Use It or Lose It?

In regards to our brains, is it true that we can lose it if we don't use it?  Research has shown that both instruction and learning are critical factors in brain development.  I was very interested in the study done from our article about brain development in rats.  The rats who were given free reign over an exercise area, or given a mandatory exercise routine were found to have more blood vessels in their brains.  However, the rats who were given a maze to go through gained more synapses than the other participants.  This shows us that from learning, more synapses (connections) are made throughout our brains.  On the other hand, more blood flow is sent to the brain during exercise procedures.  Therefore, we must realize that different kinds of experiences condition our brains in different ways.

So I wonder, how can this be applied to our classrooms and student learning?  First and foremost, I believe that we must give our students a variety of experiences to build on.  Reaching various learning styles such as visual, kinesthetic, creative, audio, etc, encourages students to learn in different ways.  We discussed how experiences are the foundation of functional organization within the brain.  Offering our students variety of experiences will help them form these connections within their brains.  Even more, the use of technology opens worlds and experiences to students that they otherwise may not have had.  If we are able to teach them through various modes and experiences, I would think that they are able to form these connections with learning, and increase brain function.  Using tools such as Skype, podcasting, and blogs can offer students modes of communication and critical thinking in other places besides with their normal peers, in their normal classroom.

As I was searching for different, new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom, I came across Apple's site for using iphones/ipads in the classroom.  It is full of videos, app choices, podcasting help, and so many ideas for implementing technology in the classroom!  I have already downloaded so many apps on my iphone to get started.  Take a look and see how we can keep our students brains working and learning:

http://www.apple.com/education/why-apple/#podcasting?kmed=ppc&gclid=CPKjiM-hwaQCFQo65QodDU0BjA