Week 1 - Mind and Concept Maps

Figure 1: Inventions and Inventors

Figure 2: Animal Classification

Figure 1 and 2 respectively shows the concept map and mind map that I created on Inspiration; the first looks at different inventions, and the second looks at animal classifications. This exercise has been really fun and easy to use and there are a variety of illustrations to choose from. I can definitely see its application in the classroom. It encourages lateral thinking and allows for students to make links they may not have originally been aware of. The difference between a concept map and a mind map is that a mind map is based on hierarchies denoting relationships with a central governing concept. A concept map on the other hand, is based on connections between concepts in more diverse patterns. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

A "thinking" task such as this would also work well by combining De Bono's thinking hats with mind mapping. This would teach students different ways about thinking about a topic. An example of the question in the middle of the mind map could be "Do you think our school logo should be changed?" The lines stemming from the middle of the chart could individually examine the different styles of thinking behind the issue. Students would have to come up with their own thoughts related to the different thinking hats.
An example of "red hat" thinking could be: I really dislike the current uniform. I feel silly when I wear it.
An example of "white hat" thinking could be: There are 55% of people who said that they want the uniform changed based on our class survey. We know people who have good ideas.
An example of "black hat" thinking could be: There are a lot people who voted that we don't change the uniform. It is also a difficult process. It will require a lot of time and money to change.
An example of "yellow hat" thinking could be: It will be a great community exercise for the school. We can work together to come up with a new school logo.
An example of "green hat" thinking could be: What could our new logo be? Where would we like it to be placed around the school and on our uniforms?
An example of "blue hat" thinking could be: What is the first step in this process? Who do we need to sign off on this task once we have decided what our new logo will be?
I think this exercise is a good way of combining a good "thinking" tool with an equally good computer program to illustrate the students' thinking processes.
There are a number of good free websites available I have found looking on the internet. The most user friendly site I have come across is Mind42. This is similar to Inspiration and could be an option for mind mapping if Inspiration is not available. It does not appear to have all the same features as Inspiration. Users do not have access to a large number of pictures and different mind mapping styles.

Figure 2: Mindomo

The Mindmesiters website https://www.mindmeister.com/home/signup_editions is also extremely user friendly and unlike the mind maps produced on Inspiration, students would be able to share the mind map with other students who would be able to contribute ideas to the same document. This is certainly an idea which could be used given that students regularly access the ultranet.

Mindomo is another "project management" style mind mapping service available.Refer to Figure 2 which shows the Mindomo home page. More information can be obtained on http://www.mindomo.com/. It does cost to use this site, and based on the videos available for viewing, it does not seem particularly user friendly for primary aged students. It may be more suitable for those professionals responsible for project management