1. Learner Characteristic and ICT in the Classroom

2. the ways things are done the processes, the tools,
Defining Technology
Technology is about….
the ways things are done
the processes,
the tools,
and the techniques that alter human activity.

3. in which we communicate,
ICT then is about…
the
NEW ways
in which we communicate,
inquire,
make decisions and
solve problems.

4. another ICT definition..
ICT is the hardware, and
software that enables data to be
digitally processed,
stored
and communicated.

5. How we use ICT ICT CAN BE USED TO
access, process, manage and present information
model and control events
construct new understanding and
communicate with others.

6. In the classroom, ICT
should focus on providing
students with the tools to
transform their learning and
to enrich their learning
environment.

7. Learner characteristic
Learner characteristic can
refer to the way in which
we learn…or our style of
learning.

8. How do we learn? There are three main aspects of how people learn:
the way in which we PERCEIVE information
the way in which we PROCESS information
and the way in which we ORGANIZE and PRESENT information.

9. How do you PERCEIVE information? How do you gather
information about the
world around you?
Are you Visual, Auditory or Kinaesthetic? Take the test!

10. Once you have acquired information, how do you PROCESS the information mentally?
HOW DO YOU GRASP INFORMATION?
Do you prefer to deal with abstract concepts and generalizations or concrete, practical examples?
HOW DO YOU ORDER INFORMATION?
Do you receive facts in a logical, sequential way or with an overview straight away?
HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH INFORMATION?
Do you prefer active experimentation or reflective observation?

11. Kolb’s learning styles
DIVERGING learning styles feel and watch
Strength lies in imaginative ability. Excels in ability to view concrete
situations from many perspectives. Best in situations that call for generation
of ideas (brainstorming). Interested in people, tend to be imaginative and
emotional.
ASSIMILATING learning styles watch and think
Strength lies in the ability to create theoretical models. Excels in inductive
reasoning and in assimilating disparate observations into an integrated
explanation. Less interested in people, more in abstract concepts.

12. Kolb’s learning styles - continued
CONVERGING learning styles do and think
Strength lies in practical application of ideas. Best situations: conventional test,
one right answer or solution. Relatively unemotional preferring to deal with
things rather than people. Have narrow technical interests.
ACCOMMODATING learning styles do and feel
Strength lies in doing things, carrying out plans and experiments, being
involved in new experiences. More of a risk-taker. Excels in situations where
must adapt to specific immediate circumstances. Solves problems in an
intuitive trial and error manner, relies heavily on other people for information
rather than on own analytic ability. At ease with people. Sometimes impatient
and pushy.

13. How do you ORGANIZE and PRESENT information?
Finally, how do you choose to share information with others?
How do you ORGANIZE and PRESENT information?
Do you organize information with a holistic overview, or with detailed and logical analysis?
Do you present information verbally or using images.

14. How we use ICT ICT CAN BE USED TO
access, process, manage and present information
model and control events
construct new understanding and
communicate with others. 14

15. How then can we take into account students various learning styles and
characteristics
as we use ICT in
the class room?
In a discussion document produced jointly by the National Association of Advisers for Computers in Education (NAACE) and the British Educational Communications and Technology agency (BECTa) they pointed out 5 features of effective practice: These 5 features of effective practice are:

16. Five features of effective practice
Autonomy: Students develop autonomy through their use of ICT. They take control of their learning. They engage with the technology and work independently or with others
Capability: Students develop the knowledge and skills that enable them to use new technologies efficiently and effectively
Creativity: students’ creativity is inspired by their use of ICT. They find opportunities to be creative using ICT and to use ICT creatively in a wide range of subjects and contexts, throughout their school life.
Quality: Students use ICT to develop their ideas and improve the quality of their work. To enrich their learning, making use of the wide range of source material available. Sometimes use ICT to improve the presentation of work.
Scope: Students use ICT to make practicable learning activities that would otherwise be too difficult or time consuming.

17. What can ICT do to assist the teacher?
How then can we use ICT to allow learners to have a programme of study that recognizes and supports differences in learning styles?
In terms of how they perceive, process, organize and present information?
How?
What can ICT do to assist the teacher?
software that allows text, image, number, shape and sound to be manipulated
Accessibility
Variety of uses
Variety of situations
Varied feedback based on learning style

18. Summary
Learning style is a significant contributing factor in terms of student progress.
An effective ICT enabling school develops pupils who are autonomous in their use of ICT; capable with ICT; creative in their use of ICT; using ICT to produce work of quality; adding value to their learning through the scope of ICT in use.
As a result, teaching is more effective, learning is more dynamic and demanding and standards are rising.