Learning Styles

Reflection 1:

After finally setting up my blog and looking at the activities involved online, I have come to the conclusion that I hate being introduced with new technology, yet, would prefer working on a computer over writing. Perhaps my learning style is considered more hands on; kinaesthetic learner rather than a visual or auditory learner. Which leads me on to answering the first question of the engagement activity: What is your learning style? What sorts of learning experiences would suit you best with you learning style?

I guess I have already answered this question but to extend it a little more, (which I’m sure you are all so intrigued to know) my preferred learning style is where I learn more effectively when given a task but shown first then do it myself. The information is taken in a lot more as opposed to given instructions and sent away to fend for myself. Therefore, the point I am making is that for me, something that is more visually appealing or require hands on activity appear most effective within a learning environment. In addition to this, I agree that ICT’s should be implemented into classrooms these days to ensure that those learners that find it difficult to learn by listening to teachers talk for a whole hour. In fact, ICT’s engage learning styles of more than just the visual learner; it captures many aspects of different learning styles. For example, by using a smart board or interactive white board within the classroom, you can include pictures, graphs, videos, audio, step by step instructions which can facilitate the needs of all learners by using one teaching method.

After reading Prensky’s article ‘Engage me or Enrage me’, it has become evident that by including the use of ICT’s within the classroom, the students will become entitled to learn because it will be of their own way- something that is more familiar to them.  In the article, Prensky states, “Life for today’s kids may be a lot of things- including stressful- but it’s certainly not unengaging. Except in schools.”  It is our duty, as upcoming teachers to essentially prepare and provide students with something that interests them. “If we educators don’t start coming up with some damned good curricula game play for our students- and soon- they’ll all come to school wearing the T-shirt I saw in New York City: “It’s Not ADD- I’m Just Not Listening!”” (Prensky, 2005).