Concept maps in action

My attempts to design a concept map for an assignment forced me to move away from lure of artistic to the fundamentals of concept mapping in websipration. Yes, it is indeed easier to create a concept map without having to draw bubbles and lines manually, while trying to get it to all fit on a page. But the time it takes to manipulate the software left me to question its application as a teaching tool. I recognize one has to pay attention to visual and layout considerations; the shape of the concept map, the size of the bubbles, the colour choices, the font size and the need to differentiate the main concept font from the minor or branched concepts. The issue of collaboration also requires some know how. It is very easy to edit your data unintentionally I discovered. But, luckily it is save automatically, so retrieval is possible. This experience brought to the forefront, the need for teacher competence in the use of software before use as a teaching tool. Detailed tutorials for students is an important prerequisite for students use of the software. The development of a rubric will help keep students focused and help them to design meaningful visually pleasing concept maps.

As teachers we need to focus on the importance of technology as a literacy tool in order to meet the demands of multi literate clients we serve, even if we sometimes feel a bit out of our comfort zone. We have to over come the fear 'of the new' to arrive at the point where we can become critical consumers of technology, to be thoughtful users who question, reflect, and refract on (Pope, 1999) on the best times and ways to integrate technology.(Pope, & Golub, 2000)

Journeying into the world of blogs

Blogs have been on my mind for quite some time, could it be the requirement of my IT course and the need to create twelve blog posts, maybe. It is I believe because blogging is so engaging. Blogs gives the user the freedom to create a space of interest. It is like owning a piece of land in the cyber-world. Blogs offer a lot of possibilities as a teaching and learning medium. As a reading specialist the possibilities for blog use are almost limitless. Not only can blogs satiate the need of technology interactivity by students it can help in :

• developing decoding skills - root words - prefixes - suffixes.
• analysis & identification of morphemes.
• promote reading fluency.
• promote vocabulary development.
• aid in comprehension.
• support writing skills.
• be motivational.

Concept mapping re-discovered

The re-exploration of concept mapping as an instructional strategy has me researching its applications on reading instruction. My interest was further piqued by Novak's (2008) view that concept maps can promote meaningful learning. Since I have used concept maps in the traditional chalk and blackboard, pen and paper forms, the introduction of Webspiration software excited me. After spending three hours working out the features of Webspiration I began to enjoy the creative aspect of the program. I recognize how easy it would be to, not only make instructional delivery more interesting and meaningful, but to appeal to the multiple intelligences of my students. As an educator my quest is ongoing, I'm always searching for meaningful ways to simplify content information to aid students' understanding. Concept mapping offers great possibilities for the challenged readers who may be turned off from the traditional modes of thinking, organizing information, summarizing, and learning difficult concepts. The collaborative nature of the concept web software is ideal to promote 'buddy learning'. I have discovered Kidspiration a kid friendly version of concept mapping. This program is easy to use, there are simple navigational prompts, a lot of colourful graphics and many more resources for reading specialists. And most importantly you are offered a thirty day free trial. It is worth exploring.