As a self identified visual learner, I really appreciate this concept. I know have heard of these ideas before, but it wasn't until our class on the topic, that the ideas began to clarify for me. The general concept is to provide a visual representation of an idea, including the representation of lines and arrows to show relationships. Shapes, such as squares, circles or ovals are used to idea key idea areas or to highlight specific terms. Concept maps can be used to show hierarchical information, such more general information on the top or to one side of the graphic, then transitioning to more detailed terms or information as you progress down or across.
Concept and mind maps are a great way to show connections and relationships with and between ideas. The size of more key components can be made larger to show relative importance as well varying the thickness and type of lines and arrows as a means to express relationship or connection strength. Another great benefit of concept maps, is that they are age agnostic. Learners of ages can benefit from seeing an idea expressed in a visual manner such as in a concept map. Kathy in kindergarten will benefit just as much as Sally in secondary school, assuming of course that the information is presented in an age appropriate manner. Concept maps have the ability to be used as an assessment tool. Through clearly stating what is expected in the structure of a concept map, students can create one based upon the subject are being taught to see how well the lesson material is being understood. As I progress in my education career, I look forward to opportunities to use concept and mind maps as an instruction and assessment tool, both in the classroom, and for my own professional development. Just as we should show good manners and treat others in the same manner we want to be treated in real life, the same applies to our online presence. This covers everything from the hows and whys of doing various types of communication online to behaviour in online gaming.
Digital citizenship distills down into a couple of related key components- respect and ethics. Recall the "Golden Rule" or treat others as you wish to be treated. In other words, use the same kindness and love in your online activities as you do in real life. Show respect for others online in the same manner you would as in speaking with someone while in the line-up at Tim Horton's. How do we translate this message into the classroom? Fortunately, we as teachers are not left alone in this regard. There are a number of resources and guides available to help in training ourselves and our students in becoming digitally literate. Alberta Education has created a guide to aid in understanding digital citizenship as well as how to create policies to support learning and understanding in digital citizenship. It may be found at this link: http://www.edudemic.com/digital-literacy/ Another good reference is: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-citizenship-mary-beth-hertz. This article makes the great point that digital citizenship involves teaching children a new set of social skills. Coming back closer to home, http://www.2learn.ca/ydp/digcitizen.aspx is an Alberta based site with a great selection of links to aid and guide in furthering understanding and knowledge of digital citizenship. Internet and web searching has changed a lot since I was first online with Archie, Veronica and Jughead. Usenet was also a very valuable tool at the time. I found this page using today's undisputed search king Google: http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2064954/Where-Are-They-Now-Search-Engines-Weve-Known-Loved, and took a walk down memory lane. I recall using most of those listed at one time or another AND having to use multiple search engines to find what I needed. By late 2000 or early 2001 I was using Google and have kept with it because it works. I've tried a few others as they came along, Wisenut and Teoma were two that showed promise, but none seemed to be able to match the results offered by Google.
It is interesting to see how internet searching has been evolving. The rise of social media platforms the past few years has provided new aspects to searching, apart from looking for traditional websites. Searching in a variety of mediums is available through outlets as diverse as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. The result is far more information from far more sources than ever before. So, the challenge now is to learn how to sift through it all and find relevant information in a timely fashion. Being as specific as possible is one of the keys. Performing a search for Alberta Grade 5 science lesson plans will provide more relevant results than just searching for science lesson plans. The benefit for us as teachers will be knowing that we are finding the resources we need, no matter how fun it may be to "wander about" online. I had resisted joining Pinterest, worried that it might become too much of a time sink, (worries that were somewhat justified), but I am finding it an amazing resource, full of resources that will be useful in the classroom. Here again, the idea of being as specific as possible in your search terms is a time saver, no matter how many fantastic shirts I find ;). References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_search_engine accessed October 11, 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veronica_%28search_engine%29 accessed October 11, 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jughead_%28search_engine%29 accessed October 11, 2014 |
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