Creating and Communicating Online (Module 6)

This Module suggested that we visit mindmapping and Glogster as tools that may assist in the process of creating and communicating online.

I have used Glogster in the classroom offered as an alternative to posters. It worked fine, but I believe that other Web2.0 tools offer richer learning experiences in the secondary school environment. I have also found that Glogster binds up websites when you embed the work. This is based on personal experience with a class Edmodo site and the post, where I embedded the work below only to find editing the post slow. I deleted the embed, finished my writing and then embedded (or at least I intend to) at the end. There is no denying that Glogster offers high potential for a rich creative session; however, I have found student engagement was not as high as with some other collaborative tools.

STUDENT SAMPLE





Mindmapping is a personal passion. My Delicious account needs some housekeeping but my links can be found here and here. The links point to a number of Web2.0 mindmapping tools and some ideas for their effective use in the classroom.

At present I have two preferred mindmapping tools: Mindmeister and Webspiration.

Mindmeister is a fabulous free web-based collaborative mind mapping tool for brainstorming and project management. A feature that I really like is that a whole class can simultaneously work on maps and see changes as they happen. It takes a bit if getting used to and I have experienced a few classroom management frustrations when first introducing classes; however, once up and running I this this as the tool of choice. My one hope is that one day system responsiveness may be upgraded.



The is no denying that Webspiration achieves their goal of combining the power of visual thinking and outlining to enhance thinking, learning and collaboration. Webspiration is an easier product to use. It is designed such that only one person can have editing rights at a time and so serves a different niche to Mindmeister.



To satisfy the course requirements, I worked with a group of students using Bubbl.us.  They enjoyed the experience; however, I will continue to use Mindmeister and Webspiration depending upon the nature of the class application.