Surface Computers as Interactive Learning Platform for Kinesthetic Learners

People learn in different ways. We are unique learners with our own learning style. Some learners have a dominant style whilst others display a mix of learning styles which they call upon in different situations.

Visual learners digest information by reading and observing.

Auditory learners process information through talking and listening.

Kinesthetic learners are doers and favour a hands-on approach.

It's important to know how we process information best and learn 'our way'. Traditional teaching methods often fail to support the learning style of kinesthetic learners, yet these learners make up somewhere between 5-15% of the population. They are doers that work best when they're hands on and engaged in motor activity. Unfortunately, some kinesthetic learners are mislabelled as ADHD. They are seen as hyperactive, difficult and even disruptive when in fact they just learn differently.

I'm no behavioural psychologist or education expert but am hopefully suitably informed to recognise the potential of technologies such as Microsoft Surface to offer immersive educational experiences which aid learning for tactile/kinesthetic learners. A typical classroom setting is not great for tactile/ kinesthetic learners. These multitouch, multiuser interactive learning devices offer a better match and it's only time before they realise their potential and go on to play an important role in education for people who are kinesthetic-oriented?

What do these Interactive Learning Devices offer for Kinesthetic Learners?

Learn by doing: Kinesthetic users can learn from first hand experiences.

Learn through touch: Surface computing is a touchy-feely technology. These natural user interfaces respond to natural gestures such as a tap, flick and pinch. Let the hands and fingers do the talking. The tactile nature of a Microsoft Surface experience is not limited to the surface display but extends to the touch of physical objects which are recognised when they are placed on the surface.

Learn through movement: These active learners have an environment which supports their need to be involved physically. Kinesthetics take in information best when they are moving. Surface devices don't follow the desk-and-chair paradigm so kinesthetic learners aren't tied to sitting down in one place while they interact.

Learn through engagement: These highly interactive devices incorporate imagery, video, and audio to provide immersive experiences where the learner can interact with and manipulate content.

Learn through participation: Kinesthetic learners participate in single user or multi user experiences through digital play.

Clearly Microsoft Surface, the SMART Table and X-Desk are devices that provide a learning environment to help kinesthetic learners succeed in a learning system where otherwise they may be left behind. Let the development begin...

Related reading: Digital Play as an Alternative to Drugs