instructor can’t “show” a student how to use a tool, it becomes very difficult for them to remember the steps when they are only verbally told to do something. When the steps are written word for word, it helps to go back and follow along the pathway to completion, but sometimes students can get confused or lost when trying to flip back and forth between the written instructions and the activity they must complete.
Overall, while this lesson was hectic, overwhelming, confusing, and stressful, I really see the values in the tools we used and I have many new ideas on how to use them for class presentations as well as in my work organization.
Considering students individual learning styles is so important. While visual learning tools may be a huge help to some students, we also need to respect that other students simply learn differently. That being said, I think visual learning tools can be a great supplement to more traditional methods. They may really excite and empower students to take charge of their learning. And using current technology in the classroom is just good practice. It helps us connect and stay current with students.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment Sam! You speak so eloquently! I wish I felt as secure in my analysis of these technology tools as you do.
ReplyDeleteI like your comments on visual learning being so important today. I think it is important that we recognize and understand that all students learn differently and we as educators need to be willing and able to accommodate those learning differences. I too was impressed with some of the visual learning tools we used this week.
ReplyDelete