Nonlinguistic+Representation(Mark)

=**__Non-linguistic Representation__**= Technology has the powerful ability of allowing a student to learn and communicate using multiple senses and forms of expression. This diversity allows for a personalization of learning whereby both educator and student can create situations to maximize learning. No longer limited by simple text, an educator can utilize non-linguistic techniques to teach content. The below devices and software are quality options for teachers interested in conveying material in non-linguistic formats.

//Rationale:// Digital video cameras can be used to infuse student creativity in a class and the opportunity to express ideas in nonlinguistic forms. Students can be assigned to create a brief video that dramatizes the actions in an English story, demonstrates an idea from Science class or explains a concept in Math class. The camera can be used to create a non-linguistic demonstration of learning with a personal touch. The Focus of Effective learning site urges teachers to "foster cooperative learning" and video cameras can do this when used as the focus of a group activity. Through the use of teams, a teacher can overcome limited budgets and materials while at the same time encouraging the cooperation needed to create non-linguistic expressions. This communication furthers learning and understanding both within the team (during production) and also within the class when the finished product is viewed by an audience.
 * ==//Technology One:// Digital Video Camera: [[image:video.jpg width="96" height="79"]]==

Digital Video Cameras are especially helpful in meeting the Focus on Effectiveness "key research finding" which states that "Using visual representation software in a science classroom helps students express their developing understanding of core chemistry concepts in the form of visual representations that are readily created and shared. These representations help students generate explanations of the phenomena they are investigating. (Michalchik, V., Rosenquist, A., Kozma, R., Kreikemeier, P., Schank, P., & Coppola, B., in press)."

Needed Resources & Estimated Costs:

 * Digital Camera ($100-$500)
 * Personal Computer
 * Knowledge Level: Medium - Advanced (Hardware connections, Editing Skills depending on Educator Expectations)
 * Cost: $200 $500+ (Depending on Educator's Expectations)


 * ==//Technology Two:// SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard: [[image:smart_board_logo.jpg width="209" height="85" link="@http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Interactive+whiteboards+and+displays/SMART+Board+interactive+whiteboards"]]==

//Rationale:// Focus on Effectiveness states that students should be "encouraged students to take notes that are meaningful to them." The site also suggests that teachers "model use of sketches, graphs, and symbols." The SMART Board is a tool where teachers can model different options for creating non-linguistic representations of material. Different options for not taking or information organization can be displayed in a simple format using the SMART Board. A teacher can model his or her preferred technique and orally model the thinking used during the creation of the non linguistic representation.

SMART Boards are especially helpful in meeting the Focus on Effectiveness "key research finding" which states that "Integrate nonlinguistic forms into note-taking. Encourage students to take notes that are meaningful to them. Model use of sketches, graphs, and symbols."


 * ==Needed Resources & Estimated Costs:==
 * SMART Board (Estimated at $1200)
 * Personal Computer (Any OS, SMART Board software any any other programs desired for display)
 * Knowledge Level: Medium (A teacher must be aware of common hardware use skills as well as the SMART Board software)
 * Cost: $1200- $1500. (Hardware and training)

//Rationale:// Focus on Effectiveness, states that teachers must display "interpretation of nonlinguistic forms." also. Prezi can be used to display material using a mix of text and non-linguistic formats. An educator might consider creating a series of Prezi presentations that gradually reduce the amount of text utilized. An additional benefit of the Prezi software is the ability to encourage tactile involvement from each student interacting with the graphics on a PC. Prezi is an excellent resource to convey complicated topics in an interactive format. Where an extensive Power Point or lecture would be used a Prezi can be created that arranges the material in an interesting format and encourages less text-focuses presentation.
 * ==//Technology Three:// Prezi [[image:prezi.jpg width="137" height="61"]]==

Prezi is especially helpful in meeting the Focus on Effectiveness "key research finding" which states that "Model use of new tools. Activities that involve nonlinguistic representation may be new to students who are accustomed to learning through lectures and readings. Scaffold student learning as you introduce activities such as concept maps, idea webs, and computer simulations by modeling how to use tools that help them represent their thinking nonverbally. Gradually remove the scaffolds so students eventually work independently with the new tool or technology."


 * ==Needed Resources & Estimated Costs:==
 * Personal Computer with Network Access(Any OS)
 * Knowledge Level: Medium (Prezi software will require some practice)
 * Cost: $0

=__**Educational Challenges and Solutions**__=

//Overcoming Challenges to Literacy Development with Digital Video Cameras//
The creation of non-linguistic representations allows a student to express personal understanding in a creative format. Too often a classroom is arranged so that the majority of expression is text based. This dependence creates a system where students who struggle with linguistic forms or whose understanding is best expressed in non-linguistic formats remains unknown. Non-linguistic forms allows all students to express understanding in diverse formats. Digital video cameras provide a student with the ability to create a personal expression of learning. Creativity and technology skills are further developed through use of the cameras and in producing digital video a student can explore the varied forms of expressing an idea. Small teams add an extra benefit to camera use and create situations where discussion and team work improve both social and academic skills.