MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

by Dana Matousek

Children learn in different ways. Society has evolved into an age of technology. Teachers are in the profession to help prepare children for their futures. All of these conclusions have already been made. The purpose of this paper is to establish how and why to integrate the technology evolution into the diverse ways in which children learn.

Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. He refers to intelligence as the ability to solve problems or make something that is of value in at least one culture. Gardner previously defined seven intelligences and has recently considered an eighth. He implies that everyone has the capacity for all of the intelligences but develops each intelligence to varying levels.

The verbal/linguistic intelligence is the ability to use language to express thoughts and understand others.
The logical/mathematical intelligence is the ability to reason, and manipulate information to solve problems and understand underlying principles.
The visual/spatial intelligence is the ability to understand the world by visualizing mentally.
The bodily/kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to process information and solve problems with the use of the body or parts of the body, i.e. making a craft or putting on a show.
The musical intelligence is the ability to think in music, hear patterns, and use recognition to solve problems or manipulate information.
The interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand other people.
The intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to truly understand yourself.
The naturalist intelligence is the human ability to discriminate among living things as well as apply the ability to classify in other matters.

Studies indicate that 60% of all jobs today require technology skills. Traditional models of education do not promote the acquisition of these technology skills. Teachers need to understand the impact technology has on society, how technology has changed the workplace, communication and the evolving understanding of how children learn. Teachers must recognize that technology can provide information sources going well beyond textbooks and mass media and help children gain knowledge of how to access and utilize these sources. Teachers should facilitate students' pursuit of inquiries, and their development of critical thinking and problem solving skills through the use of collaboration, cooperation and technology.

Through the integration of technology and a variety of activities promoting the development of the multiple intelligences, teachers may better prepare their students for their futures. The following table illustrates characteristics of the multiple intelligences, aspects of technology that may enhance each intelligence and computer software that also may promote this development.

INTELLIGENCE CHARACTERISTICS /LEARNING PREFERENCES TECHNOLOGY BENEFITING THE INTELLIGENCE COMPUTER SOFTWARE BENEFITING THE INTELLIGENCE

VERBAL/ LINGUISTIC listening, reading, speaking, writing, memorizing word processors, voice/speech input/output desktop publishing, poetry or creative writing programs, multimedia authoring, using videodisc and barcode tools for presentations, recording equipment, electronic communications Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, GCE A Level Geography Network User, Discovering America, Algebra World, ARC - Hare and Bear

VISUAL/ SPATIAL images and pictures, drawing, designing, videos, slides, overhead projections, diagrams, maps, charts, manipulatives draw and paint programs, mapping and charting programs, multimedia programs, science probeware, simulation programs, world wide web access and page construction CorelDraw, Corel Photopaint, Microsoft Paint, Image Composer, Carmen Sandiego CD ROM, Adaptnet IGS1.0, ArithmeTick-Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, Advanced Arithmetic, Algebra, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear

MUSICAL rhythm, melodies, instrumentals, patterns, musical themes, environmental sounds, performing programs combining stories with songs, associating letter sounds with music, composition programs, presentation constructing with CDs and videodiscs, barcode programs, karaoke style programs, multimedia Hyperstudio, Slide Show, Smartsound SE, Microsoft Musical Instruments, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog

BODILY/ KINESTHETIC bodily sensations/ body language, manipulatives, role playing, creative movements, physical activities, crafts computers including joysticks, touch windows and mice, keyboarding, word processing, animation or interactive programs, multimedia, science dissecting programs, video production, measuring/physical education programs Body Works, Adaptnet IGS1.0, ArithmeTick - Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, Advanced Arithmetic, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear

INTER-

PERSONAL
understand people, socializing, cooperating, teaching, speaking, leading, organizing, communicating, mediating, comparing, interviewing computer activities involving more than one person, electronic communications, multimedia group presentations Power Point, ArithmeTick-Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear

INTRA-PERSONAL self motivating, quiet spaces, independently studying, self paced instructions, individualized projects individualized computer activities, problem solving programs, multimedia production (self editing), word processing, paint or draw programs, electronic research tools Adobe Premier, Adaptnet IGS1.0, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?,Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear

LOGICAL/ MATHEMATICAL reasoning, abstract patterns and relationships, logical and strategic activities, computers, classifying, hypothesizing, numbers, manipulatives database and spreadsheet programs, problem solving software, strategy game formats and simulations, calculators, multimedia, computer design programs Sim City, Oregon Trail II, ToolBook, Authorware, Adaptnet IGS1.0, ArithmeTick-Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, Advanced Arithmetic, Algebra, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy of a From, ARC Hare and Bear

NATURALISTIC
*New - Currently under research
discriminating among living things and other things in nature, patterns nature programs, outdoor video production and other multimedia presentations, nature sounds CDs, word processing, electronic communications, internet access, paint and draw programs, landscaping programs, nature and experiment simulation programs Oregon Trail II, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy of a Frog

*Information regarding listed software printed in italics may be found on the SaveRight website at http://saveright.com/digital/educational_software.htm.

References

Carvin, Andy. EdWeb: Exploring Technology and School Reform, <http://metalab.unc.edu/edweb/edref.mi.ed.html> 30 June 1999

Checkley, Kathy. The First Seven . . . and the Eighth, <http://www.ascd.org/pubs/el/sept97/gardnerc.html> 30 June 1999

Edwards, Jack. Multiple Intelligences and Technology, <http://www.firn.edu/~face/about/dec95/mult_int.html> 30 June 1999

Edwords, Angela. Integrating Technology with the Intelligences, <http://boisdarc.tamu-commerce.edu/www/e/edwords/integrating.htm> 30 June 1999

Jacoby, Jay. Multiple Intelligences and Technology, <http://www.coyotenewmedia.com/education/Teaching_Models/> 30 June 1999

Morris, P. and Persinger, M. List of Ideas for the Multiple Intelligences, <http://www.Ivusd.k12.ca.us/elem/baylaurel/persinger/teach/list.html> 30 June 1999

Taylor, R. (1997). Current, Best Instructional Strategies for Your Gifted and Highly Capable Student: Resource Handbook, <http://www.remc7.k12.mi.us/zps/elem_extras/uses/m_intel.htm> 30 June 1999

Unknown. New Times Demand New Ways of Learning, <http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/edtalk/newtimes.htm> 30 June 1999

Unknown. Policy Issues in Using Technology for Engaged Learning, <http://www.ncrel.org/ncrel/sdrs/edtalk/policyis.htm> 30 June 1999

Unknown. SaveRight.Com,< http://www.saveright.com/digital/educational_software.htm> 30 June 1999

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INTELLIGENCE	CHARACTERISTICS /LEARNING PREFERENCES	TECHNOLOGY BENEFITING THE INTELLIGENCE	COMPUTER SOFTWARE BENEFITING THE INTELLIGENCE
VERBAL/ LINGUISTIC	listening, reading, speaking, writing, memorizing	word processors, voice/speech input/output desktop publishing, poetry or creative writing programs, multimedia authoring, using videodisc and barcode tools for presentations, recording equipment, electronic communications	Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, GCE A Level Geography Network User, Discovering America, Algebra World, ARC - Hare and Bear
VISUAL/ SPATIAL	images and pictures, drawing, designing, videos, slides, overhead projections, diagrams, maps, charts, manipulatives	draw and paint programs, mapping and charting programs, multimedia programs, science probeware, simulation programs, world wide web access and page construction	CorelDraw, Corel Photopaint, Microsoft Paint, Image Composer, Carmen Sandiego CD ROM, Adaptnet IGS1.0, ArithmeTick-Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, Advanced Arithmetic, Algebra, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear
MUSICAL	rhythm, melodies, instrumentals, patterns, musical themes, environmental sounds, performing	programs combining stories with songs, associating letter sounds with music, composition programs, presentation constructing with CDs and videodiscs, barcode programs, karaoke style programs, multimedia	Hyperstudio, Slide Show, Smartsound SE, Microsoft Musical Instruments, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog
BODILY/ KINESTHETIC	bodily sensations/ body language, manipulatives, role playing, creative movements, physical activities, crafts	computers including joysticks, touch windows and mice, keyboarding, word processing, animation or interactive programs, multimedia, science dissecting programs, video production, measuring/physical education programs	Body Works, Adaptnet IGS1.0, ArithmeTick - Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, Advanced Arithmetic, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear
INTER- PERSONAL	understand people, socializing, cooperating, teaching, speaking, leading, organizing, communicating, mediating, comparing, interviewing	computer activities involving more than one person, electronic communications, multimedia group presentations	Power Point, ArithmeTick-Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear
INTRA-PERSONAL	self motivating, quiet spaces, independently studying, self paced instructions, individualized projects	individualized computer activities, problem solving programs, multimedia production (self editing), word processing, paint or draw programs, electronic research tools	Adobe Premier, Adaptnet IGS1.0, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?,Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy Frog, ARC Hare and Bear
LOGICAL/ MATHEMATICAL	reasoning, abstract patterns and relationships, logical and strategic activities, computers, classifying, hypothesizing, numbers, manipulatives	database and spreadsheet programs, problem solving software, strategy game formats and simulations, calculators, multimedia, computer design programs	Sim City, Oregon Trail II, ToolBook, Authorware, Adaptnet IGS1.0, ArithmeTick-Tack-Toe, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Balda, Beat the Market, ARC - A Cookie for the President, Ants, Advanced Arithmetic, Algebra, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, Algebra World, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy of a From, ARC Hare and Bear
NATURALISTIC *New - Currently under research	discriminating among living things and other things in nature, patterns	nature programs, outdoor video production and other multimedia presentations, nature sounds CDs, word processing, electronic communications, internet access, paint and draw programs, landscaping programs, nature and experiment simulation programs	Oregon Trail II, Ask Isaac Asimov About Space, Balancing Act, Ants, A Whale of a Tale, Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?, Discovering America, Cousteau - Cities Under the Sea, 3D Molecular Dynamics, Aced Virtual Anatomy of a Frog