Nonlinguistic+representation

= ​Nonlinguistic representation =

Overview
​ Nonlinguistic representation is an instructional strategy which allows students to learn through the use of images, sound, touch, and movement. Although most instructional material is presented in linguistic form, research has shown that nonlinguistic representation "stimulates and increases brain activity" (Ohio Department of Education).

The most common forms of nonlinguistic respresentation are:
 * Graphic organizers
 * Models and manipulatives
 * Pictures and drawings
 * Kinesthetic or whole-body activity

1) VoiceThreadmedia type="custom" key="4881555" align="right"
@http://voicethread.com/

Models and manipulatives Pictures and drawings Kinesthetic activity (when video is created and incorporated into the presentation)
 * Forms of nonlinguistic representation**

VoiceThread is an interactive online tool that enables users to create presentations by incorporating visual images, videos, graphs, and audio. As an instructional tool, VoiceThread is a powerful and effective alternative to the written report. Using VoiceThread, students combine images to create "a model of their thinking" (Focus on Effectiveness) and then add narration to more fully explain their thoughts. By incorporating a verbal description, students are given the opportunity to reflect on the information they are presenting and achieve a deeper level of comprehension.
 * Rationale**

However, what truly sets VoiceThread apart from other presentation software is its collaborative capabilities. Once a presentation is posted, other users can be invited to view and comment on it. This Web 2.0 feature promotes collaboration and a cooperative learning environment in which students use interpretation, discussion and peer-critique of nonlinguistic representations to enhance learning.

There is no software to download and all presentations are stored and backed-up by VoiceThread. Therefore, the application and all presentations can be accessed using a log-in and password from any computer within the school building or from remote locations.
 * Requirements**

The school already owns all of the necessary hardware, software, and peripherals, including:
 * Computers with Adobe Flash 7 and broadband internet connections
 * Digital cameras with basic photo editing software
 * Flip cameras and Windows MovieMaker editing software
 * Microphones

In addition, images, videos, and files may be imported from a computer or the Web. VoiceThread supports the following formats:
 * PDF
 * Microsoft Word
 * Microsoft Excel
 * Microsoft PowerPoint
 * Images and videos from Flickr, Facebook, or other Websites

VoiceThread offers various levels of accounts and services, including a basic service which is free. However, to fully realize the benefits, it is recommended that the school purchase an educational subscription. The cost of a class subscription (up to 100 students) is $60 per year. Or a whole school subscription may be purchased at a rate of $1 per student per year.
 * Cost**

2) Inspiration Software[[image:WWI%20Study%20Guide%20small.gif align="right"]]
@http://www.inspiration.com/

Graphic organizer
 * Form of nonlinguistic representation**

Inspiration is a software package that enables students to create a wide variety of graphic organizers, including concept maps, idea maps, and webs. Through the use of graphic organizers, students present their ideas, thoughts, and information in visual and graphic form. This allows them to make abstract ideas more visible and concrete which leads to increased comprehension and retention.
 * Rationale**

Research has shown that visual learning and the use of graphic organizers provides benefits in the following areas: (Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education (IARE) at AEL, 2003) The idea of using graphic organizers in the classroom is not new. However, Inspiration adds an interactive element and provides opportunities to add digital images, videos, and hyperlinks for more complex visual presentations.Inspiration's graphic organizers can be used in any subject area to enhance learning and meet a variety of curricular and content area standards.
 * Reading comprehension
 * Student achievement across grade levels, diverse student populations and content areas
 * Thinking and learning skills such as organizing and communicating ideas, seeing patterns and relationships, and categorizing ideas
 * Retention

Inspiration runs on both Windows and Macintosh computers. The system requirements are as follows: The school's computers meet the minimum systems requirements, therefore no additional hardware is required.
 * Requirements**
 * Windows
 * Pentium 75 MHz or higher
 * Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT 4.0, XP, or Vista
 * 8 MB RAM, 15 MB available hard drive
 * Internet connection and QuickTime are recommended
 * Macintosh
 * System 8.6, 9.x, or OS X (10.1.5 or higher), Leopard compatible
 * 5 MB RAM, 10 MB available hard drive,
 * Internet connection and QuickTime are recommended

A perpetual site license for 300-499 students is $1,795. This license is based on student enrollment and involves network installation. Although the cost is high, Inspiration is a program that can be used in every subject area and addresses several instructional strategies (see Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers).
 * Cost**

3) GeoGebra
@http://www.geogebra.org/cms/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1



Models and manipulatives
 * Form of nonlinguistic representation**

Nonlinguistic representation is especially valuable in mathematics, a subject area in which students are required to evaluate, interpret, and understand abstract ideas and concepts. Research has shown that the use of models and manipulatives helps students visualize these concepts and provides opportunities for enhanced comprehension.
 * Rationale**

GeoGebra is an award-winning mathematics software that allows students to construct, manipulate, and graph equations and functions. According to its creators, "the idea behind GeoGebra is to connect geometric, algebraic, and numeric representations in an interactive way." (Geogebra Website, @http://www.geogebra.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=67&Itemid=63) This interactivity allows students to manipulate formulas, coordinates, and parameters and create models in which they can visualize the effects caused by those modifications. GeoGebra encourages students to connect to the material in a new way and achieve greater comprehension.

GeoGebra is available in an online format, called WebStart, or it may be downloaded to a computer for use offline. The minimum system requirements are: The school's computers meet or exceed these minimum requirements and no additional hardware is required.
 * Requirements**
 * WebStart online version
 * Java 1.4.2
 * Internet connection
 * Offline Installer
 * Java 1.4.2
 * Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, or Vista
 * Mac OS X 10.3 or later
 * Linux
 * Internet connection (for initial download)

Aside from its outstanding capabilities, one of the greatest benefits of GeoGebra is that it is free. There are other effective and well known mathematics software programs on the market, such as Geometer's Sketchpad, however they tend to be expensive. GeoGebra offers a no-cost, yet extremely effective, alternative to these more costly programs.
 * Cost**

Differentiated Instruction
One of the greatest challenges for teachers in today's educational environment involves differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of students - including those who are struggling, those who require enrichment opportunities, and everyone in between. Through differentiation, teachers meet students at their individual levels and allow students the freedom to choose how they develop and present the "products that demonstrate their learning". (Focus on Effectiveness, @http://www.netc.org/focus/challenges/instruction.php)

Using VoiceThread as a digital storytelling platform is one way to effectively differentiate instruction. According to the authors of //Digital Storytelling in the Middle Childhood Special Education Classroom,// incorporating digital storytelling into the classroom produces numerous benefits. The authors of the study found that the use of multimedia technologies to tell stories provides "a format for students to put their thoughts together visually, aurally, and kinesthetically" (Michalski, Hodges,and Banister, p. 2) and that this approach led to increased interest and success in all students.

Resources
Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education (IARE) at AEL. (2003). //Graphic Organizers: A review of scientifically based research//.

Michalski, P., Hodges, D. and Banister, S. (2005). Digital storytelling in the middle childhood special education classroom: A teacher's story of adaptations. //TEACHING Exceptional Children Plus//, 1(4) Article 3. Retrieved November 20, 2009 from Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. (2005). //Focus on Effectiveness.// Retrieved from Trigonometry Graph. Retrieved from @http://www.geogebra.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=72&Itemid=58

VoiceThread Video. Retrieved from @http://voicethread.com/

WWI Study Guide Image. Retrieved from @http://www.inspiration.com/Examples/Inspiration