Concept mapping, mind mapping, tree diagrams, organization charts, spider diagrams, and knowledge graphs… the list goes on forever. Whether it is handing them out or filling them in, we have all used mind maps at some points in our educational journey. How many times have you done a mind map and become more confused because its messy and your words are getting all squishy? Technology gives students the ability to organize thoughts in a clear and organized way. Using technology to integrating the graphical organization methods listed above into the classrooms give students even more effective ways to gather and connect their thoughts in pictorial form.
Mind maps can be used as a form of assessment, allowing teachers to see how students connect ideas. The brain thinks by connecting thoughts/ideas and organizing and re-organizing them. It is a way for students to study and reflect how people think and build connections between ideas and events. Mind maps can be used to develop ideas for essays and rather than just memorizing knowledge students understand and identify relationships, which helps them retain the information. Technology allows students to build and rebuild understanding with new information.
Some online concept mapping tools that my prof. shared with me and I encourage you to check out are:
· Inspiration or Kidspiration
· Download Cmap (free program)
· Bubbl.us (free internet concept mapping service)
· Spiderscribe (free internet concept mapping service)
Mind maps can be used as a form of assessment, allowing teachers to see how students connect ideas. The brain thinks by connecting thoughts/ideas and organizing and re-organizing them. It is a way for students to study and reflect how people think and build connections between ideas and events. Mind maps can be used to develop ideas for essays and rather than just memorizing knowledge students understand and identify relationships, which helps them retain the information. Technology allows students to build and rebuild understanding with new information.
Some online concept mapping tools that my prof. shared with me and I encourage you to check out are:
· Inspiration or Kidspiration
· Download Cmap (free program)
· Bubbl.us (free internet concept mapping service)
· Spiderscribe (free internet concept mapping service)