Multiple Intelligences and Technology
Schools and parents know the importance of technology in education. Teachers in schools and parents in homes use computers to enhance their children’s education and to develop important computer skills. But we must consider if the technology meets the needs of different learning styles?
Technology does meet the needs of various learning styles.
The multiple intelligences can be enhanced with the use of technology. Following Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence, teachers can encourage development by providing enrichment opportunities in each of the areas of the intellect.
Integrating Technology in Multiple Intelligences:
Linguistic: Use of word processing programs can help teach language, writing, editing, and rewriting skills. Also the Internet is an invaluable tool in learning. Through e-mail children can improve their language skills as well.
Other applications children may benefit from are:
- Word processors with voice annotations.
- Desktop publishing programs.
- Programs that allow children to create stories, poems, essays, etc.
- Multimedia authoring.
- Videodiscs to create presentations.
- Using tape recorders.
Logical-Mathematical: Computer programs that teach logic and critical thinking skills. These are also in game formats that could motivate children. Math programs that allows drilling and practicing. Database programs that help explore and organize data and information.
Other applications children may benefit from:
- Problem solving software
- Computer Aided design programs
- Strategy game software
- Graphing calculators
- Multimedia authoring programs
- Spreadsheet programs
Visual/Spatial: Graphics programs that help develop creativity and visual skills. Also browsing the Internet, organizing files, folders will develop some spatial understanding.
Other applications children may benefit from are:
- Draw programs (CorelDraw)
- Image composing programs (image composer)
- Paint programs (Photopaint, Microsoft paint)
- Reading programs with visual clues
- Web page programs
- 3D software
- Software games
- Spreadsheet programs which allow children to see charts, maps or diagrams
- Multimedia authoring programs
Musical: programs that help write or play music.
- Music composing software
- Videodisc player
- Programs integrating stories with songs and instruments
- Reading programs which relate letter/sound with music
- Programs which allow children to create their own music
- CD-ROMs about music and instruments
- Audio CDs
- Tape recorders
- Word processors (to write about a movie or song)
Bodily-Kinesthetic: Using computers will help develop hand-eye coordination. Working with a computer will allow children to become involved in their learning, actively.
Other applications children may benefit from are:
- Software games that allow contact with the keyboard, mouse, joystick and other devices.
- Programs that allow children to move objects around the screen.
- Word processing programs
- Animation programs
Interpersonal: Students can work in groups of two to four on the computers. Working in groups will strengthen children’s communication and cooperation skills.
Applications children may benefit from are:
- Computer games which requires two or more persons
- Programs that allow to create group presentations (PowerPoint)
- Telecommunication programs
- E-mail
- Distance education
- Chat to discuss ideas
- Help others with any programs
Intrapersonal: The computer can help children build up individual skills. It allows for differences in children’s learning styles and abilities. Children may work on their own pace with computers.
Applications children may benefit from are:
- Any programs which allow children to work independently.
- Games involving only one person.
- Brainstorming or problem solving software.
- Instructional games
- Word processors for journaling and recording feelings
- Developing multimedia portfolio
- Video editing (Adobe Premier)
We all learn in different ways. Educators need to try to meet the needs of all children by providing a variety of lessons using various teaching methods. When integrating technology in lessons, teachers have to make sure to remember the needs of all the learners and use various methods and techniques. Using software can develop the potential of all children.
