Thing 20 - Visual Learning

1. Below is a visual example of a computer programming flowchart which was created in Gliffy.












2. Below is a screenshot of a Word Cloud created in Tagxedo.



















3. Visual diagrams and graphic organizers are very useful in education. As research suggests, non-linguistic representation is a key to student learning. Tools like Bubbl.us and Gliffy are great for producing your own graphic organizers. These visuals can be effective tools for presenting information to students. Also, having students create their own graphic representations can be a great way to have students learn a concept or understand a process. Through the creation of their own visual representation students often have to sythesize the information and deduce the proper way to show the topic of study, thus learning in the process.

Tools like Wordle and Tagxedo are also interesting tools. By entering words into the tool, the user can then visualize either those same words or similar words in a "word cloud" on the screen. These tools allow students to manipulate the look of the processed data in several ways. For example, Wordle allows the user to study word origins by eliminating words of a chosen origin from the screen. Tagxedo allows users to build word clouds in the shape of chosen objects or designs. I believe that both of these programs can be used in the study of words and language. Additionally, they can both be used as an expression of art or information as well. For example, I have seen students that have used word clouds as a backdrop for a student broadcast. As you can see, both Wordle and Tagxedo have a wide range of fun and potentially educational uses.