VISUALIZING WITH TECHNOLOGY

Visualizing with technologies is a way for those of us who are not particularly gifted with artistic talents to use computerized programs to illustrate and explain complex ideas or concepts. Programs such as Sketchcast, TinkerPlots, GIS, and Fathom can be used to create short films or complex illustrations of concepts, and there are multiple ‘draw and paint’ applications that can be used to create and modify pictures. The visual aids produced by such programs cover a wide variety of subjects and grade levels, and they can help students to more easily comprehend both basic and complex ideas by using a multi-sensory approach. Teachers can develop their own material, or access the work of their peers or professionals through a wide network of sources for educational materials. Videos can take students to see places they have never been, and enable them to hear from people they have never met. Tools such as hand-held graphic calculators allow students to input mathematical material and watch a visual representation of how the often confusing formulas and equations affect the problem. The visualizations of the problem is an effective way for the student to see the effects of their actions, and determine whether or not they are on the right track. Technology has led to the production of a lot of electronic devices and applications that are not necessarily beneficial for learning overall; however, visualizing with technology is a valuable educational tool for both teachers and students alike.

Visualizing with technologies has impacted the learning process in many ways. Up to now, students attempting to learn about the often abstract concepts involved in algebra, geometry, and the gamut of scientific courses, including chemistry and biology, were essentially at the mercy of their instructor’s ability to verbally explain the principles involved, and perhaps awkwardly attempt to demonstrate the material two-dimensionally via chalkboard. With visual technology, instructors are now able to create or obtain multi-dimensional, layered explanations of essentially anything. Complex ideas can be broken down step-by-step to facilitate greater understanding of the basic concepts, providing for more complete comprehension of the subject matter. Students who may need further clarification can also make use of visual technology by accessing further, more in-depth explanations of virtually any concept through on-line platforms such as You Tube, where instructional videos are easily accessed by the public. Visualizing with technologies has made both the teacher’s job of explaining, and the student’s job of researching and comprehending, easier and more effective overall.

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