Visual learning is one of the three sensory learning methods that can be applied to an instructional plan, along with auditory and kinesthetic. Visual learning is a modality of learning and relates to the one elemental way in which an individual can gain information from their environment. The visual cortex of the brain is larger than all of the other sensory cortexes of the brain put together. The eye is the most robust organ and absorbs seventy percent of the brains sensory reception. In one blink of an eye millions of light signals are transported through the optic nerves to the visual processing centers of the brain. Secondly, students have grown up in a media based culture.
According to Tapscott the author of Growing Up Digital states that the Net Generation have learned to read images through digital immersion and have increased their ability to speed up their visual reflexes through gaming.(p.106)
This is only one of the reasons why the use of visual images needs to be a large part of the teaching practice. One solution in keeping a student's highly engaged in learning process would be to introduce them to digital learning tools that are designed for visual experiences. These digital learning tools could include thinking pictures, interactive notebooks, guided imagery, and visual organizers. In the following section you will be exposed to a few of these digital tools as they are related to iApps that support visual learning.
Mind Mapping
Students are constantly faced with taking classroom notes by writing them down line by line. Unfortunately the brains visual system does not accommodate or store information in neat horizontal lines.
According to British research psychologist, Tony Buzan, the brain's visual system transfers signals to the brain and stores the information by forming branch like connections.
These information forming webs are referred to as dendrites and look like branches on a tree. Dendrite formations in the brain are primarily responsible for stores of information and as a result, form patterns from visual associations. These patterns, formed through visual images, are the primary source for the formation of mental imprints that are directly associated with memory retention.
So why do we constantly have students take notes in horizontal form when their memory system is built for visual interpretation made out in branches? Instead of having students take notes by writing them down have them use a mind map. The use of mind maps can support skill development by outlining content with related pictures, highlighted with colorful connections and symbolized with patterns of associations. Mind maps that have been developed for iPad could be one way to show students how to learn visually through context association. In this section of visual learning a synopsis of the different types of mind map applications made for I pad will be reviewed as to their usefulness in helping students retain and organize visual information.
So why do we constantly have students take notes in horizontal form when their memory system is built for visual interpretation made out in branches? Instead of having students take notes by writing them down have them use a mind map. The use of mind maps can support skill development by outlining content with related pictures, highlighted with colorful connections and symbolized with patterns of associations. Mind maps that have been developed for iPad could be one way to show students how to learn visually through context association. In this section of visual learning a synopsis of the different types of mind map applications made for I pad will be reviewed as to their usefulness in helping students retain and organize visual information.
Recommended Instructional Techniques
Teachers should use scaffolding instructional techniques at the onset of concept development when using the mind Mapping applications. Scaffolding is a instructional technique that breaks down a complex task into easier, more "doable" steps. Demonstrating the scaffolding process through the uses mind mapping applications at the onset of concept development will set the expectations for the map design. This will also give students time to sort through the depth of knowledge needed to make branch like connections to the main theme of the lesson.
Resources in Graphic Organizers
Help students classify ideas and communicate more effectively. Use graphic organizers to structure writing projects, help students in problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming. Select a Graphic Organizer from Education Place
At Education Oasis you will find 58 graphic organizers. They are PDFs. You will need an Adobe Reader to view and print them.
Teacher Vision offers a collection of ready-to-use graphic organizers that are designed to help students classify ideas and communicate more effectively. All of Teacher Visions free, printable graphic organizers are designed to facilitate understanding of key concepts by allowing students to visually identify key points and ideas. By using graphic organizers across all subject areas, teachers can empower students to master subject-matter faster and more efficiently. They have graphic organizers for reading, science, writing, math, and for general use.
The best source for finding graphic organizer links can be found at, Graphic Organizer Links. At Graphic Organizer links you can many other teaching resource tools such as, lesson plans, thematic units, and technology resources.
At Education Oasis you will find 58 graphic organizers. They are PDFs. You will need an Adobe Reader to view and print them.
Teacher Vision offers a collection of ready-to-use graphic organizers that are designed to help students classify ideas and communicate more effectively. All of Teacher Visions free, printable graphic organizers are designed to facilitate understanding of key concepts by allowing students to visually identify key points and ideas. By using graphic organizers across all subject areas, teachers can empower students to master subject-matter faster and more efficiently. They have graphic organizers for reading, science, writing, math, and for general use.
The best source for finding graphic organizer links can be found at, Graphic Organizer Links. At Graphic Organizer links you can many other teaching resource tools such as, lesson plans, thematic units, and technology resources.
Use MindMeister to easily create, view and edit conceptual mind maps, then share them with friends and colleagues online. Automatic synchronization with the MindMeister.com service allows you to continue working on your ideas in our award-winning and full-featured web interface, on your own or together with your friends. MindMeister is the leading online mind mapping and collaboration platform that runs inside your web browser and on mobile devices. By using mind maps students can present topic, that will engaging students into visual thinking skills, as well as providing them with a permanent archive of a presentation. Besides taking notes, students spend time on collaborative projects while compiling thoughts for a thesis statement or structuring a topic for further study. Cost: Free ITunes Preview | |
Popplet is a platform for your ideas. Popplet's super simple interface allows you to move at the speed of your thoughts. With Popplet you can capture your ideas, sort them visually, and collaborate with others in realtime. Quickly and easily! Popplet was constructed for the purpose of collecting and curetting ideas into a visual space where relationships to ideas can be formed or generated. The application provides a container called a Popple. The popple container is designed to hold various media related images such as photos, drawings and text to help the learner or idea creator make visual associations with a concept through objects. This application fits the criteria as a high engaging learning tool and can be easily integrated into the classroom for daily use. It is recommended that students first use their note pad and then simulate the mind map Popplet as a reinforcement in tying together multiple concepts. Cost: $4.99 iTunes Preview | |
Idea Sketch provides students an easy way to draw a diagram - mind map, concept map, or flow chart - and convert it to a text outline, and vice versa. Students can use Idea Sketch for anything, such as brainstorming new ideas, illustrating concepts, making lists and outlines, planning presentations, creating organizational charts, and more! The easy to use application allows for copying text from another app, such as an email, document, or web page, and import it into Idea Sketch to create an idea that can be viewed as both a diagram and outline. Diagrams and outlines can be shared by email or Box.com and copied directly into other apps. Diagrams can also be saved to the Photos app (to sync to desktop) or uploaded to Facebook. Cost: Free iTunes Preview | |
Total Recall is the simple and elegant solution to mind mapping on the iPad. You will instantly create beautiful mind maps and share them with colleagues and friends. There is an email feature, which is perfect for teachers to email a lesson summary or for students to share their ideas with each. Teachers and students can use the features of Total Recall on an Air Server or interactive whiteboard to demonstrate related concepts.
Cost: Free
iTunes Preview
Cost: Free
iTunes Preview