[Prompt: Review tools for visual mapping and discuss how you might use these tools in use in your classroom]
I like the idea of using concept maps or visual organizers or whatever you would like to call them for putting ideas on paper. In a math or science classroom, it would be awesome to have an ongoing concept map where the students could add topics as we learn them. I think they're also a great tool for students to use individually for smaller assignments such as timelines or brainstorming.
The thing that makes me nervous about virtual concept maps is that I've yet to see one that was done really well. Personally, I think my popplet presentation is extremely simplistic and I'm not really sure what could be done to take it to the next level. Obviously the topic is irrelevant to teaching in a middle school, unless the assignment was to allow students to get to know something about me.
It could be a great tool for the beginning of the school year, especially in a school setting such as Montevideo Middle School in Rockingham County where the incoming 6th graders were previously attending at least three or four different elementary schools (not factoring for students who move to the area), and thereby probably don't know everyone.
Overall, I think the technology is great, what with the option to add images and videos from the internet or your own computer, but it might be a little too complicated for a middle school setting. Popplet is the simplest I think, and I even had trouble deciphering all of the tools. Prezi seems very impressive, but I have doubts as to whether or not the time investment for teaching such a tool to middle school students is worth the pay off of them creating such a product. I suppose time will tell. Perhaps the students are already fluent with the program and will be able to teach me something =)
You bring up a good point about the feasibility of teaching middle school students to use the technology of sites like Prezi or Popplet, Natalie. I had only thought about this a little during my own work with Prezi. I was frustrated by the limitations when I could not figure out the tools on the sites and can imagine how this would go in a middle school classroom.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure, but it might be best to use Popplet in middle school since it seems simpler. At first I thought my presentation seemed really simplistic (I used Inspiration). Not I think the simplicity is a good thing because too many details like animations and sounds might just interrupt connections that students are trying to make with the content.
Even if it may take an entire class period and some tech support to help students in this age range become comfortable with these tools,I think the time would be worth it.
If teachers assign work using sites like Popplet throughout the school year, it would encourage students to use technology to learn. I think they should be comfortable and confident that after some initial confusion, they'll be able to use technology to accomplish goals like small assignments, study guides, or even just presentations of a personal nature like their favorite musical artists or whatever. Actually this would be a good topic for their first attempt while they're just learning how to use a website, so it wouldn't be as stressful as trying to organize the events in a story or create a historical timeline. Once they've gotten used to it, they can use Popplet (or others) to present information to classmates, reinforcing content through repetition, peer teaching, and discussion.
The confidence students gain by mastering the tools of these websites may be invaluable in shaping their approaches to other technological advancements. Since it's going to be an undeniable part of their lives, I think it's important for them to feel like they can handle these new things.