4) Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence is much too limited and he proposes a much broader range in human learning with 8 different intelligences. Do you think that learning resources such as computers support students with different learning needs and intelligences?

 

I think anything that allows students to collaborate, learn from others, present information in new ways will support multiple intelligences. It isn't computers so much but the learning activity that determines this. By plunking a kid down to type out a story in Word, you are not really engaging in other intelligences.

Certainly using things like podcasts and Movie Maker and many of the collaborative Web 2.0 tools can support the multiple intelligences of learners. Many activities without the use of computers can also address MI, so I would consider it important to question if the computer is allowing the student to do something they couldn't do without it. (Elizabeth)

I agree Elizabeth, many of the web 2.0 tools cater to different "types" of learners. Many of the software in schools now is very interactive, which is very helpful even to students with major learning disabilities. Visual learners would likely benefit from this software as well. I also agree that it is important when deciding on an implementation as major as this one (ie;laptops for every student) to consider whether the results were becasue of the implementation, or just a benefit of them that could be achieved in other (less expensive) ways. -Jean

I also agree with Elizabeth and Jean- computers allow teachers to offer the information in a different way- that was not always an option in the past. It is a cost-effective way to provide students with hands on activities and to reach them in a variety of ways. The interaction between student and software is very beneficial. (Katie)

I think that computers can support students with different learning needs and intelligences. The flexibility and choices of Web 2.0 tools, enables students with different learning styles to effectively demonstrate their learnings. Today at work, we viewed a video about some AISI Assessment projects in the CBE. A high school student was interviewed who had done a research project. The results were to be shared on the computer. She spoke about how her learning was so much deeper because she didn't type out the final product, rather she chose podcasting. The look of amazement and satisfaction on her face said it all! She was able to better express her learning through the flexibility of an audio tool than through the use of word processing. She had choices and her needs were met!(Cindy)

Our staff had a presentation on MI this past fall. As a part of the presentation, we were treated to an audio report that a student had made, posing as a book's character being interviewed by a "professional broadcaster" (the student's dad) - it was FABULOUS! The teacher who presented our inservice obviously thought so, too, and she described the student's incredible self-satisfacion with the project - heightened all the more because he had learning difficulties! (Linda)

Great example Cindy. Computers are one tool (with many web 2.0 tools) to support students with different learning needs and intelligences. Classes should offer a full spectrum of learning tools, styles and opportunities (drama, physical activity, computers, music etc.) to meet the needs of all students. Computers are the tool but in order to best benefit they must be used to their advantage and strengths.(Val)

When I did my podcasting assignment I did realize how beneficial it would be to students with different learning styles. I also realized, as Cindy suggests, that by not typing out the project I focused much more on the material. I know that may sound strange, however sometimes when I am writing papers I organize the information according to how I gather it. papers are so formal that you can't insert a lugh, or a sigh, or a look. I think podcatsing and webcams would be great tools for authentic assesment!-Jean

Absolutely! Our exploration of web 2.0 tools touches on the whole range of learning needs and intelligences - whether the visual, auditory or kinestetic to name only a few. What is key is that it is student centred and allows us to do something that we couldn't do before, something that is critical and meaningful and relevant to the lives of students rather than drill and kill. arlene

There is quite a lot of potential here if the computer is used with some clear planning and awareness of the student. There is some genuinely wonderful software available in the area of music and composition. The same goes for the areas of language and logic/math. One can imagine tapping into spatial and naturalist intelligence to some degree. To do some of these things well requires the time to explore resources or some good teacher support and collaboration. (John)

Yes John! I have seen this software that uses musical enhancement to help students with visual and hearing disabilities.  It is amzing and very beneficial to the students I have seen who have worked with it.  I also agree that it will take time to explore these resources...and I think these software developers should push their products forward and teach us about them. Who better to teach it then someone who helped in its development.  Ummm...I am sure these folks are a little busy, but maybe a bit of time spent in  good old fashioneddoor-to-door sales is needed.  I know that once I was introduced to the software I was the biggest supporter.  I think this would definitely happen if others were made aware of the limitless boundaries of the software out there and how it is beneficial to a multitude of intelligences.-Jean