Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Blog Entry 9: Tech Tools for Critical Thinking

In week 10, we learned about different mind-mapping applications and examples that can be used to organize one's thoughts. Applications that we were showed in class included Webspiration, Bubbl.us and Gliffy. Each of these applications allows users to create concept maps for free very easily. Our homework was to create a concept map about social networking using one of these applications. I chose to use Bubbl.us. Bubbl.us made creating a concept map very simple and it also made it easy to share with others. The post below this includes the concept map I created. I am usually not very good with technology, but Bubbl.us allowed me to embed the concept map without any difficulties.

In the field of education, mind-mapping applications will be very useful. I had previously used concept maps when I was a student. My private school provided students with free access to Inspiration, which is an application that is not accessible online. I always thought these concept maps were very valuable when I was studying for a test. Therefore, when I become a teacher I will definitely have my students use these applications. I feel it will be very beneficial to my students to create concept maps in order to help them brainstorm, organize their thoughts, and use as a study tool.

Below is an article that describes the value of mind-mapping applications in the field of education.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech164.shtml

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