Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Application 4: Game Plan Progress

As I continue to work towards my goals that I listed in my GAME plan, I have not only found some new resources, but new ways to use them. After learning more about assessments, I have realized some new ways to utilize the online tools that I have discovered. In my goal to learn more about blogging and how to use it in the classroom, I have discovered that it would be a useful tool for assessing all kinds of learning outcomes. I can also see that some of the online concept mapping tools such as Spicynodes.com or Webspiration.com is a great way for students to create a map of their thinking and a helpful way for me to assess their thought process. As I use these tools with my students I will continue to monitor and adjust along the way. I will continue to seek out new tools and discuss with colleagues how to best use what I find.
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7 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Hi Carrie, I went to Spicynodes.com and worked out a map and thought to myself, this would be an excellent tool for teachers (myself, anyway) to "map their thinking." I like that you (as the teacher) are able to use it as an assessment tool as well.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Lynn

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  2. aspirerMarch 21, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    My students have found Webspiration fascinating. They enjoy putting their thoughts into a concept map. Sometimes I've had to ask several questions to see what the connections are but my students usually can articulate why they arranged their maps the way they did.

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  3. KimMarch 21, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    I'm not 100% Certain, but I'm sure you can copy and paste or upload the concept maps into a blog and allow the students to post their comments and thoughts on their classmates creation. Seeing each others thought patterns may help them with their own solution.

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  4. SusanKraussBlogMarch 25, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    Hi Carrie,
    It sounds like your GAME plan is moving along well. I really like Kim's idea to share the concept maps on a blog and let students share thoughts--this would also work well on a VoiceThread I think--you might be able to break students into groups--have a few VoiceThread groups where they posted maps and added comments.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Susan

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  5. Kari TackettMarch 25, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Carrie~

    Isn't it interesting how when you begin to dive deeper into researching types of technologies to use in the classroom you think of all these new ways to use them? Sometimes all it takes is a refresher in a program that you are already familiar with to trigger an idea of how to use it differently. I think your idea about using concept mapping software is a great way for students to express their thinking and for you to assess their knowledge of the content. I think parents would enjoy seeing the concept maps posted on a classroom page and they would probably enjoy responding with their thoughts. Great progress on your GAME plan...keep it up!

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  6. JoeMarch 26, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    webspiration.com is really cool.. I have used this once with my students and they loved it. It took some time for them to understand the concept and build the map but it was a great finished project. I think it could be used more. Good luck when trying it.

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  7. CarrieMarch 27, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Thanks everyone for your comments! Technology inspires so many ideas it becomes overwhelming! I like the idea of embedding concept mapping in a blog. I found that Kidblog.org doesn't have as many options when it comes to adding to posts or embedding. I'm glad many of you have checked out some of the sites I mentioned, it's fun to hear what others have done and only adds to what I want to do!

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