After completing the the learning questionnaire it become apparent that I have a moderate preference for visual, reflective and sequential learning. I do agree with this evaluation as I like to be able to see and write what I am learning as opposed to having to draw a picture in my mind and just work from there. I also tend to learn easier if I can see the steps that go into a process. In regards to verbal and visual learning I am fairly balanced. I am not one who can read maps very well but once I have been somewhere I can picture it in my head by using landmarks and am then able to return at another time without referring to additional information (Felder & Solomon)
Learning experiences that work best with me include those that have have a beginning, middle and conclusion. I like experiments where I can see the cause and effect of a result which will then enable me to be able to write down what I have learnt. Additionally I also like to search the web to identify reasoning behind a particular outcome. I prefer to research valid information and rely on facts to back up any research I conduct.
As a teacher I would use a variety of the above steps as how I perceive a piece of information may be different to how someone else perceives it. This became apparent when I was trying to help my daughter do her maths homework this morning and realising my explaining was not sufficient and confused her even more. I managed to break it down into steps through written form and she started to understand slightly better however upon discussion with the teacher they have only just started learning hence why my daughter was so frustrated.
This exercise allowed me to understand that she may be a visual learner in sequential steps (Felder & Solomon)
To teach effectively a combination of visual, written, modelling, think, pair, share exercises as well as cloze would be a start in identifying the varying types of learning. This could be achieved by getting the children to discuss the topic, find out any prior knowledge, then progress into think, pair, share, followed by illustrating or writing their understanding of the topic. Children learn in so many different ways and I feel that you would need to identify what type of learning would support them in developing their knowledge and learning experience.I would discuss with the children the skills and strategies I would like them to learn and then continue to monitor this progress through evaluation techniques which would identify any strengths and weaknesses in my teaching and attaining of goals techniques (Winch et.al)
My understanding of ICT is that it is relevant in so many forms the technological wave has definitely taken over. The usage of i-pods, i-phones, i-pads, tablets anything technology related has definitely increased and shifted the amount of knowledge and is important for building that knowledge(Mostsman's et al) My 5yo has an i-pod and was using my i-phone from around the age of 2 this access to technology has enabled her to develop recognition of sounds, maths problems involving shapes, story telling and whatever other apps that are age related to her development.
However my concerns here are that as a teacher I would need to ensure that my teachings could be accessed using current and up to date software & hardware, that the children could easily access the Internet and back up plans were identified if connection was lost or De- activated for some reason and to be considerate of those students or may not have readily available access to digital technology (Johnson & Maddox). Furthermore the apps or digital usage would need to be age appropriate, relevant to the result as a teacher I am trying to achieve and easily manoeuvrable for the children (Mostmans et al).Additionally I think information gained from the web is not as intricate in detail unless your searching reputable databases so you would need to ensure that the information being accessed is relevant and able to be digested by the students once the technology has been switched off (Johnson & Maddox). I would achieve this by ensuring that the children could communicate to me what they learnt via other designs including modelling, building, creating with their hands/bodies then get them to conclude their information through written/verbal or/ visual arts (dance/music).
My profiling for lower school aged children would include questions on
1. Do you own/use an i-pad/i-pod/laptop device
2. Does anyone in your family own/ use a i-pod/i-pad/laptop device
3. Do you like searching for things on the Internet/books/outside environment
4. Do you like music/dance or drama
5. Do you like to write a story or read a story
6. Do you like to talk/play your story to others.
ICT support different learning styles as it offers visual, active, reflective and allow children experience in identifying different ideas, feelings and information to support their learning experience. ICT can develop and increase knowledge, provide access to other avenues of learning like music, arts,language, different cultures and possibly tap into cognitive areas that may not have been accessed. Different learning can create deeper thinkers and constant challenging of the brain can have a positive impact in increasing the knowledge base children have (Mostmans et al.).
