Before analysing the learning advantages of the ICT (graphic organiser) I'd like to point out the following because I've only just figured this out and am now in a great debate as to the benefits / disadvantages of blogs versus wiki's!! Unlike wikis, blogs do not allow a user / viewer to access external programs so in effect what you see is what you get. Within the scope of a blog, graphic organisers such as Inspiration 8 are limited. However stagnant graphic organisers are beneficial to the visual, naturalist and logical learner as they can be manipulated to stress hierarchical patterns, commonalities and differences of information. A good range of examples and comparisons of graphic organisers can be found at http://www.graphic.org/goindex.html
Use of the Inspiration 8 program outside of a blog is appealing (in addition to the above) to the existential and kinesthetic learner. According to Petty, the interaction element - physically having to explore the page, open hyperlinks and expand the ideas by reading the 'post its' behind the main label all help the student internalise the information being presented.
Inspiration 8 allows the student to follow ideas / concepts at their own pace and in a way that makes the most sense to them. Vygotsky understood that people are greatly influenced by their environment therefore the learning of the digital native is reinforced through use of ICT. Hattie is quoted as saying "it is what students bring to the table that predicts achievement more than any other variable". It therefore makes sense to use ICT when teaching because it is a medium that the students are apt in and engage positively with. Potentially use of ICT could raise the level of achievement. Interpersonal and intrapersonal learning is therefore accommodated by use of this ICT.
The way this ICT is used effects is ability to be an effective learning tool. Where teachers readily display information on graphic organisers which are THEN used by students Bloom's Taxonomy is being implemented only to the point of knowledge, possibly comparison. When the student uses the graphic organiser to collate and link information in a way that personally make sense to them the application / analysis stage is being implemented.
References:
Blooms Taxonomy http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/researchskills/dalton.htm
Gardner Multiple Intelligences http://surfaquarium.com/MI/index.htm
Hattie, J. (2005). What is the Nature of Evidence That Makes a Difference to Learning? www.acer.edu.au/workshops/documents/HattieSlides.pdf
Petty, G. (2004) What the Learner does is more important than what the teacher does. www.geoffpetty.com/research.html
Vygotsky Social Development Thoery http://tip.psychology.org/vygotsky.html
Inspiration 8
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