Idea sketch
This is a mindmapping tool. Student can create mindmaps to demonstrate understanding of a big idea, or relationship between concepts taught in class. You could have them use a mind map to organize their research, or review for a test/summative assignment. I’m sure I don’t have to go into all the ways mindmaps can be used.
Here is a mindmap I made at (copied from) Garfield Gini-Newman’s PD session Nov 2 at Monora Park.
I am still playing with this tool, and there is a mistake in the hierarchy (the way I drew the lines), but you get the idea. You can also display the image as text - see below (in this layout, you can better see where I made the mistake drawing lines):
You could have students share their mindmaps using the document camera the department has. I also have a toggle to hook the iPads up to the data projector if you would like to play with that. The app also allows the user to email either the mind map or the text version, but as we have not set the iPads up with individual email addresses, I’m uncertain as to how that would work. Students may know how themselves - it may be possible for students to set up their own email address in iPad settings, email the file, then make sure they log out. We need to be careful, we don’t want students having access to each others’ email accounts. There is also an option to share via facebook (I haven’t tried this).
Granted, this is an example of using the iPads to do something that can be done with paper and pens - in this case it is more about the gadget (contrary to my first blog about best uses for technology in the classroom). I think though that the possibility of easily switching from mindmap to list view is not something that can be as easily achieved with paper/pens.
There are other mindmapping apps that are available as well. If you’ve used or seen others that you think might be better, let me know. I’ve also used popplet, which is nice because there is an online version that you can also use with an account, but I think it limits how many you can do with the free account on the iPad. Popplet’s other advantage is it is more collaborative. You can share popplets with others and everyone can edit it (I think). The other one I’ve heard of is sling note, but I haven’t used it at all.
This is a mindmapping tool. Student can create mindmaps to demonstrate understanding of a big idea, or relationship between concepts taught in class. You could have them use a mind map to organize their research, or review for a test/summative assignment. I’m sure I don’t have to go into all the ways mindmaps can be used.
Here is a mindmap I made at (copied from) Garfield Gini-Newman’s PD session Nov 2 at Monora Park.
I am still playing with this tool, and there is a mistake in the hierarchy (the way I drew the lines), but you get the idea. You can also display the image as text - see below (in this layout, you can better see where I made the mistake drawing lines):
You could have students share their mindmaps using the document camera the department has. I also have a toggle to hook the iPads up to the data projector if you would like to play with that. The app also allows the user to email either the mind map or the text version, but as we have not set the iPads up with individual email addresses, I’m uncertain as to how that would work. Students may know how themselves - it may be possible for students to set up their own email address in iPad settings, email the file, then make sure they log out. We need to be careful, we don’t want students having access to each others’ email accounts. There is also an option to share via facebook (I haven’t tried this).
Granted, this is an example of using the iPads to do something that can be done with paper and pens - in this case it is more about the gadget (contrary to my first blog about best uses for technology in the classroom). I think though that the possibility of easily switching from mindmap to list view is not something that can be as easily achieved with paper/pens.
There are other mindmapping apps that are available as well. If you’ve used or seen others that you think might be better, let me know. I’ve also used popplet, which is nice because there is an online version that you can also use with an account, but I think it limits how many you can do with the free account on the iPad. Popplet’s other advantage is it is more collaborative. You can share popplets with others and everyone can edit it (I think). The other one I’ve heard of is sling note, but I haven’t used it at all.
Your thoughts? Would you use iPads for a mind mapping activity? Have you?
This looks great. I could use this at the end of my units when I have students mind map major concepts from the unit. Is it possible to label the arrows? Mike
ReplyDeleteGreat Question! Thanks for responding.
ReplyDeleteI should have thought that you guys would want to do that, being so far ahead in your use of mindmaps... I don't think there is a way in Idea Sketch to do exactly that. My easy solution would be to tell the students to use a specific shape or colour within their line to label the line - I think it would be the action words? I hope that makes sense.
There might be a more sophisticated mindmapping tool that we could find, I just don't know of it right now. Anyone else?
I am not a mind mapping person. For some reason, I have trouble following them, if I haven't created them. Honestly, I don't understand the GGN session mind map. That said, just because I have trouble with reading a mind map, doesn't mean I can't teach students how to mind map. I think mind mapping would be a good tool for creating an essay outline.
ReplyDeleteThere is a program on the school computer that allows you to mind map. It is called Inspiration. I used it with my learning strategies class last year.
Sarah, thanks for the comments.
ReplyDeleteI have trouble following mind maps also, unless I had some say in the way they are set up (ie: giving directions to students). I often use them in class as a way of having students categorize things. I think the way Mike and Christina use mindmaps might make it easier for you to follow. Their students have to include linking words to explain the connections. Then the mind map reads like sentences.
Thanks for the reminder about Inspiration as well. Do you know if it allows you to add those connections? ASIDE: I don't know how much longer we will have the image as we move more and more to web based and open source tools.