Visual Learning – The language of maps in note taking

[Timothy Gangwer]

 Preethi Kesavan April 2012 

 Visual Learning – The language of maps in note taking 

Article by: Ms. Preethi Kesavan 

Lecturer, School of IT 

PSB Academy 

Learning is fun! Digital technologies have even greatly impacted the way today’s student learns. Many processes are involved in the activity of learning. There are many ways one can learn. Students learn mainly by 'seeing' the material to be learned. This is when the material is presented graphically, as in power point slides, charts, tables, illustrated text books, visualizers, videos, flip charts and maps, etc. Students can learn effectively through visual perception and this is the primary focus of this article. 

Research tells us that visual learning is among the very best methods for teaching all types of students. Visual learning allows students how to think, how to learn and achieve academic success. Visual thinking is a learning style where the student better understands and retains information when ideas, words and concepts are associated with images. They realize how information can be grouped and organized. Visual learning helps students to organize and analyze information. Therefore, students may use mind maps, charts and concept maps to summarize each topic. When students see information, they are able to understand and retain information and learn it too. 

Visual learning aid students elucidate their thought process. When students use mind maps, or concept maps, they are able to see how ideas are connected. 

MIND MAPPING: Students can use diagrams and charts to display large amounts of information from their text books or study guides in ways that are easy to understand. View the below link about “Using a mind map to organize study notes”: Clickhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kj6DrkygyE. 

When an entire chapter which may be 30 pages long represented in a one page mind map, it helps students to think critically, understand relationships and recall related details. Visual learning allows students to better remember information when it is represented and learned both visually and verbally. 

Introduction to iMindMap on iPad (iMindMap Mobile HD) can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsf-F-6fZD4&feature=related. 

Mind mapping is a visual form of note taking that offers an overview of a topic and its complex information. It helps students to comprehend, create new ideas and build connections through the use of colors, images and words. Mind mapping encourages students to begin with a central idea which may be the core topic or chapter and expand outward to more in-depth sub-topics. It is illustrated in one page and allows students to easily recall information. It helps students to take notes and make it easy to organize ideas and concepts. Preethi Kesavan April 2012 

Learn how to use Mind Maps for Note taking by clicking at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Rz5nQppps 

CONCEPT MAP: A concept map is another learning strategy. It is drawn with a main idea (or concept) in the beginning. It then branches out to show how that main idea can be broken down into specific topics. 

Concept Maps - A Learning & Study Strategy and view thishttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QENMp0K2-Zk. 

Using concept maps, students will be able to evaluate the information. 

Concept Mapping as a Tool for Group Problem Solving can be enjoyed watching this athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A625Yh6v6uQ&feature=related. 

Concept maps are typically hierarchical, with the subordinate concepts stemming from the main concept or idea. 

Concept Mapping: How to Start Your Term Paper Research: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhgxuNvbNrA&feature=related 

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER: A graphic organizer facilitates students’ learning by helping them identify areas of focus within a broad topic. Students can use graphic organizers for writing assignment or essays, because it helps the students make connections and structured thinking. A graphic organizer guides the learner’s thoughts and ideas as they fill in and build upon a visual map or diagram. 

Graphic Organizer Instructions can be further explored upon viewing this video athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2EkOCXNLQM&feature=related. 

There are several freeware available online. This helps in students learning and notes taking techniques to enhance their understanding. Pace of learning is different for each individual. Thus, visual learning technique is one of the learning methods were learning becomes fun for all students!