Sunday, August 8, 2010
Concept Map
I created a concept map (mind map) on topic 1 of this course. To help create this concept map i used a website and a handy tool called bubbl.us. I believe that using a concept map in a classroom would be beneficial to all learning styles. A concept map allows you to create a topic and form various ideas around each category; this allows the learner to successfully grasp an understanding of each topic. As learners in this generation are technologically literate bubble.us allows students to use technology whilst completing a learning activity which is a great way to engage your learner. Bubbl.us is an easy to use tool which can be saved and progressively completed throughout the year. Beneath is the concept map i completed as an example:
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I needed some more reasons why online concept mapping may be more effective than the old fashioned paper and pen method (see my post for why, what do you think?). So, thanks for the tip that the online version can easily be saved and added to. Perhaps students can compare a concept map done at the beginning of a unit of work with one they complete towards the end, to show how much more they now know, or other changes in ideas ?
ReplyDeleteHi Ornella and Sadi, I agree with Ornella that this tool would be a great way to engage the learners. I think the fact that students get to use the computer would be engagging for them. I myself like things highly organised and structured and I found by doing this concept map online rather than just on pen and paper it was easier to move 'bubles' later on if I wanted to change them to a different spot.
ReplyDeleteI think this would be a time saving tool for those learners, like me, that like to change and move things around. I wonder if touch screen Ipods have an application like this, I know many school have a set of their own and this would be much easier than having students share computers in the class ect...???
Sadi I also think your comment about using the concept map before and after a topic has been taught it an excellent assessment tool for the learning manager to judge how much the students have learnt and also for the students to see how much new knowledge they now have.
Ornelle you made the point that that this tool could be used for all learning styles. I can understand the visual styles as students can write and see the concept mad, the auditory as students are reading and listening but Im confused as to how this would cater for kinesthetic learning styles? So my question to you both is how does this cater for kinestheci students and would there need to be an extra activity inluded to cater for those students?
I agree that a major disadvantage to using technology is it's lack of multi- sensory experiences (particularly for younger students), although it can be used as part of a wider lesson that involves also working off line!
ReplyDeleteI can now see some advantages to the online concept mapping, but I still think that if the purpose was to brainstorm ideas, the online concept mapping may not be the best method. Which begs the question: Are there some situations where paper and pen is more effective or better than using the computer? I like to have students, particularly young students work in groups to brainstorm ideas, using coloured markers and large sheets of paper, they share the task of being the scribe. There are some literacy brainstorming interactives on the read write think site, however, that I think are very effective in getting students to get the ideas flowing, such as venn diagrams, story planners and poetry interactives.
Although, at first skeptical of online brainstorming, I can now see some benefits. Advantages can include being able to save and edit, and being inclusive to a range of different learners (I used a program called kidspiration, which was particularly good for this aspect)!
Just found a fantastic site, that links technology and multiple intelligence:
ReplyDeletehttp://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm
For Kinesthetic they suggest these tools:
* Keyboarding, mouse, joystick, and other devices for movement
* Scientific probes and microscopes
* Video production - skits, dances, sports, role playing, demonstrations
* Animation - Macromedia Flash
* Claymation - sequence of movement
* Handheld Palms and Alphasmart - you can carry them everywhere
* Virtual Field Trip - using and creating
* Lego Logo and Robotics - other construction kit projects
* Digital still and video cameras - skits, plays, role playing, demonstrations
* Virtual worlds
I understand Justine why you are confused about how kinaesthetic learners are catered too when it comes to using mind maps and concept maps. Clearly when using concept maps kinaesthetic learners are not using their gross motor skills; I was actually thinking about kinaesthetic learners using their fine motor skills for example; typing on a key board. I should say concept maps do not equally benefit all learning styles though, in my opinion, using a computer would definitely engage kinaesthetic learners and able them to develop their fine motor skills further.
ReplyDeleteSadi, in your first comment I agree with your statement on how students should make a before and after concept map.. though using Bubbl.us allows you to save the document and change your thoughts and add ideas shortly after the learning experience. Also in your later comments I agree that there are situations where the students benefit from using pencil to paper and brainstorming collaboratively. It is important for us as future Learning Managers to structure opportunities for students to work with their peers. I feel that this is one of a few reasons students could be disadvantaged when using technology. However, students in this generation are extremely technologically literate therefore learning online is an engaging tool that could allow students to achieve a positive learning experience.