diverse learning:

I wouldn't describe myself as a visual, hands-on or auditory learner, in fact, I tend to learn more as a result of reading and writing than anything else. But will acknowledge that I also do have some areas of learning from tactile cues. I can get the plot of movies much more easily if there are subtitles, and often found videos and "how to's" more useless than manuals. However, the three learning styles of visual, hands-on, and auditory are not all there is. The more I learn about education, the more I realize this. What I like most about the internet is the wide variety of content available to all learners. Take the following examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbXzI-IAdSc http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Tie While most might say that they are "visual" learners because the tie video is easier to process, it is clear that some tasks are much simpler when we have a visual aid. Obviously, the visual aspect of the video might be easier than an auditory one, but it really does depend on the task. There are musicians who, I am sure, "play by ear" (and have fine-tuned auditory skills), who also would see the visual tie reference as much easier than to read or listen to a tape about tying a tie. What if the video were a 2 hour dialogue of how to build a house? Wouldn't they rather follow a written or tactile guide? And are visual learners able to memorize, based on visual aids, something that is more intensive? Some people learn more quickly from a GPS voice navigator than a visual interactive map, those people might also appreciate the tie video over the written content. And in general, a lecturer with slides on an overhead projector can cause even the most visual of learners to lose focus, though they stay focused and intrigued when reading entertaining books. Because the visual, listening, and tactile learning styles are dependent on the task, they really tell us nothing about how people learn in a variety of contexts--which is why I tend to value assessments (including personality assessments) that measure learning styles in a more concrete and researched way.

Educational Technology:

What is Educational Technology? This is what I hope to find out. I am actually posting this as an assignment for my very first class, which I missed because the 7:00pm-9:40pm one I hoped to take was canceled. I am a brand new graduate student. I may have a lot to offer in other subjects, but education is not one of them. A lot can happen in the course of several years, including a complete transition in ones educational path, and I admit I have a lot to learn. I've never been in a classroom as an educator, never worked directly with adolescent youth in a meaningful way, yet I hope that being a graduate student will allow me to excel in this area. I also use the internet daily. Internet is really my favorite invention, I think its far more useful than cable, phone, a microwave or even a stove sadly enough. I like that information and the entire world is only a click away. I also believe my vision has gotten substantially worse since it was created. Regardless of my love of internet, I know very little about technology, and hope to share what I've learned on this blog. I am looking forward to learning more about education and technology, and merging these fields together!