Visual+Support

//** Visual Support **//
//** Visual learning **//

Think of one or more of your students who would benefit if: These adjustments can be easily done with electronic text and will help you differentiate instruction for a wide range of students. (@http://www.wested.org/cs/tdl/view/tdl_topic/4)
 * the text was larger or easier to see?
 * they could hear text read aloud?
 * they could highlight or cut and paste the important points, or mark words that were unclear?
 * there was a summary of the article that could be read before reading the whole piece?


 * Use text graphically to sort, find, share, and dissect information.**

Students who benefit from:
 * seeing relationships between information;
 * having maps and charts to help clarify information and focus on essential information;
 * using an graphic representation to get their ideas down and organized before generating narrative or expository writing;
 * communicating through non linear strategic thinking to build meaning from pictures or models instead of words;
 * combining images (from image libraries) with text to increase comprehension or demonstrate understanding;
 * using “real images” or video to integrate current and past knowledge;
 * having information reduced so they can focus and remember information;
 * having a visual representation of relationships between concepts.(@http://www.wested.org/cs/tdl/view/tdl_topic/8)

Why use visual supports?

 * Humans process visuals much faster than text.
 * Beginning any lesson with an image helps you provide your students with a non-linguistic representation, and builds multiple means of representation into your lessons.
 * This gives students a frame of reference
 * Helps them to see the big picture
 * Use of visuals can trigger recall of prior experiences and background knowledge
 * Using illustrated materials improves retention and recall, and increases generalization of knowledge

//Free Visual Tools//:

 * FreeMind Very similar in appearance and function as Inspiration, but available as a free download.
 * Concept Map Free for educational use for both Mac and PC platforms. Web based.
 * Gliffy - With Gliffy online diagram software, you can easily create professional-looking flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, technical drawings, and more. Our online diagram editor makes it easier than ever to create great looking drawings.
 * bubbl.us - free online mind mapping tool
 * PhotoPeach - Slideshows to go! Add music and text to your own photos. Students can create very simple reports or digital stories. Send to students, family and friends.
 * Wordle Free web application - no downloading needed
 * Quizlet - Flash cards, vocabulary memorization, and studying games. Study vocabulary or almost anything. Create your own flashcards - sign up free - or use pre-made cards arranged by topic.
 * Visual Dictionary - The InfoVisual site uses images to explain objects, listing all their component parts in English, Spanish and French. Detailed views show all relevant details. Every image and term is fully defined. Sometimes, animations allow to better understand a phenomenon.
 * JingProject - Record screencasts, tutorials, demos, training, lectures and more for posting online.
 * Flashcards - Perfect for printable flashcards, downloadable flash cards or online study using free flashcards software
 * ScreenToaster - Record screencasts, tutorials, demos, training, lectures and more. Capture videos of onscreen action in one click. Embed them on blogs and webpages or send them by email.
 * WordSift - Visualize text in multiple ways
 * The Internet Public Library - Fabulous online library
 * International Children's Digital Library - Free access to 900+ children's books in 35 languages
 * Beantime Stories - stories and games