The topic I decided to do my blog about is concept mapping/mind-mapping software.
I stumbled upon this one website that looks specifically into a mind-mapping software. This website is split up in a couple of different ways that allows for viewers to see how this software can be effective. For instance, there are tabs labeled; educators, parents, business, and personal life, so no matter what your job is this website explains how this software can be beneficial to you or the people around you.
Something I found really useful on this website is that it gives the viewer multiple ideas and lessons where this software has been used and was effective. Often I feel that educators may be presented with software, or types of technology, but unless they fully know how this product can be used they probably won’t use it.
The benefits of looking through this website are endless because it gives you additional readings that go along with this idea as well as an online community you can sign up for that allows you to collaborate with others online about how to use concept mapping with the topic you are working on or assisting others who may need some advice. I hope that you all find this website as beneficial as I did and I’m sure you will also see how you could spend a long time on this website looking through all the content and examples which are provided.
** The link to this website is: http://www.inspiration.com/
Great site, Angela! We use this software in our undergraduate class on integrating technology into teaching. We also use the "kid" version, Kidspiration.
ReplyDeleteI was always make the same mistake with mind mapping. I think, or I may have been told, that this is the way humans organise information in the brain and since I said to myself, "Mine doesn't work that way" I have this misunderstanding ever since. I can now see that is external modeling and not internal but maybe others make the same mistake?
ReplyDeleteI think this site was great. i really enjoy the idea that it allows the kids or anyone to take their ideas in maps and then can be converted to notes and outlines. It's always good i think to be able to take the creative learnng and be able to turn it back to simple notes or outlines as well I think.
ReplyDeleteSteven I would have to agree with you that I don't know if mind mapping works for everyone because some people may not benefit from the setup, however, I think it is a good tool to know about for students who benefit from seeing information this way.
ReplyDeleteDear Angela
ReplyDeleteI really agree with you about the usefulness of the internet in learning. Thai students are also use to using mind-mapping in their study. They think that it helps them a lot with remembering and thinking system.
Vissunee
I think mind mapping is really good, Recently I trained my colleague 'Inspiration program' cause she want to use it with her grade 5 students in Social Studies Subject and she said students understand the content clearer after they use inspiration to summaries what they have learned :)
ReplyDeleteBenjamas,
ReplyDeleteSocial Studies I feel is a perfect example on how mind-mapping can be used, because a lot of things in history are connected with each other or affect one another and to have a big visual picture of this is a great way to see how all the events and people tie together.
The following two links are for free downloads, concept and mid maps.
ReplyDeleteStudents really engage with this as it is part drawing, part Lego, part coloring in, which makes it very suitable.
http://www.xmind.net/downloads/
http://compendium.open.ac.uk/institute/download/download.htm
Thanks for the resources!
ReplyDeleteAfter doing the evaluating the website i also think that this website was really well organized and easy to access!
ReplyDeleteVissy
ReplyDeleteyes it can help our students who find writing difficult.
Pisutr
I agree with Brother Pisutr. My students find writing English boring and difficult. Sometimes may be better to use picture or Mind Map diagram to express ideas.
ReplyDeleteYes thanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to see this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvnbKEHOQIY
Helping memory?
Pisutr