The great thing about a concept map is that it allows students to connect information in a visual form. By having a concept map online one is able to go on infinitely, never reaching the end of the paper. With an online tool such as inspiration, once is able to make concept maps quickly and also add visuals. This means that using an online concept map is an awesome way to start introductions of a new unit. Furthermore, in the older grades this map could be generated as a class and then sent out where students could refer to them at home.
In high school we used inspiration, to link key concepts in a unit of social studies. This was a great tool for me to visually see the connections that the unit had. Also since we made the concept maps in groups, I was able to see what other groups did. This added to my learning since I was able to see connections that others thought of and I did not.
Recently, I have found a new way of using concept maps. At the end of the day in an elementary class room as a teacher you can use a concept map to recap the events of the day. This would mean recapping what they learnt and things that happened in the day. By the end of the week or unit, the many concept maps can be place on the wall of the classroom or projected on the smartboard. By letting students review the concept maps it can help may connections from the lessons. In addition, if they are used at the end of the year it can help jog students memory of the year. Weather teaching or learning, concept maps are a tool that can easily represent connections.
In high school we used inspiration, to link key concepts in a unit of social studies. This was a great tool for me to visually see the connections that the unit had. Also since we made the concept maps in groups, I was able to see what other groups did. This added to my learning since I was able to see connections that others thought of and I did not.
Recently, I have found a new way of using concept maps. At the end of the day in an elementary class room as a teacher you can use a concept map to recap the events of the day. This would mean recapping what they learnt and things that happened in the day. By the end of the week or unit, the many concept maps can be place on the wall of the classroom or projected on the smartboard. By letting students review the concept maps it can help may connections from the lessons. In addition, if they are used at the end of the year it can help jog students memory of the year. Weather teaching or learning, concept maps are a tool that can easily represent connections.