I have always been drawn to MI theory because the focus is not on, “how smart you are, but how you are smart”. For someone who grew up not blessed with the traditional, logical or verbal intelligence, I felt like I was given a chance to be considered intelligent. Within this theory, the optimistic view that all students can learn exists because the focus is on their strengths, not how, what Gardner call’s“the uniform school” say’s they should learn. The idea of fitting education to your students, not the reverse, illustrates a student centered approach to learning.
The teacher is not the smartest thing in the classroom anymore, and that is where technology comes in to enhance MI theory. Five feet away is a computer that has almost limitless abilities. A computer can be used as a fact gathering tool, but also as a place where student can interact with their peers to input knowledge. With technology the term “peer” has grown substantially. You can now have interaction with a peer in China. There is always new software that may be specific for a ceratin subject, but has one clear objective throughout, getting students to think critically. Critical thinking can happen along side fun, and that is why these games, and programs are so great for our students. The more fun you can have learning the engaged you are going to be in the process. Students products look alot different as well. More sophisticated, engaging, interactive.
I see myself really focusing and applying MI theory in my classroom in partnership with whatever new technology helps reach educational objectives. I llok forward reading more about MI theory just for fun!
