Topic 12. Technology Across the Senses

Existentialist and visual/spatial best describe my learning style. If I can find a link between the "real world" and what I'm learning, I can figure things out. I love to see how seemingly unconnected ideas fit together and how I can apply what I'm learning to my own life. My preference for the big picture probably explains why I love teaching AP World History so much. The course is all about making connections and identifying patterns. When looking for the big picture, I usually need to "see" it. I love to make charts and annotate maps. If I'm going to remember something it must be written down.

Although I like to think I try to meet the needs of all intelligences in my teaching, I probably teach most to the Visual/Spatial and the Interpersonal. The Visual/Spatial is probably due to my own process at arriving at the "big picture." If I want students to understand the key theme of 600-1450 was exchange of ideas, the best way I "see" that concept is through a map. The Promethean Board and LCD also contribute to my reliance on Visual/Spatial approaches. While I don't particularly learn well through interpersonal communication, it seems many of my students do. The quest for the "big picture" also lends itself to class or group discussions. Furthermore, the visual/spatial approaches I employ can also be combined into a group activity.

The objective for the lesson is for students to feel confident in their ability to organize and write a compare and contrast essay.

Verbal/Linguistic	Use Word to write a practice essay E-mail a partner and explain how to organize the essay, edit writing
Logical/Mathematical	Use Google Docs to edit a sample essay Use Word to write own instructions for writing the essay
Visual/Spatial	Use Inspiration to outline essay Use Google Docs to view and edit sample essays
Bodily/Kinesthetic	Students use Promethean Board to put an outline in the proper order or edit samples Give students manipulative materials to use when creating outline
Musical/Rhythmic	Students use Promethean Board to put and outline in the proper order Students use Google Docs to find pattern of the sample essays (reverse outline)
Intrapersonal	Teacher provides writing samples on the Promethean Board and asks students to vote on whether they are acceptable using ActivExpressions Students use Word to edit their own work
Interpersonal	Use discussion board on Moodle for students to post sample outlines or essays and have others critique Students use Word and blog, e-mail, or discussion board to collaborate on an outline or sample essay
Naturalist	Use Inspiration to outline essay Create a blog or wiki with instructions and examples of quality writing
Existentialist	Students search the databases available through our school library to find comparative essays in the newspaper or in journals and create an outline of the structure Have students send drafts to a university professor or another AP teacher for evaluation