Activity One

1. What is your learning style? What sorts of learning experiences would suit you best with your learning style?
 
The results for my learning style showed that I am balanced for Active and Reflective as well as Sequential and Global learning, receiving a one for active and one for global. I received an 11 for sensing and a 5 for verbal learning. 

As a highly sensor learner, a practical understanding of knowledge based upon traditional methods of learning with an emphasis on 'real world' application is essential to my success. I require knowing the 'big picture', before undergoing deeper exploration of topics in order to understand the subject matter and its relationships to others. I lean towards a verbal style of leaning, traditionally named auditory, and find the written and spoken word an ideal delivery system for retaining knowledge. I work well in social interaction and discussions, including 'hands on' work, whilst also requiring time for private reflection. In short and in my own words; a practical 'doer' of logical and fact based learning, holistic in her approach to understandings, that ideally would be delivered through verbal means. (Richard Felder quiz, Learning Styles and Strategies)

2. In a traditional classroom of 25 students, how would you support the range of learning styles each lesson? 

To cater for all the student learning needs, I would adopt a teaching style that considered all possible combinations of leaning styles. That is, use various methods to deliver the information to avoid boredom or ‘losing’ a child. That is, activities that used group and individual learning, teaching through illustration, written and spoken forms, allowed time for hands on experiments/movements whilst introducing concepts and ideas. Also providing facts and figures and putting this knowledge in context to the child’s frame of reference.

3. With your current knowledge of ICT, how could your design and pedagogy support your learners?

My current knowledge of ICT’s is basic at best, so the types of resources I would use would include computers in the classroom, using educational programs, either from Queensland Education or sourced on my own, to aid in delivering information. A basic knowledge of how to use the world wide web would come into play, as well as learning to navigate around everyday sites like Youtube, and Google, and programs such as Windows or the Mac equivalent. I have an interest in IWB’s, despite my inexperience, and perhaps other digital devices such as cameras, iPods, mobile phones, including digital hardware to service those with a learning or physical disability.

4. What sorts of profiling questions would you be asking about your learners to ensure you cater for everyone’s preferences?


· Do they like to draw pictures or write a story?
· Do they like to work in a group or on their own?
· Do you prefer learning concepts or facts?
· Do you remember what you have seen or heard?
· Do you like using digital devices in class?
· Do you like to watch the class or participate in class?

5. How does ICT support differences in learning styles?

ICT’s provide a platform for many differing teaching methods to be employed simultaneously to a class. As digital devices appeal to the visual and verbal learners, because of their very nature, this would ensure that the basics of a theme or topic could potentially be understood by the whole class, as opposed to traditional teaching methods of the past i.e. chalk and talk. They are engaging and keep the class stimulated and open to learning. That is, they are interactive, encouraging students to actively participate, rather than rote learning. The different mediums of ICT’s would appeal to a broad range of students, giving all an opportunity explore and learn. Additional to this, students with a disability need not be excluded. Their special needs can addressed using new innovations in computer hardware. Thus children with conditions affecting their fine motor skills, hearing and visual impairment, may use specialise technologies to support their learning.

More Questions

Do you agree with children using iphones and Nintendo’s DS in class? Will this widen the disparities between ‘have’ and ‘have not’ families?
Should schools use interactive computer consoles in class to increase a child’s physical activity?
ICT’s for learning design: wither the role of the teacher?