Visual memory techniques can help dyslexics to take notes, learn and plan, opening new opportunites for academic and vocational success. Being able to graphically organise thoughts, or 'mind map' is proven technique for stimulating thinking and learning

 

Visual mapping is widely used during development of software projects for organising complex sets of data.  Over the past decade, software developers and academics have looked closely at how this abiltiy to get thoughts onto paper or into a computer file can also help learners - and found that dyslexic learners gain particular benefit from these alternative approaches.

 The British Dyslexia Association lists some of the indications that a student may have dyslexic tendencies as:

• A marked discrepancy between ability and the standard of work being produced
• A persistent or severe problem with spelling, even with easy or common words
• Poor short term memory, especially for language based information, which results in the inefficient processing into long term memory
• Difficulties with organisation, classification and categorisation
• Note-taking may present problems due to spelling difficulties, poor short term memory and poor listening skills
• Handwriting may be poor and unformed, especially when writing under pressure
• A lack of fluency in expressing their ideas, or show difficulties with vocabulary

Mind mapping tools can help by allowing rapid notetaking, without worrying about spelling or sentence formation.  The ability to build images into the maps helps with both the understanding and long term retention of thoughts and ideas.  In other words - learning!

So how can software help?  Watch some of our demos and tutorials so see how information and ideas can be captured rapidly, without worrying about writing or spelling - and without the constraints of pen and paper.