Kathy Schrock's Tech Quest Linking to the Web With hyperlinks, you can connect directly to resources on the Internet from within the map with a click of a mouse. Neatness The software will ensure that everything is legible and fits into the map. Spell check No matter how you use the program, it makes sure that everything is spelled correctly! Adding pictures You can add clip art that's included in the software, scanned pictures, digital photos, or images from the Internet to quickly create graphically appealing diagrams. The software also comes with many animated symbols. However, if you find this movement distracting to students, you can turn off the animation. Changing the format You can view projects and work on them in the concept-map layout or in traditional outline form. Simply click on an icon to instantly change between the different formats. Multiple copies After you've created a concept map on the computer, you can print it out for each student. You can't do that with a flip chart! Classroom uses Concept maps can be used for projects in every subject. The following example shows some ways you can use the software to create a concept map that guides you and your students through a science unit on plants (but it can be adapted to almost any topic). (Use a scan converter or LCD projector to project the computer images on a television or a large screen so that the entire class can see.) Start by creating a concept map with the word "plants" and an appropriate image in the center. Reactivate students' prior knowledge by asking them what they already know about plants. Add this information to the concept map in one color, say green, so that when you add information in other colors as the unit progresses, students will see how much they knew prior to the unit and how much they have learned. Next, ask students what they want to learn about plants, and add these questions to the map in another color, such as red. Lots More Lessons Some specific uses of graphic organizers and concept-mapping software include: Compare and contrast two artists, authors, or scientists Show relationships between book characters Classify hierarchies in the U.S. government Sequence the steps in a lab experiment Outline the plot of a play Create pro/con lists of issues for debates Illustrate the water cycle Show the computer process with a flowchart Show the relationship of factors of numbers using a Venn diagram Display the concept map during each lesson of the unit. Ask students to add (in blue) new information that they have learned each day. If they have answered a question they had at the start of the unit, they can replace the question with the newly learned information. As the unit progresses, the color-coding on the concept map will guide students to notice which areas need to be researched more thoroughly. After completing the unit and the concept map, print out a copy for each student to use as a review, or study guide, or a cover sheet for a booklet about the unit. To conclude the unit, you can use the concept map as a basis for a test. Distribute blank maps and ask students to fill in specific information. Using the concept-mapping format throughout the unit and as part of the unit test will help students organize their thoughts and see how all of the concepts connect. Resources http://www.inspiration.com/ Log on to learn about the concept-mapping software, Inspiration and Kidspiration, and to view sample lesson plans. For more information, call (800) 877-4292. www.graphic.org/goindex.html Learn about various types of graphic organizers and get tips on when and how to use them. http://users.edte.utwente.nl/lanzing/cm_home.htm The Concept-Mapping Home Page provides links to useful sites and software. http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm Visit this site to view various graphic organizers. MEETING THE STANDARDS This month's Tech Quest addresses ISTE standard 3.D: Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
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