Module 5

Using Bubbl.us is a great way to get students thinking about different concepts and how one aspect of a concept is built on by more complex aspects. For younger students it might be at only basic or simpler levels of mind mapping. At more senior years it each layer of the mind map may incorporate the high levels of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy.

Another thought I had about the use of this Web 2.0 tool is that for the visual learners it might be an effective way of setting out what is covered in a syllabus. This might be done by the teacher at the beginning of a topic/unit and given to students as an overview of what will be covered in the topic/unit. Another way of using it may be that the students are given the task at the end of the topic/unit to create the mind map from the syllabus and to include from their learning any examples/page references or other cross references that are appropriate as a way of summarising and revising what they have learned. This could also be applied to sections of topics/units.

An advantage in using Bubbl.us as well is that it can be used by individuals or groups. Here is my first attempt at using Bubbl.us. This is a really basic mind map on the Four Seasons (it was blowing a gale outside at the time I was using Bubbl.us and this is what came to mind). It also shows how different concepts within a topic can also be colour-coded on the mind map.

Glogster EDU is also a really useful tool for evidence of student learning. I recall many a time when the boot of my car looked like a worked for a rolled cardboard manufacturer. It seemed that more often than not, students had to create a poster with information and magazine cut outs! These posters were usually just that ... information "copied" from an encyclopaedia or other reference book and picture cut out from papers and magazines or hand drawn by students who dare to do so!

Glogster EDU serves the same purpose but what is great about it is that it is using the media our students are most familiar with now .... digitial media. The added benefit of this is that students are able to put on their digital posters their own creations eg videos, audios, photos and images, as well as their own writing. Again, this is providing opportunity for some of the higher levels of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy to be attempted and achieved by students.

Prezi is a rather engaging tool for those who like to be creative in their presentations. While I played with this at a basic level I can see that the potential for its use is enormous. Added to the element of creativity is the advantage of these being kept online and being shared with others. This provides opportunity for collaborative learning.