Chapter 9: Visualizing with Technology

After reading this chapter on visualizing with technology, I have ideas of how to incorporate these components into my classroom. I agree that it is important to use visual aids to represent ideas and share those ideas with others. This is especially important in the classroom because many students learn by interpreting and expressing concepts/ideas visually. From reading the chapter, I learned that there are five kinds of visualization tools. I think all five tools can be used with students to enhance learning especially in math and science.

One way that visual tools can be used in the classroom is to represent scientific concepts such as chemistry molecules. When using programs such as eChem or Molecular Workbench, students can see the form of the molecules, test different bonds, and create new molecules. After visualizing and gaining a better understanding of molecules, students can discuss the models and what they have learned with their peers. Geography is another area of the curriculum that can be enhanced with visual aid tools. Geographic information systems can be used for students to store data, retrieve information, and manipulate data. I think tools such as Find a Map!, Handmap, Sketchup, Google Earth, and Google Maps are all examples of programs that I would use with my future students. These visual aids engage students and allow students to interact with maps/geography in multiple ways.

Mathematics is another area of the curriculum that technological visual aids can be used to enhance learning and instruction. I agree with the chapter that using visual aids is an important strategy for understanding abstract mathematical concepts. With these visual aids, students can see problems and mathematical relationships that help learners’ gain conceptual understanding. Programs including Mathematica, MathLab, and Statistical Analysis System are visual tools that I would be more likely to use with older students because they seem too complex for elementary aged students. One visual aid that I think is very useful especially at the high school and college level is the graphing calculator. I used graphing calculators throughout my education and they helped me to better understand concepts, check my work, and create graphs. I think graphing calculators are most effective in helping students to make connections between symbolic, numeric, and graphic representations of numbers and equations. Also, I think visual aids are also important for students to develop a better understanding of data sets and analysis. With programs such as TableTop, students can see different patterns and clusters of statistical data. They can learn how to interpret and analyze the data presented in the visual aid. Another visual aid I would possibly use in the classroom is Geometric Supposer. This program facilitates the learning of geometry by having students construct and manipulate geometric objects. Students can also explore the relationships among those objects.
One component of visualizing with technology that is fairly recent and expanding is the use of digital cameras and cell phones. Since both of these technologies are used often and most students are familiar with them, I think they would be a great resource for students to use in the classroom. Also, as a teacher, these visual aids can be used to enhance instruction. With digital cameras and cell phones, students are able to download, print, and manipulate images. These images can be used for class projects or to gain understanding of a particular concept/idea. One type of project in which students can use a digital camera is to complete a digital documentary on local issues. Students could also use cameras or cell phones to learn about a foreign language.

Visualizing with video is one type of technology that I specifically remember using in elementary school. In 4th grade, my teacher had students complete an extensive project on hurricanes. Students worked in groups of 4 and we had to create a video that included information about hurricanes and it had to be creative. I think by incorporating the video into our project, we were more engaged and excited about the project and therefore learned more. Videos are also a great way for sharing ideas and concepts with one another. For viewing videos, the website YouTube is a great resource for students but student use should constantly be monitored in the classroom. Another great way for students to learn is by visualizing through digital storytelling. Digital storytelling allows students create stories by planning and making a storyboard. By doing this, they gain a greater understanding of the basic elements of a story including plot, climax, conflict, resolution, and characters. Students can also collaborate and work as a team to create digital stories and then critique one another.

Finally, visual aids can be used in the classroom for video modeling and feedback. Video modeling can be used to show students the correct performance and mental process required for the performance. Feedback can also be given to students by tape recording students and allowing them to watch themselves and critique their performance. Video can be used to engage constructive learning. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this chapter because I think the information is practical for use in the classroom. As a future teacher, I will probably use many of the visual aids mentioned to enhance student learning and understanding in various subject areas.