Carroll County Times Articles
Computers Helping the Auditory Learner
by Linda Nestor – August 10, 2008
For the auditory learner, spelling can be a nightmare. This is because auditory learners rely on the sound of words to determine spelling, instead of what the words visually look like. With American English borrowing heavily from languages ranging from Latin to Chinese, the grammatical rules in the English language often have exceptions, which can further challenge the spelling ability of auditory learners. An auditory learner can have a difficult time trying to remember what a word is supposed to look like. They learn best by hearing and their brains often do not process visual information well.
The difficulty to visualize can not only cause problems with spelling, but can also cause problems in areas ranging from Art to Geometry. Not being able to visualize concepts well can be a problem when reading a map or giving someone directions. It can make someone believe that they are useless because they cannot seem to do some things as easily as others around them.
Fortunately, computers have eased this struggle. With modern word processing programs that provide accurate spell checking, auditory learners can minimize the challenges they face. They are no longer confined only to the vocabulary words that they can sound out. Their writing appears professional and well worded. Teachers and supervisors can begin to see the true depth of the person's intelligence and creativity, rather than the limits.
Auditory learners are often very good listeners and verbal communicators. Some are able to mentally remember entire conversations. However, when given information with charts, graphs or pictures they can face an extremely difficult challenge. Creating things in a visual medium can be a overwhelming task for them. The computer has many different tools to help make visual information more useful. Graphic tools and programs can make producing presentations simpler, and make those presentations easier to understand. Reports can go from dull to vibrant. Charts and graphs do not have to be laboriously drawn by hand, but can be created by inputting the data and then letting the computer put it into a visual format. With the computer there to help, the auditory learner can be more creative and productive when communicating their ideas.
Internet web sites can also provide help. Sites like www.math.com provide a multi-sensory approach to subjects such as Geometry, which may give them a greater understanding of a visual topic. More importantly, the patience of the computer for someone to practice skills over and over is unmatched. Many times all someone with a "disability" needs is more time to work with a skill, and they will be able to master it like everyone else. With the proper tools, this "disability" can almost disappear.
Word processors, presentation programs and many other computer programs can open up the possibilities for someone who experiences difficulties in learning. They no longer have to learn differently, they can just learn. The tools that computers offer can increase a person's ability to be creative, productive and useful. Computers can take the disability out of learning.
About the Author
Linda Nestor is an instructor at Carroll Community College. She holds a master's degree in special education. Questions are welcomed and may be addressed in future articles. For more information, email mail@carrolltechcouncil.org or go to the Tech Council web site, www.carrolltechcouncil.org.
