Farr-Out Links to Learning » Concept Maps

Graphic Organizers: It’s a Wrap (for now)

Jen — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 06:03:26 +0000

I thought it would be interesting to end this little blog series with two more Web 2.0 app reviews (though I am sure there are other apps I have missed) and a couple of odd and end resources I discovered during my research.

Mindmeister is a Web 2.0 app that offers a number of options similar to many of those I have interviewed over the last couple of days. An added feature I found in this particular application is the ability to import a .txt file and turn it into a map. I experimented with this feature and found that the best imports occurred when I imported .txt files created in Notepad. I typed one word or phrase per line and indented the various levels prior to saving and importing. The import was pretty impressive. This product also allows a teacher or individual to assign various parts of the map to individuals with a start and due date function (great for building a collaborative overview of a book or concept…you could assign each chapter of a book to one or two individuals in a class, for example). In addition, the product allows students to work on a map collaboratively and you can attach web addresses and notes to a node. Unfortunately, the attachment features is only available in the pro version at an additional cost. The product also allow you to export the image for display on a website or as a .pdf printed handout. You can also export your concept/mind maps in .jpeg format (read further down my post for a great .jpeg idea).

I question whether I should share this concept mapping application as the developers recently closed access to the beta version. However, this product was my favorite application (I have been one of the beta testers): MyWebspiration. The product is very similar to the software version of Inspiration with the added benefit of collaboration and online chatting. You can sign up to be notified when this application will be open to users again at the MyWebspiration website.

If you use Inspiration or Kidspiration you can export your mindmaps in .jpeg format. At least three of the Web 2.0 applications I have reviewed also allow you to export your graphic organizers/mindmaps in .jpeg format as well: , Mind42.com, Mindmeister, and WiseMapping.com. Once you have saved a map in .jpeg format, go to the Block Posters site. The Block Posters site is a free site that will let you upload any image file (so this strategy would also work with your photographs and clipart also) to enlarge and turn your image/map into a poster size of your choosing. You won’t believe how easy it is to enlarge, print, and piece together a super-sized graphic organizer/image!

As I wrap up this series of graphic organizer posts I would like to leave you with a very inspiring mindmap created by artist/writer Austin Kleon. Please take time to visit Austin’s blog to learn more about his mindmapping technique and to view some more of his inspiring works of art/writing.

Graphic Organizers: Web 2.0 apps Part II

Jen — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:15:21 +0000

Over the past couple of days I have shared and reviewed reproducible graphic organizers, generators that can be used to create simple concept maps, and Web 2.0 applications that make it easy to create concept/mind maps. Today I am going to continue my review of Web 2.0 applications that support concept maps (also referred to as graphic organizers and mind maps).

Exploratree is a free web resource that is actually a combination generator/creator. This application makes it easy to download, use and make your own interactive thinking guides. Exploratree provided a set of 30+ ready-made guides which you can print out or use online. All of the guides are completely customizable or you can start from scratch and make your own. You can share them and work on them collaboratively and link to them as well. Watch the instructional video to learn about the application…initially I was put off by the Create It view and I can tell you from experience you will definitely want to switch to the Show It view before you print any of the organizers.

Mindomo is another impressive and versatile Web-based mind mapping tool. Like the other Web 2.0 applications I have shared, it delivers the capabilities of desktop mind mapping software in a Web browser – with no software to install or maintain. The product is robust and intuitive. In addition to adding links, notes, symbols, attachments, and images to your mindmaps you can also add video…very impressive. In addition, the formatting of your maps is simple and as easy as dragging and dropping. The formatting menu is very similar to Microsoft menus. The free version of the application allows you to create 7 private maps and unlimited public maps and the free version of Mindomo does not provide secure access to the Mindomo server (this means your username and password are transmitted via the Internet, and other users could have access to your account).You can create, edit mind maps, and share them with your colleagues or your friends. Users have the option of upgrading their free account to a premium version that is advertisement free. Users can also download and use a desktop version of this application that Mcan be deployed to your desktop and run across operating systems. The desktop version allows you to work on your mind maps offline or when your internet connection is not available, but for free users only those maps opened from the Mindomo Server can be saved locally. This is a very impressive mindmapping application….give it some time and explore it in depth as you consider all it has to offer.

There are a number of additional Web 2.0 applications that are designed to create mindmaps, but many of them now charge a fee or have severely limited their free versions to the point that I did not feel I could recommend them. I suspect that many of the tools I have shared with you over the past couple of days may also begin to charge a fee, but at this time they are free and fun and they offer great collaborative opportunities and interactivity for your students.

Reproducible Graphic Organizer Resources

Jen — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:47:49 +0000

Graphic Organizers are structured diagrams that help students stay focused in their note-taking. I have worked with educators and read learning theories that use a number of different terms like concept maps, mind maps, webs, and visualization diagrams. Essentially all of the materials I am sharing in this blog can be used to help your students take better notes. There are literally thousands of reproducible graphic organizers as well as generators that make it simple to create customized maps. I addition there are fantastic Web 2.0 tools that can be used to create concept maps as collaborative or independent activities online. Today I am going to focus on reproducible organizers. Check my blog tomorrow for online generators and Web 2.0 tools that you and your students can use to create personalized, specific concept maps collaboratively or independently.

Education Place – numerous (and I do mean numerous) graphic organizers are available for download at this site…they are all in .pdf format
Graphic Org – this is a nice site from the standpoint that it includes graphic organizers you can download, as well as suggestions for how to use them
Education Oasis – nice selection ready to print in .pdf format
SCORE – includes a few graphic organizers, including clustering and storyboarding
Scholastic Graphic Organizers for Reading Comprehension
Index to Learn - a bit of a cross between a generator and a printable
Region 15 Graphic Organizers – numerous pre-made organizers in .pdf format and Word format (nice because you can edit)
TFK Organizers – several organizers all available in one .pdf file
Everything ESL.net – organizers for content instruction
Ed Helper.com – .pdf organizers, several of which are graphically appealing for younger students
Freeology.com – 50+ .pdf organizers (some in color)
4-Block Literacy Framework – organziers in .pdf and Word format
Tools for Reading, Writing and Thinking - nice selection of organizers posted by Greece School District
Write Design Graphic Organizers – this site does not include a lot of “print and run” organizers, but it does include some great ideas and strategies for using graphic organizers in your curriculum.

The following brief video features Jim Burke describing how concept mapping can help students with the writing process.

Remember to check my blog tomorrow for additional concept mapping generators and Web 2.0 tools.