Schrand, T. (Spring 2008). Tapping into Active Learning and Multiple Intelligences with Interactive Multimedia: A Low-Threshold Classroom Approach. College Teaching, 56(2), 78-84. doi: 10.3200/CTCH.56.2.78-84.
Students have a wide variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences. A student will benefit from instruction that is responsive and considerate to his or her learning style. Schrand speaks to using animation and multimedia presentations to enhance the learning experience for students in Twenty-First Century classrooms. He proposes that by using simple multimedia technology it will greatly enhance the learning experience of students and possible better their chances of success in a world where Twenty-First Century skills are a necessity.McCoog, I. (September/October 2007). Integrated Instruction: Multiple Intelligences and Technology. Retrieved from ERIC database.
Educators have the responsibility of selecting and implementing activities and strategies that help students succeed. Howard Garner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences has permeated education since the conception of the idea over 20 years ago. While the media and technology has changed in the classroom so have the students in those classrooms. Twenty-first century skills are necessary skills for students to have in the workforce. It is the educator’s role to tap into student’s multiple intelligences to teach these necessary Twenty-First Century skills such as technology literacy, etiquette, communication, and ethnics.
Cavanaugh, Sean. (2009) Technology Links Students to Fieldwork. Education Week, 29(5), 1, 14. Retrieved from Education Full Text database.
Students who have a hands-on and visual learners have a difficulty understanding concepts that are not concrete and cannot be seen. Students need to create a personal and meaningful connection with the concepts learned within the confines of a classroom. Cavanaugh writes of a new way to use technology medias such as web pages, blogs, and even voice-over-internet-protocol to connect students with scientists on location. The idea of connecting students with scientists on location have helped students make the leap from abstract thoughts to concrete thoughts about scientists, the role of the scientists, and the idea of field work in the scientific world. While Cavanaugh writes of the uses of the technology medias in the scientific realm, the idea of using the medias to connect students to professionals in a field can be transferred to any content area.
Ward-Crixell, Kit. (2009) Games Have Stories to Tell. School Library Journal, 55(6), 28. Retrieved from Educational Full Text database.
Can video games be used for classroom instruction? Ward-Crixell proposed that certain video games such as role playing games (RPG) can be used as another media for teaching reading and writing. Ward-Crixell cites that certain games such as Half-Life and Wizard 101 have elaborate plot lines that include quests where players can choose their own path. The RPGs give students the autonomy to play the game according to their wishes but while doing so have the opportunity to be instructed. The games would provide a motivation and visual aspect to reading. The idea of incorporating RPGs into the instruction seems a little far-fetched at this moment in education, but the concept of using the new educational media would seem to make sense for teachers who have visual, kinesthetic, and even aural learners within the classroom.
Ohler ,Jason. (2009). New-Media Literacies. The Educational Digest, 75(3) 31, 6. Retrieved from Educational Full Text database.
Ohler explains the necessity for educators to teach new media technology literacy in authentic environment. Many ideas of given to educators of how to incorporate activities to teach literacy of the new media. The article proposes by instructing students in the use of the new media and technology available, students will become literate and possess the Twenty-First Century Skills needed of persons entering the workforce today and in the future.