Multiple Intelligences and Technology Types

The use of technology in the classroom can allow teachers to cater to the needs of the varied intelligences types to be found in the classroom. Howard Gardener, who is cited in Teaching and Learning with Technology by Duffy and Mc Donald (2008), theorized that human beings have “multiple intelligences” which include: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and existential. Some texts have added emotional and moral intelligence to this list.

Many of the web 2.0 technologies with which we are now familiar can be useful tools in classroom where there are several learner types. The following are some examples of how technology can be incorporated in the classroom to meet the needs of different learner types. I am sure that if we observe carefully we will find all f these learner types amongst our students.

-Logical-Mathematical:
- Organizational tools (databases, calendars)
-Calculation tools (spreadsheets)

- Visual/Spatial:
- Photo sharing websites
- Comics and Sequential art

- Musical:
- Video and audio recorders - digitize singing, musical instruments
- Sound and music files

-Bodily-Kinesthetic:
-Keyboarding, mouse, joystick, and other devices for movement
-Scientific probes and microscopes

-Interpersonal:
- Email projects
-Word processing - chain writing, group editing, peer writing, brainstorming


-Intrapersonal:
- Blogs
-Webquests
-Concept maps (Inspiration and Kidspiration) - idea webs


-Naturalistic
-Audio and video cameras - record natural world
-Digital cameras - record natural world, field trips

-Existentialist
- email
- chat
( http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68h.htm)

Thoughts on Technology, SEA and Equity

One of the most important things about the use of technology in the classroom is that learning should be fun. Here in Trinidad there is a great tendency to test, measure and stratify our students. The common entrance exam and the SEA are examples of how we stratify our children in society. My sister who recently completed her Masters in Education in Norway believes that the S.E.A exams is both the symptom and cause of many of the ills in our society because of the way in which it stratifies and separates our students at such a tender age, causing much tension and strife from early stages in development.


In my view, the use of technology in the classroom can help revolutionize the inequities which exist in education. Students from any background now have access to the same information which only few students had previously due to access etc. The initiative by the MOE (Ministry of Education) to have technology available to all is a step in this direction. Not only will students have greater access to information but they will also become more motivated to participate in 21st century literacies. A review of various research articles on technology in education reported that the integration of multiple interactive technologies into education increases motivation and confidence especially for ‘at risk’ students (Cradler, J. and Bridgforth, E., 1994). This will hopefully be the case in Trinidad when in September our students will be given laptops to take home. There is of course much more to be said on the topic but for now, food for thought!