Visual Learning through Technology MCTEC October 15, 2010 Kate Gavalier

What is Visual Learning? Visual learning is a teaching and learning style in which ideas, concepts, data and other information are associated with images and techniques. [

Graphic organizers thought webs thought diagrams idea maps concept maps mind maps

Why should we use these tools? Allows students to make concrete representations of abstract concepts “an external representation of semantic memory” “Combining visual and verbal modes for cognitive processing reduces the burdon (sic) on working memory, expanding the brain's ability for coping with complex cognitive task requirements.” [ Tergan, S. (2004). Concept maps for managing individual knowledge. Paper presented at the first international conference on concept mapping: Pamplona, Spain. Retrieved April 27, 2007 from: kmrc.de/workshops/sim2004/pdf_files/Tergan.pdf ] kmrc.de/workshops/sim2004/pdf_files/Tergan.pdf

These tools can be used in place of... Note taking Exploring cause and effect relationships or displaying a train of thought Outlining Prewriting strategies Brainstorm topics for writing Text comprehension: summarizing

Mind Mapping vs. Concept Mapping Mind maps – shows connections in a hierarchical manner Mind maps - Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing. Concept maps – show connections between concepts in more diverse patterns

Cost-based Software Inspiration Kidspiration SMART Ideas concept-mapping software

Free Web-Based Software Bubbl.us Webspiration Mappio Mind 42 States of Matter map Other Sites Wallwisher

Webspiration Username: mctec Password: mcctc access Username: mcesc Password: mcctc gmail Username: mcctc Password: mcctc live

Story Retelling The Three Pigs

Try It Out Alice in Wonderland Cinderella Little Red Riding Hood

Again Let’s try it out... Divide into three groups Each group will represent a different branch of government Determine three different functions of your branch Complete the concept map for your branch on Bubbl.usBubbl.us

Judicial Branch Username: judicial Password: mctec Legislative Branch Username: legislative Password: mctec Executive Branch Username: executive branch Password: mctec

Some ideas... In Mathematics: –Describe two-dimensional shapes using attributes (gr.1) –Use order of operations to simplify numerical expressions (gr. 5) –Describe and compare the characteristics of polynomials of any degree (gr.11) In Social Studies: –Branches of Government (gr. 4, 5, 8) –Comparing World Religions and belief systems (gr. 6) –Trace key Supreme Court decisions related to a provision of the Constitution ie. free speech (gr. 11)

More Ideas... In Science: –Use a simple design process to solve a problem (gr. 3) –Identify different forms of energy (gr. 7) –Trace the historical development of a biological theory or idea (gr. 12) In ELA: –Analyze a set of directions for proper sequencing (gr. 2) –Explain the defining characteristics of literary forms (gr. 7) –Use organizational strategies to plan writing (gr. 12)

Even more ideas?

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