Using Visual Learning Tools in the Classroom

Honestly, I have to admit that I find Inspiration and Kidspiration to be extremely overwhelming programs - awesome resources - but definitely overwhelming for me! While I've used the basic graphic organizers you can find on Scholastic, Education World, or other similar education sites, I feel dazed perusing this site trying to get a handle on the basics. Inspiration offers an abundant amount of resources and options; so much that I feel I need an entire seminar just to learn how to use it properly and to the fullest advantage!

Any type of visual learning tool - whether diagrams, webs, maps, outlines, etc. facilitates learning and provides a non-verbal support to learning, thus using a different area of the brain to process and learn. Of course, visual learning tools are critical for students with disabilities because they provide a non-verbal reference for language and reading comprehension, as well as more abstract concepts. I can use any number of different types of webs/maps/diagrams/ outline to teach and reinforce: phonics,auditory discrimination, idioms, vocabulary, character traits, story sequence, parts of a story, comparing and contrasting stories, and more.

As I read about and researched online, per our text, all of the tools available for K-12 students, I couldn't help but wonder if we use enough of these tools to their fullest advantage for all students? I think, perhaps, visual learning tools are used more frequently in special education classes. Also, I think, many regular education elementary teachers use a variety of graphic organizers. However, I'm not sure visual learning tools are used as regularly with middle and high school students. I have to wonder, "Why"? Are older students perceived as "beyond needing visuals"?