EDT654


 * Wix Website **

@http://www.wix.com/mscaldwell/mscaldwellsclass


 * Concept Mapping Software Review **

MindMeister

1. Create an operational definition for the tool. MindMeister is an online collaborative mind mapping tool. It caters to the needs of a variety of users; from students to professionals.

 2. Does the technology promote student engagement or merely entertainment? This type of technology promotes student engagement as well as provides a certain amount of entertainment. Students would use MindMeister to create a mind map on a given topic, thus engaging them in their learning. Additionally, the interactive capabilities and students’ ability to add graphics, pictures, etc. provides an entertainment value as well.

 3. Analyze whether this technology adds some demonstrable pedagogical value to traditional instruction. MindMeister does add value to traditional instruction. It provides an interactive and personalized method of mapping their ideas. Additionally, the use of technology adds a motivational aspect for students that traditionally shy away from the traditional forms of idea mapping. This would replace traditional idea mapping using paper and pencil.

 4. Assess the use of this particular technology to aid students in the acquisition of knowledge and not just information. If the student were to use MindMeister to create an individual mind map, they would not necessarily be acquiring knowledge, as it would simply serve as an organization of their own knowledge. However, if students utilized the collaborative capabilities of MindMeister, they would be acquiring new knowledge. If two or more users open the same mind map at the same time, they are able to add information to the mind map in real time. This collaborative learning environment, in which multiple students are able to add information simultaneously, allows for student knowledge acquisition.

 5. Suggest some educational uses for this tool in the K-12 classroom.  This tool can be used in a variety of ways.  Pre-writing or planning stages during writing <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Vocabulary mapping (definitions, synonyms, antonyms, etc.) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Word Families <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Main Idea & detail (for use in reading and content areas.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> 6. Discuss the pluses and minuses of using this tool with students. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> + Motivational tool for students <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> + Creates an organized view of student ideas (great for first graders!) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> + Simultaneous users allows for peer collaboration <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> -Requires time to teach students how to appropriately navigate the interface. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> - Using the “free” version has pop-ups, which limits the size of the tool bar, making editing a challenge.



<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Skype Lesson Plan**

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