Upon review of the functionality of OKmindmap, Webspiration,
or Gliffy for the creation of a concept map/diagram, I determined that Gliffy
best suited my needs as it easily allows users to draw and share diagrams on
the web. I found there to be no compatibility issues with my web browser(s) on
any of my machines and was quite impressed with the extensive shape library.
A concept-mapping product such as Gliffy can fosters student
collaboration and communication and is a beneficial Web 2.0 tool within the
classroom setting for a number of content areas. For example, Gliffy can be
utilized within a science lesson to visually demonstrate the number of steps
within a photosynthesis process or during a social studies class, students can
work together to create a chronological sequence of events, allowing them the
opportunity to visualize happenings in a given era of the past. Concept mapping
software has been found to be a useful
tool for aiding students in the organization of their thoughts, summarizing
their ideas, or making a connection between various concepts (Holcomb &
Beal, 2010).
Of course, it is always important to point out that any Web
2.0 tool can potentially become unsafe; therefore, educators must always be
cognizant of potential risks whenever integrating such technologies into the
classroom setting.
References
Holcomb, L., & Beal, C. (2010). Capitalizing on web 2.0
in the social studies context. Techtrends, 54(4), 30. Retrieved from
http://asucoefoundationsandtechnology.pbworks.com/f/Web2_0_in_socialstudies_classroom.pdf
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point regarding security. It is always an important consideration when students are working online, and the collaborative aspect of Gliffy adds additional concerns. One of the first questions my principal will ask me when I request using technology for collaboration is how will I ensure that individual student work is not lost. I did notice that Gliffy has a history log, which makes it possible for teachers to monitor which students have added and deleted elements to a project.
I enjoyed reviewing the site.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYou have made a great concept map that any one of us could use a professional development tool or something to share with students as examples of great resources to complete projects or presentations. I definitely plan to refer to this map on a regular basis when coming up with new ideas and applications to use within my classroom.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI love your concept map. I like how you don't use straight lines but instead use curved lines. Tony Buzan suggests not using straight lines. He believes that the lines should be like branches on a tree because he states that is the way our brain thinks. He states the brain thinks by imagination and association.
Your map is very colorful and visually laid out in a way that allows for someone to follow it very easily and thus able to make connections. Really nice job.