For the first time I attempted the two suggested online concept mapping tools, bubble.us-1 and Text2mindmap. I found both of these tools difficult to use, particularly when trying to write on the boxes. I was not even sure where to start with the Text2mind map option. I thought surely there is another option, and one that may be easier for children to use, so I searched for mindmaps in Education Queensland's curriculum exchange.I came across a program called kidspiration, and joined the free 30 day trial. I used kidspiration to create the concept map above. This tool was simple to use and had the added benefit of being able to add pictures from a range of different categories.
This software would be useful for a diverse range of learners. The pictures would suit those who have difficulties with reading and those who respond well to visual learning. The program also has a listening option so you can hear the words, pictures, tools and options.
The time consuming aspect of creating an online concept map, hindered the easy flow of ideas. So if the purpose was to have children brainstorm ideas, the 'old fashioned paper' and pen method may work best. For student presentations and teacher explanation, however, these computer tools are visually effective. These tools are also suited to showing other connections in understanding . There are many other free graphic organisers that may be better suited to particular purposes. Read, write, think, for example, has a range of options to get the ideas flowing for literacy based activities.
Hi Sadi,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tool kidspiration is, this is great for visual literacy. This would also be great for younger learners and like you mentioned those with low literacy. It also looks viasually appealing which is engagin. For those younger years it may help to save time by doing a brainstorm using this tool as a whole class and asking students to come up and have a turn.
Thank you for sharing this great tool.
Sadi,
ReplyDeleteThat concept map is fabulous - eye catching and has far more benefits for students to use in the lower primary years . I believe that the very nature of working with ICT's means that play time, looking time, wondering time are not only needed by necessary to achieve productive work as being closed minded won't find you want you want - as you have proved. Great work and very inspiriing. Thanks for sharing
Thanks guys, the fact that it was easier to use was also better for getting the ideas flowing. Kidspiration is not free(apart from the trial period). This left me wondering what I would be willing to pay for in the classroom. If it was an application with this many benefits than I think the price is worth it. There are lots of software and websites that are not free, but many of them seem to be worth it. I am also surprised how much is available for a trial period, or for free if you are an educator (see animoto slideshow, for example)
ReplyDeleteAlthough a bit skeptical at first, I have learned since, that online mapping has some other benefits not mentioned earlier, such as easily being changed and saved. Perhaps a concept map done earlier in the year can be compared to one done later on as an alternative to the KWL and to show/compare the progress of ideas!
Depending on the purpose,however, some other online organizers of information may be better suited to getting the ideas flowing (such as read write thinks online literacy organizers),This is a quality site and is FREE!
Some of the responses for why online mapping would be used instead of paper and pen, have included:
ReplyDelete-People agree, in thinking it is best for presentations and teacher explanation.
-Visually appealing, good for visual learners.
-Some feel that allowing students to brainstorm online would be more effective, as students today respond well to technology.
-One of the best ideas (Thanks Beardall ), was the idea that you could use both methods.
An important reminder that technology is just a tool, it is how you use it that is important.
I no longer feel that I have to choose technology over other methods,or limited to the idea that technology is a replacement. I can now see many opportunities for incorporating technology in with other methods !
An important website :
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68d.htm
shows how technology can be applied to suit all learning styles, even kinesthetic !, particularly when using it with other tools, rather than instead of.
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ReplyDeleteHi Sadie,
ReplyDeleteThanks Sadie for your insights of online concept mapping. I also had a play around on Kidsinspiration online concept mapping and think it is great! This tool would suite primary students more so than the others we have explored. The tool supports students with low literacy with the use of pictures and text, enabling all students to feel successful. I would most definitely use this tool in the classroom because student learning and knowledge is being presented online more so everyday. Students could upload their concept maps onto their wikis and websites, which would not be possible using a concept map created on paper. Another positive I feel with online concept mapping is the clarity and perfection of the presentation. I have seen concept maps that were not readable, thus the purpose of concept mapping is lost. Students can further their ideas by using colour codes at a click of a button. Like any technological tool there needs to be purposeful intent applied, at times then online concept map would be better suited than the paper form.
Thank you for you thoughts and ideas,
Kara
Hi just popping in to say that many schools have already purchased Kidspiration and/or Inspiration. It has been around for about ten years so you may need to track down the installation disc under a mountain of dust but they are certainly great tools.
ReplyDeleteJacqui