Assignment 9: Diagrams, Maps and Webs

I use visual learning tools all the time. Being a special educator, the use of visual information to augment textual information is a crucial part of my instruction. As in my previous blog entry illustrated, the use of pictures, clipart and video can lead to a wide variety of activities and learning opportunities. These opportunities almost always begin with other visual representations, such as a Venn diagrams, writing and math graphic organizers, and outlines. These diagrams would help my students make connections to their reading, using prior knowledge and existing schema.

My fourth graders get introduced to outlining with several diagrams. We begin in content areas, such as social studies. In reading, I use storyboards, idea maps, and concept webs. These help my students make much needed connections to their reading- connections to the world, connections to other material read and connections to their own lives. Students brainstorm ideas on a simple chart, then they may use a map or web to categorize their ideas or connect those ideas to other ideas. For example, I’ll use a story web of a literary text we are reading to make a connection to another web we had created in social studies. However, because of either program limitations or my own, we had to print hard copies of both and connected them on a poster board instead of on the computer.

In fact, until a few years ago, I hand drew these graphics, failing to use the technology that was right in front of me. Since then, I have created several templates that I use frequently. But I still feel there is more I can do with these technological tools. The trouble lies with using the software. I can find it very difficult to use. I usually used a simple drawing or paint program, and manipulating the tools could be very frustrating. Objects would be hard to change once drawn. Lines and arrows would disappear. Formatting text and graphics together would be very time consuming. Forget trying to teach my students how to make their own. If I was having difficulty, then there was no way I could teach it effectively.

That’s why I would like to get more experience using programs such as Kidspiration. It seems much more user friendly. I could use it to create the graphic templates I employ repeatedly. I could teach my students how to make their own graphic organizers. Using visuals in lessons is an integral part of my program, and I am always looking for ways to enhance or improve this part of my direct instruction. It also provides simple ways to accommodate or modify format and style based on my student’s particular needs.