Visual Literacy

Visual literacy is the ability to evaluate, apply, or create conceptual visual representations.   Visual literacy helps children to learn to read — and to enjoy reading. Examples of visual texts include diagrams, maps, tables, time lines and storyboard.  The Visual Thinking Strategies method is an interactive way for students to feel comfortable about opening up and expressing their thoughts.  One visual-thinking strategy that I would like to use in my classroom is the writing variation or the Picture Description activity.  I would present an interesting picture for students to place in page in their notebook. The students write three to six sentences or questions about the picture and then share them. This allows the students to have a picture book with their own notes to remind them of what they are learning and thinking. My vision is to be able to use interactive blogs in the classroom and even be able to assign internet based projects as ways to evaluate and assess student progress.  I wish for my students to have the freedom to explore the limitless options and information offered by and through the Internet.

Technology and Differentiated Instruction Increases Student Learning

Using differentiated instruction, or a variety of instructional strategies, to teach curriculum is imperative in ensuring that the academic needs of all children are met. This flexibility is extremely important since curriculum is continuously modified as education goals are revised and student populations change. According to Instructional Strategies and Technology (Grand Canyon University, 2009), curriculum can be differentiated through content, process, or product.

Using various forms of technology is just one of the ways to differentiate instruction and achieve flexibility. Both teacher and student enjoy and finds fulfillment in the learning process when a variety of instructional tactics are integrated. Additionally, technology can offer a plethora of opportunities for learners to explore simulated activities that provide life-like experiences. Most importantly, the incorporation of technology not only enhances the educators teaching approach or process of transferring information (Morrow, 1995); it increases student motivation which in turn increases learning. This increase in learning can be measured or assessed by the student’s product in which students are active learners.

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/tech/imym/6/images/ict.gif

A Vision of K-12 Students Today