How many times have we used concept mapping ( semantic mapping, brainstorming etc..)in our classrooms to assist in getting our students to think outside the box and to develop concepts.Call it what you may but it is by and large the same thing.Children learn in different ways and concept maps is a visual learning tool which does the following:
a.converts abstracts ideas into visible and concrete ones
b.provides a link between prior knowledge and new concepts
c.allows the opportunity for thinking,writing, discussing, analyzing, planning and reporting
d.places emphasis on thoughts and ideas which leads to understanding and interpretation
According to the article at http://www.inspiration.com/Parents/Visual-Thinking-and-Learning 'Concept maps are ideal for measuring growth of and assessing student learning. As students create concept maps,they reiterate ideas using their own words. Misdirected links or wrong connections alert educators to what students do not understand, provide an accurate, objective way to evaluate areas in which students do not grasp concept fully.'
This technology demonstrates the ease with which concept mapping can be done on an individual basis or as a group and that it also leaves room for collaboration. Another great asset for the reading specialist and guess what I know how to use it.
I also was in a similar situation as you. I missed my classes week before last. The tutor actually completed demonstrating the webspiration software. I would like someone to fill in the gaps where I missed. I am thankful for the piece of information you shared and also the website. I believe though that the best way to appreciate the usefulness of this tool is to first practice using it before you actually introduce it to your students. In this way, you will be more proficient in demonstrating it to them, although they might only need one demonstration and that's it for them. I do wish you good luck in your future endeavours as you integrate technology into your classroom.
ReplyDeletePriscilla I too experienced what you did. I realised that my two children were unaware of Google docs, Wikis and how to start blogging. The way technology is changing there are many techno savvy people who need to go and do a refresher course.We live in a rapidly changing world. Each day some new way to use the computer to make information more readily available is evolving. Pretty soon you and I would need to do a refresher course in order to keep up with the technology. Web 3.0 is already in existence.
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