Cognitive and Learning Styles

I took a cognitive style inventory at www.humanmetrics.com and a learning style inventory at www.learning-styles.online.com. Both tests provided similar results that I found to be accurate.

The result of my Meyers-Brigg test provided me with the type of INFJ which stands for Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. The INFJ is someone who prefers to work alone, as opposed to participating in group projects. INFJs do not use solid facts to make decisions, but rather on perception of the possibilities and feelings. This personality type is highly perceptive and able to gauge the intentions of others. The INFJ likes their life organized and planned out, and is not often prone to spontaneity.

The description of the INFJ characterizes me very well. I like order and routine, need solitude on a daily basis to recharge myself, find myself extremely empathetic, and able to perceive others’ feelings even at a glance.

My methods of learning from the most effective to least effective are as follows: Solitary, Aural and Verbal (tie), Physical, Visual, Social and Logical (tie). Aural and Verbal learners benefit from hearing the material, reading aloud, or even making jingles to remember the material.

The Learning styles test is an accurate description of my preferred learning methods. I greatly benefit from hearing the material from a teacher or audio recording as opposed to reading directly from a textbook. I enjoy working on my own as opposed to in a group setting.

This was a fun exercise to learn more about myself and my preferred methods of learning. Both tests were straight-forward and presented me with factual results.

Educational Technology in the Classroom

As part of an assignment for my class in computer educational applications, I had to write a brief overview on the use of educational technology in the classroom...

Educational technology encompasses the use of technology to encourage and promote learning. This can be done through hardware, software, online games, email, blogs, overhead projectors, and smartboards to name some of the options. Using these technologies can expand learning opportunities and means of communications between teachers, students, and parents.

Teachers can benefit from educational technology in a number of ways. A computer can provide an efficient way to record grades and create tests. Email can be used to communicate with parents and collaborate with fellow teachers. Online blogs and websites dedicated to education can provide learning activities and ideas for the classroom. Smartboards and overhead projectors can provide real-time demonstrations that students can see all at the same time.

Technology in the classroom can benefit students as well. Computer labs provide hands-on learning exercises that children get excited about and can even help improve hand-eye coordination in young students. My own kindergartener has become proficient in the use of a mouse while navigating a computer game that helped her learn the alphabet. For older students, the internet can be a great resource for research and allow for communication with other students about assignments.

While the benefit of educational technology is evident in the information it opens up to teachers and students, there can be some downsides too. Exposure to online materials that parents do not want their child to see or hear is a concern. Plagiarism and cheating is of concern too. Overall, the benefits outweigh the negatives and provide excellent means of new learning opportunities.