Concept Mapping and Kidspiration

Concept maps are organized diagrams that show the relationships between concepts. The main topic is chosen and then branched off are various sub-topics. There are different ways to illustrate with colors, fonts, and pictures that will help make it more organized. How can this be used in education? A teacher can make a concept map to help show understanding of the subject of their choosing. A student can also make concept maps, and this can help them to better grasp a topic. A little fun fact: concept mapping was developed in the early 1980's, by Joseph Novack at Cornell University.

Concept mapping can be tied in with the NETS-T with the first three of the five standards: 1) Facilitate student learning and creativity, 2) Design and develop digital-age learning experiences, and 3) Model digital-age work and learning. In the first standard, facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity, concept mapping can allow the student to be creative and innovative. It allows students to engage in topics, and it allows them to use a web-based tool to reveal and clarify understanding. In the second standard, designing and developing digital-age learning experiences, a student can design or adapt relevant learning experiences that promotes creativity and learning. It enables students to pursue their curiosities by becoming active in managing their own learning and assessing their progress, as well as addressing the student's learning style, work strategy, and ability. In the third standard, modeling digital-age work and learning, concept mapping can be used to collaborate with other students, and can be used to communicate information and ideas effectively.

My assignment this past week was to make a concept map. I chose the scientific method, geared for 6th-grade science, as my main topic, and then branched off with the six steps being my sub-topics. There are many programs that can be used to make concept maps, but Kidspiration was what we were to use. Kidspiration is a web-based program created for students K-5 and is to help young minds develop creativity, thinking, and literacy. The program was fairly easy to navigate, and I had fun dabbling in the colors and pictures. The only issue I had was trying to figure out how to publish my work. It took me awhile to realize that I had to go to the outline view, to be able to publish. The only downfall to this program is that it costs money. Although it is a good program, I am quickly learning that teacher's like the word FREE. To be innovative is the key. I like the concept mapping idea, and I'm thinking that a map could be done through Word. Just a thought.

Below is my concept map, made using Kidspiration.