Classroom 2.0
Collaborative Idea Maps
Collaborative Idea Maps are a way for students to take notes and demonstrate knowledge of a particular subject by creating graphic organizers on their computers that can be posted to a community web arena. Idea Maps are used to create graphic representations of anything that can be dissected into a step-by-step format. For example, a student could demonstrate knowledge of a mathematic principle in an Idea Map by illustrating the steps of a function or procedure in graphic form. Also, a student could demonstrate knowledge of an historical sequence by mapping out the stages of an event. Or, the student could personalize the Idea Map by plotting out the steps he/she needs to take to complete a project and/or finish a course or semester.
To accomplish this, the student plots out the steps, or information, in graphic format and creates a picture. The graphic format is product dependent and there are many products available that offer Idea Map software. Whichever product is used, the resulting graphic (picture) is something that is self explanatory and easily followed by any number of readers. It presents as a neat way to look at a problem or process to instantly see how all the parts fit together.
To make the Idea Maps collaborative the student then places them on a web based arena that can be accessed by a teacher and/or other students. The web based arena is the part that is commercial. The arenas and particular software exists in many formats and designs and are generally purchased by the user. However, the threads at Web 2.0 seem to say that these can be made available for free to educators.
From reading the threads I have learned that the existence of web based Idea Maps can be a revolutionary way for students to synthesis their class or reading notes into a format that is a much more effective study tool. The ones I have looked at on the web seem to be an excellent study source from for exams or future use. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” These picture representations seem like an excellent way for students to organize their lives and obligations. Here is an example of one that was on one of the threads: Idea Map Example
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7 comments:
Ray,
I enjoyed reading your journal on idea mapping. As you say, "anything that can be dissected into a step-by-step format" can be presented as an idea map. My thought was to use idea mapping as a life management tool. Anyone could establish their goals and desires and include the steps and sub-steps needed to reach those goals. What really works is that a person could have illustrations for each area. Life coaches say that visualization is a great technique to help people reach their full potential. Because I believe life management skills should be taught in school anyway, I would be eager to try out this tool.
Your article was very interesting. The technology is great, I can see it use to many teachers. Being able to break down a problem to visual steps would help a lot of students, and could be used in every grade level. I look forward to trying this technology.
Ray,
You did a get job explaining these two concepts. I really like that you had a link to check one out. I agree that web based Idea Maps are a great resource for students use. It makes a great study tool, especially for visual learners. It also makes learning easier when it is broken down into little pieces. I think this is a great tool for learning, and for studying.
Is the primary purpose of a collaborative effort for this tool a group study session or a team based project? I can see it in that sense, especially if it involves students who are collaborating and are not in the same location.
Thie sounds like a great tool that even prospective teachers such as us can use. It looks to be fun and is very informative especially when looking at the finished product.
Ray, what an interesting idea this technology is! You explained it so well, too. It seems it would be an especially good tool for visual learners. I can understand how a tool such as this would really help a student learn a subject inside and out.
I can see how this technology could be useful. It is a great study tool, as well as a collaborative way to share ideas and experiences. This is something that students can do and easily utilize for projects, papers, research, etc...
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