Do you have multiple intelligences? (Maybe there are times you think you have none!!!) Do you learn in different ways, but favor one method over another? These were issues discussed as a result of the presentation "Implications of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Model for Human-Computer Interaction" given by Dr. Barbara Flood on October 13 at the first ASIS/DVC Dinner Meeting for 1998/99. Dr. Flood is a Consulting Psychologist with ARC/Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation, and a former Drexel University professor.

Dr. Flood discussed her research into Gardner's multiple intelligences (MI) as they apply to the ARC clients with mental retardation, brain damage resulting from trauma or a stroke, or Alzheimer's Disease. The public school system's determination of intelligence is largely based on language (both written and oral). However, Gardner identifies language as only one of seven intelligences, the others being musical, logico-mathematical, bodily kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. The teachers and social workers at the ARC facility rated the clients against "normal" in these non-traditional intelligences. Those who rate low linguistically often rate much closer to normal (or sometimes above normal) on other intelligences. From her experience, Dr. Flood described individuals who cannot speak but who can sing (musical intelligence), or those who have low IQs (low language intelligence), but who have won first-place in juried art competitions (high spatial intelligence).

A lively discussion followed in which the attendees discussed the implication of multiple intelligences for human-computer interaction, in particular the design of computer interfaces. Audience members described their own research, or implementations of multi-modal access in information products.

People who are "normal" use a variety of different approaches and learning styles. The normal model for navigating in our world involves all the senses and the integration of multiple cues. Therefore, the optimal design for an information space would be a system to navigate the same rich environment.

-Gail Hodge
Program Committee, ASIS/DVC