The concept of “visual learning” is something that has been long discussed in education. The “visual learner” is defined as someone who learns more efficiently and quicker through seeing images and visualizing concepts than by listening to a teacher explain them.
According to some studies roughly 1/3 of the population falls into the category of “visual learners” which probably explains the explosion of more object oriented technology in tools, everywhere from Fast Food restaurants that have mostly switched over to product defined ordering and order entry modules to entertainment and cell phone providers that have menus defined by symbols rather than words.
How do we reach this “other” kind of learner in academia is another question entirely. Dr. Linda Kreger Silverman has studied the schism between what she defines as two distinct learning styles: visual-spatial and auditory-sequential learners. As individuals understanding the way we learn is key in effectively understanding new concepts and excelling in school. Dr. Silverman argues that current classroom teaching practices are much more well suited toward the auditory-sequential learner than the visual-spatial learner. Auditory learners are much more adept at memorization, repetition, following schedules and learning concepts in steps whereas the Visual learner is more suited to learn concepts all at once especially complex concepts and does poorly with step by step teaching methods, repetition and memorization.
This is quite the divide to try to span as an educator as Dr. Silverman readily admits:
“Many teachers try very hard to accommodate the various learning styles of their students, but this can be an overwhelming task, as some of the learning styles inventories and models are quite complicated. As a former classroom teacher myself, I know that there are a limited number of hours in the day, and even the most dedicated teacher cannot plan for all the different learning styles and intelligences of his or her students. Take heart! There’s an easier solution. The visual-spatial learner model is based on the newest discoveries in brain research about the different functions of the hemispheres. The left hemisphere is sequential, analytical, and time-oriented. The right hemisphere perceives the whole, synthesizes, and apprehends movement in space. We only have two hemispheres, and we are doing an excellent job teaching one of them. We need only become more aware of how to reach the other, and we will have happier students, learning more effectively. “ Linda Kreger Silverman. Ph.D from The Visual-Spatial Learner: An Introduction http://www.gifteddevelopment.com/Visual_Spatial_Learner/vsl.htm
Models, maps, computers, illustrations, diagrams are regularly employed in the classroom and are a great step to engage the visual learner. A point to consider however is that 3D technology does the work of all of these traditional teaching tools simultaneously in addition to engaging the auditory-sequential learner at the same time. From 3D Objects that users can manipulate easily and quickly, to full length videos that feature both in depth 3D demonstrations and depictions as well as detailed narration and summary sections 3D technology is perfectly suited reach all types of learners.
While not proven, studies that have shown, repeatedly, 3D produces a 33% increase in student retention. This figure falls eerily in line with Dr. Silverman’s findings that roughly 33% of students learn visually. Could we be missing these learners entirely? Does 3D technology bring visual learners out of the duldrums of route memorization? This no doubt would be very difficult to prove, but the information does seem to point in that direction.