CEDO 525 Entry Three

Reviewing Online Tools:

Bubbl:

This is a free concept mapping program that allows users to register (maps can also be created without registering but will not save) and create concept maps connecting different “bubbles”. The program is very easy to use and has a fast learning curve, even for people who may not be very proficient in technology use.

Other features are a collaborative function that allows multiple users to modify a project. Concept maps can also be exported as a different file type such as a jpg or png image and can be printed. Maps can be zoomed in and out of and users are offered the ability to change colors and fonts.

A weakness of the program is that there are some limitations in terms of creativity. There does not appear to be a way to add media such as images, audio, or video and there is not hyperlink option.

Bubbl is a tool that teachers could use on an interactive whiteboard, tablet computer, or possible for a group or individual assignment. It does have limitations but the cost (free!!!) makes it more viable than other similar programs.

Mindmeister:

This is a popular program used to create high quality concept maps. The program is very easy to use and like Bubbl has a fast learning curve.

The program offers a variety of features including file exporting, collaboration (with the pro or business version), along with a mobile app, and more. There is also features that allow media and hyperlinks to be added to into a map allowing for higher quality and more creativity. There are also a variety of themes available for users.

The major downside of Mindmeister is the cost. There is no free version available. There are three different plans with more features offered with each upgrade. It would be an excellent tool for a teacher in any subject but the cost may be prohibitive for many teachers and schools.

Exploratree:

This is a program that offers a free online library of graphic organizers (or what they call “Thinking Guides”). Nearly any type of graphic organizer is in the library or could easily be created and added by a user. Registering is easy and all features are free.

The most impressive feature is all of the editing features available. Each graphic organizer contains an extensive toolbar that allows users to customize it to their needs.

Sharing and collaborative features also make this a useful tools as multiple users can work on the same project. Another feature that is interesting is the ability to comment on projects which allows for valuable feedback.

Of the three tools reviewed, this seems to have the most potential as teachers could find seemingly unlimited ways to use this free and versatile tool.

Strategy Reflections:
Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers:
One of the greatest parts of teaching that in many cases can make it an artform is the ability to facilitate higher level thinking in students. With so many sources of information available for anyone to access, it is becoming more necessary for educators to help students decipher and question information. And the high amount of information can also at time be difficult to sort through. Providing cues helps students understand the content they are going to experience while questioning gives students an opportunity for deeper understanding. There are many programs available that can help facilitate student learning by helping them better organize and focus on key concepts. Most students, especially lower level learners, have a difficult time comprehending unfamiliar
content without some sort of assistance. While teachers should encourage independent learning they still do have an important role as a facilitator. I have found that using advanced organizers is an excellent way to assist students in answering questions and understanding cues. After exploring some of the online programs such as exploratree or bubbl, technology has great potential uses to improve the use of advance organizers.

Nonlinguistic Representation:
Visual type of learners at times have a very difficult time understanding and processing information that is purely auditory or in narrative format and nonlinguistic representation is an excellent differentiation technique. By seeing visual forms of a concept it allows learners to better connect key points and objectives. With technology it has become much easier for teachers to create high quality nonlinguistic representations of concepts by making graphic organizers, showing images, or creating symbols. Students also have a variety of programs available to create their own visuals as well. In classroom settings I have found nonlinguistic representations as an excellent way for students to process concepts, especially in areas such as relationships between events and vocabulary.

Summarizing and Notetaking:

Whether listening to a lecture, doing research, or reading it is essential that students are able to understand and record key points and be able to understand what they were supposed to learn. Many students feel the need to copy every single word or none at all but it is truly a skill to be able to notetake and summarize what they have learned. This is a skill that often gets lost or forgotten as many teachers assume students have it. With the increasing availability of mobile devices in the classroom it would be beneficial for teachers to find ways to use them. Recording information electronically gives students a better way to organize and review their notes and summaries which will give them a better understanding than more traditional notetaking techniques do.