Thinking Tools: Planning

Concept maps are a VERY familiar topic for me. During my science methods class, I don't think we went more than a week without using one. Generally in that class, each group would get a big whiteboard and make one of their own and then present it to the class. At first, I didn't really see the point in making all these "dumb" concept maps. I didn't get it. Then slowly, my view changed as I realized that each group (even though given the same ideas or chapter to map) came up with completely different maps.

I like the idea of using an online resource to create a concept map. I feel like that way it's easier to make corrections and changes. The one issue I see with using online resources to make a concept map is that (at least in my experience) you can't add connecting words to the map, in my science methods class my professor really really emphasized having those connecting words to bring it all together so that it makes sense.

I thought that the Mindtools article brought up a really great point about making sure that students are the ones creating the knowledge and learning when using technology. It's so easy to get excited about having students working with technology that we (as educators) forget how key it is to focus on WHAT they are getting out of the experience. Having them simply play a game or absorb information from the computer. Using concept map technology is all student based knowledge and information, you can really get a grasp for what they know and understand.