Concept Map: A tool for organising your thinking

After completing a concept map from both the programs (bubbl.us and Text 2 Mind Map) I have found that I much prefer the Text 2 Mind Map. This is because it allows you to get all of your thoughts down first, before beginning to play with the colours and locations of the concept map bubbles, which was the case when I was using the bubbl.us program.

Below is my finished concept map from Text 2 Mind Map.

I know it is small and hard to read, but my skills are yet to enable me to make it bigger! Hopefully I will be able to come back and edit it in the near future.

I have analysed this digital tool in relation to its use and effectiveness within the classroom using the P.M.I framework.

Plus:

• Engaging
• An effective way of organising information
• Easily edited/added to without needing to rub out pencil or add another piece of paper for more room
• A great tool for visual learners

Minus:

• Not all students are digitally active, and not able to type at an average rate. Thus it may take some students a lot of time to get their ideas down.

Interesting:

• Students may spend a lot of time designing their mind maps, looking at the colours and fonts. This may become a priority over the actual process of getting information down.

Overall, I feel that concept mapping online is an engaging tool for students to use when organising their information, although it would definitely need to be taught and modelled by the teacher before learner's can use it.

In the classroom, you could use this learning tool in a variety of ways. One way would be to provide each of the year 6 learners with a short reading on different components of a topic. The students then need to summaries the key ideas they gathered from the readings using a concept map. Students can upload their concept maps onto their blogs (if have one), or print them out to collaborate their information with their peers.

What are some other ways you could use a conept may online in your learning environment?