A. Utilize Collaborative Instructions to engage one another in a global learning environment. Prezi an online site where teachers can teach student to work collaboratively and create presentations.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Collaborative Instructions
A. Utilize Collaborative Instructions to engage one another in a global learning environment. Prezi an online site where teachers can teach student to work collaboratively and create presentations.
Personal Learning Environments
D. Help a student develop their own Personal Learning Environment by utilizing Open Network Learning Applications within a global learning environment.
I can help a student develop their own Personal Learning Environment. The Personal Learning Environment consists of the tools that a learner chooses to assist in their education. These tools and resources help the learner to communicate, collaborate, and collaborate. To do this the learner can utilize Open Network Learning Applications or tools. These Web 2.0 tools are used individually or collaboratively with others that are local or distant through the internet to promote learning. An important facet of Open Network Learning Applications is social networking and the use of social interaction in learning.
Important as the PLE is it is the learner’s judgment on which tools to use to assist in their research and learning. Many of the tools available to the learner promote higher learning. As an instructor it is important to teach the learner how to select resources that are good sources of data and those that are not.
Why create PLEs? The PLE allows the learner to take ownership of their own education based on research that they conduct with the Web 2.0 tools. The break from traditional education and from LMS provides the opportunity for the learner to employ tools that promote higher learning. An important element of the PLE is publishing and sharing what is learned.
PLEs are not for all students though. Students may not have the experience and skills to interpret and evaluate a speaker comments or writers post. Teachers can help the student to learn these skills.
I created My PLE as a model for students. My PLE contains the Web 2.0 tools and resources that I use in my class work and at work in the computer commons. I designed a graphic that show the key areas of communication, collaboration, creativity, resources and tools that I use on a daily basis.
References
Unknown. (2009) 7 things you should know about...Personal Learning Environments, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. Web
www.educause.edu/eli
Blocher, J. Michael, PhD. (NA) Open Network Learning Environments. Web accessed 4-18-2011.
www.nau.edu/d-elearn/events/viewFile.php?ID=88
Pontydysgu, Graham Attwell. (2007) Personal Learning Environments - the future of eLearning? eLearning Papers www.elearningpapers.eu
I can help a student develop their own Personal Learning Environment. The Personal Learning Environment consists of the tools that a learner chooses to assist in their education. These tools and resources help the learner to communicate, collaborate, and collaborate. To do this the learner can utilize Open Network Learning Applications or tools. These Web 2.0 tools are used individually or collaboratively with others that are local or distant through the internet to promote learning. An important facet of Open Network Learning Applications is social networking and the use of social interaction in learning.
Important as the PLE is it is the learner’s judgment on which tools to use to assist in their research and learning. Many of the tools available to the learner promote higher learning. As an instructor it is important to teach the learner how to select resources that are good sources of data and those that are not.
Why create PLEs? The PLE allows the learner to take ownership of their own education based on research that they conduct with the Web 2.0 tools. The break from traditional education and from LMS provides the opportunity for the learner to employ tools that promote higher learning. An important element of the PLE is publishing and sharing what is learned.
PLEs are not for all students though. Students may not have the experience and skills to interpret and evaluate a speaker comments or writers post. Teachers can help the student to learn these skills.
I created My PLE as a model for students. My PLE contains the Web 2.0 tools and resources that I use in my class work and at work in the computer commons. I designed a graphic that show the key areas of communication, collaboration, creativity, resources and tools that I use on a daily basis.
References
Unknown. (2009) 7 things you should know about...Personal Learning Environments, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. Web
www.educause.edu/eli
Blocher, J. Michael, PhD. (NA) Open Network Learning Environments. Web accessed 4-18-2011.
www.nau.edu/d-elearn/events/viewFile.php?ID=88
Pontydysgu, Graham Attwell. (2007) Personal Learning Environments - the future of eLearning? eLearning Papers www.elearningpapers.eu
MODULE 2: BLOGGING ABOUT ENHANCING LEARNING BY INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY TOOLS
B. Create and manage Digital Identities (text, audio, images, video, avatars, etc) to present themselves appropriately within a global learning environment.
Blabberize is a service that allows one to create a talking picture, mainly a moving mouth on a still image. This tool is very easy to use. Here are the steps:
1.The user uploads a personal picture to Blabberize.
2.Edit picture options, to crop or make changes to the picture.
3.Place the mouth on the picture.
4.Select the sound. It can be recorded from the microphone, used a recorded sound or use a phone to record.
Once the user is done a link is generated and is able to share with everyone they want to. I found very easy to use. When it came time for the recording part, I used the third option, phone recording. Blabberize generates a phone number and pin number it was the best of the three sound options for me. This tool can be used in many ways, to create a story, a presentation, to have student introduce themselves in an online environment.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
TPACK and Global Learning
What is Global Education?
Global education extends the walls of the typical classroom. It exposes children to other ideas, communities, cultures and children from around the world. Global education is a teaching tool that provides a real world, authentic, learning experience at a global level.
Global education can reinforce the learning that students have acquired about cultures and promote understanding of diversity, including other histories, other customs, and new world perspectives. Similarly, in this learning environment, students are also able to examine the commonalities that tie them to the rest of the world.
Teachers can participate in global education through the use of technology that allows their classrooms to connect to other classrooms globally through collaborative projects. What results from this process is a more well rounded, prepared and exposed citizen of the world.
Participation in a global collaboration provides an authentic and safe learning environment for culturally diverse students to learn more about themselves and others throughout the world. These opportunities provide more than just learning about specific course content; they include opportunities to instill manners, learn a different language, research a new location and its people, familiarize with another culture, understand unfamiliar barriers toward success or education, or think about the political and religious implications on communication, education, and success.
What is TPACK?
T: Technology
P: Pedagogy
A: and
CK: Content Knowledge
Basically, it is the framework for what supports global education. It is the, “understanding of the complexity of relationships among students, teachers, content, technologies, and practices” (Archambault and Crippen). Without any of these areas, the global learning environment will diminish. Technology makes knowledge available at the stroke of a key, pedagogy encourages learner collaboration, and content knowledge is shared and built upon. “As we build communities of teachers and students who collaborate globally to learn within real world contexts and issues of importance, we have the greatest hope of making this world a better and more positively sustainable place now and in the future” (Teacher's Guide to International Collaboration on the Internet).
How do Teachers Design and Develop Instructional Practices that Integrate TPACK to Engage Learners within a Global Learning Environment?
Generally speaking, student engagement is the backbone of all real learning. Generally, if teachers use collaborative pedagogy that encourages active student engagement and technology to teach content knowledge, there is an increased chance that students will want to learn and feel included in the process.
It is important to note that one of the most vital components of a teacher’s pedagogy is the ability to foresee pitfalls in the learning process and plan activities that minimize these disturbances; however, this is, at times, difficult because student’s knowledge, especially in the realm of technology, often surpasses that of the instructor. The National Technology Plan released in January, 2005, went so far as to admit that “today’s students, of almost any age, are far ahead of their teachers in computer literacy. They prefer to access subject information on the Internet, where it is more abundant, more accessible, and more up to date.” Imagine the difference now in 2011.
We can engage students in global learning through global projects.
For example:
· engage students to discuss common topics among their global peers
· write about something they know and are interested in and share via e-mail with other children
· write essays about the laws that exist in their life and respond to other’s writings from around the world
· share their favorite stories or their favorite activities to another “buddy” in another country through technology
· create a type of game and play it online with their new global friends, such as describing a picture and that the partner must draw
· read a fairy tale (ex. the American Cinderella and the Chinese Cinderella story) and then compare and contrast the stories with oral, written, or visual depictions of their findings
· let students “explore” a globe or map or watch a news story to determine which country or culture they would like to learn more about, and then participate in some of the more specific activities listed above.
Tools and Websites for Educators:
Video and voice communication tools:
www.skype.com
Educator ideas, lessons, and strategies:
http://www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au/globaled/page1.html
Global projects to join:
http://www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au/globaled/go/pid/3533
Citations:
Archambault, L., & Crippen, K. (2009). Examining T
Cooney, et. al. (2011) Wiki Page: Retrieved from https://etcgroup2.wikispaces.com/Global+Learning
National Educational Technology Plan 2004: Toward a new golden age in american education--how the internet, the law and today's students are revolutionizing
expectations. (January 2005). Ed.gov. U.S. Department of Education website.
Retrieved from
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/index.html
United States Department of Education (2009). Teacher's Guide to International Collaboration on the Internet. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/teachers/how/tech/international/index.html
Friday, April 15, 2011
Web 2.0 Technology: Communities of Practice
Web 2.0 Technologies for Communities of Practice primarily focus on Wikis, Blogs, and Podcasts, which shouldn't be surprising if you think about it. Students and teachers can participate and learn from each other in these global technologies, connecting with peers and peoples with whom they would never have met, without Web 2.0. Assignments can be created by multiple parties, allowing for collaboration, edited by a group of peers, and presented with multiple presentation tools. Wikis, Blogs, and Podcasts are perfect examples of Communities of Practice.
As with any Web 2.0 Tool, Wiki's, Blogs, and Podcasts are best utilized when other tools are incorporated into the format of presentation. Online videos, such as youtube.com, graphic organizers, like prezi presentations and slideshows (see above), and community journals can add to the global experience as each member of the community provides their impute and ideas. This collaboration is quite possible the most important aspect of Web 2.0, allowing people to share ideas and work together in timely, effective manner, held at their own pace. Furthermore, we know it works as this blog has brought our group closer together through collaboration, multiple Web 2.0 tools, and shared discussion and assignments. We are living proof of Web 2.0 Tools insuring Communities of Practice.
The information listed below are links to my resources, found in a brief description of each article.
Slideshare presentation on web 2.0 and communities of practice
Examples of social web 2.0 tools; youtube.com, gallery.microsoft.com, myspace.come, sourceforge.net, gliffy.com, upcoming.com odeo.com, delicious bookmarking applications, wikis, blogs, and podcasts
Community Flowchart/Charts
Wikis, Blogs, and Podcasts in the medical/educational world
Wikis, Blogs, and Podcasts
As with any Web 2.0 Tool, Wiki's, Blogs, and Podcasts are best utilized when other tools are incorporated into the format of presentation. Online videos, such as youtube.com, graphic organizers, like prezi presentations and slideshows (see above), and community journals can add to the global experience as each member of the community provides their impute and ideas. This collaboration is quite possible the most important aspect of Web 2.0, allowing people to share ideas and work together in timely, effective manner, held at their own pace. Furthermore, we know it works as this blog has brought our group closer together through collaboration, multiple Web 2.0 tools, and shared discussion and assignments. We are living proof of Web 2.0 Tools insuring Communities of Practice.
The information listed below are links to my resources, found in a brief description of each article.
Slideshare presentation on web 2.0 and communities of practice
Examples of social web 2.0 tools; youtube.com, gallery.microsoft.com, myspace.come, sourceforge.net, gliffy.com, upcoming.com odeo.com, delicious bookmarking applications, wikis, blogs, and podcasts
Community Flowchart/Charts
Wikis, Blogs, and Podcasts in the medical/educational world
Wikis, Blogs, and Podcasts
Global Learning Constructs: C
C. Use Social Networking Technology to appropriately communicate, interact, and collaborate with others in a global learning environment.
Social networking technology has a tremendous part to play in assisting students in becoming competent global digital citizens. Social networking technology encourages communication, interaction, and collaboration with others in a global learning environment; the classroom is an excellent place to incorporate those elements into instruction. Young adults and even kids are constantly using social networking in their daily lives outside of the classroom; therefore, it only makes sense to incorporate something so engaging and meaningful to those students into their everyday learning at school. It is becoming a norm for kids to be use social networking. They are using cell phones with interactive apps to communicate with others, and using social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter on a regular basis. For teachers, using social networking in the classroom must become a reality. In fact, “The most effective pedagogical approach using new technology is social constructivism, as it builds on social interaction and engagement, which is at the heart of Web 2.0 technology” (Reynard, Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities,2009). Educators can plan for social networking in the classroom by creating a Delicious account and bookmarking sites that students will need to use. This is an easy way to store, organize, and share links with the students. The links can even be accessed from home for students to use on their personal computers. Teachers can integrate social networking technology into the classroom by using Web 2. Tools such as:
• Wallwisher.com
• Blogger.com
• Edmodo.com
• Wikis
Integrating these Web 2.0 tools for social networking technology into the classroom is an effective way to enhance student learning and create engaging, meaningful lessons that students will want to learn from. This kind of technology will craft students who will be excited to design and create and share their ideas and their achievements. Students using these kinds of social networking technology tools will be prepared to enter the real world as competent global digital citizens and will be more successful because of it.
Reynard, 2009. Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx
Social networking technology has a tremendous part to play in assisting students in becoming competent global digital citizens. Social networking technology encourages communication, interaction, and collaboration with others in a global learning environment; the classroom is an excellent place to incorporate those elements into instruction. Young adults and even kids are constantly using social networking in their daily lives outside of the classroom; therefore, it only makes sense to incorporate something so engaging and meaningful to those students into their everyday learning at school. It is becoming a norm for kids to be use social networking. They are using cell phones with interactive apps to communicate with others, and using social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter on a regular basis. For teachers, using social networking in the classroom must become a reality. In fact, “The most effective pedagogical approach using new technology is social constructivism, as it builds on social interaction and engagement, which is at the heart of Web 2.0 technology” (Reynard, Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities,2009). Educators can plan for social networking in the classroom by creating a Delicious account and bookmarking sites that students will need to use. This is an easy way to store, organize, and share links with the students. The links can even be accessed from home for students to use on their personal computers. Teachers can integrate social networking technology into the classroom by using Web 2. Tools such as:
• Wallwisher.com
• Blogger.com
• Edmodo.com
• Wikis
Integrating these Web 2.0 tools for social networking technology into the classroom is an effective way to enhance student learning and create engaging, meaningful lessons that students will want to learn from. This kind of technology will craft students who will be excited to design and create and share their ideas and their achievements. Students using these kinds of social networking technology tools will be prepared to enter the real world as competent global digital citizens and will be more successful because of it.
Reynard, 2009. Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx
Monday, March 28, 2011
Read THIS to Become and Expert Blogger....or not!
Okay, okay....so tell the truth....was anyone else a little unsure of how to write a blog? LIAR...you were too, but that's ok, you don't have to admit it to anyone except your mirror in the morning. Anyhow, I was trying to find some research surround blogging, prezi, or slidesix, but there just isn't much out there yet that ties directly to research based strategies for education. I did; however, come across this blog that sets some basic guidelines (with a little added humor) for the new blogger:
23 Rules of Thumb for Effective Blogging
Presentation Blog: Prezi/Animoto
At first I thought it was going to be difficult to communicate with everyone in the group. However, it was quite the opposite, everyone was giving feedback on the project. Animoto was a great selection to use four our assignment, we all had used it before.
Animoto provides a multimedia experience. It is very easy to use and also to explain how to use it. In no more than five steps, one can create videos and even transfer them to YouTube. Also if one has pictures in places like Facebook, Flicker, Photobucket, Smugmug and Picasa, they can easily be transfer to Animoto and create different projects. The projects can range from biographies, field trips, digital storytelling, science projects and more.
A group of my ACE students used Prezi last year to show a project presentation for their CPD-Career Counseling Development class. It was just amazing it was related to water. At that time I had never heard of this Web 2.0 tool. All the students in the audience were just amazed just as I was. I think this tool opens the door to everyone, to be creative and pursue new things.
We welcome the non-linear teaching approach to presentations. This is probably not the end of PowerPoint, but simply another option. Prezi feels like is more realistic than PowerPoint, it feels like a more easily way to showcase examples and text references.
Great Job Team!!!
Prezi and Animoto
I was very impressed with the teamwork and collaboration for this weeks project. It is an honor to work with Lisa, Rachel, Daniel and Eldon.I found this simple exercise in Prezi to be challenging, and very interesting. The emails, and notes in Prezi provided the collaboration and help that was needed during the project. I enjoyed watching the Animoto and SlideShare videos that my teammates created and shared in the Prezi demonstration. Your classrooms must be exciting places to learn for your students.
I believe that innovative teachers can find many ways to use programs like Animoto to create projects that promote critical think skills as my teammates have demonstrated in our Prezi project. I read in the edutecher.net website that we must look beyond the Web 2.0 which lived 1999-2010 according to Adam S. Bellow, to whatever follows which will incorporate the use of mobile devices, the cloud and more. We must keep our eyes to the horizon looking for tools that will stimulate critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Animoto and Prezi are but two ways to accomplish this.
Dennis
Prezi Link
Here's the link to our Prezi presentation, great job everyone!! http://prezi.com/frvuts8rja7u/creating-an-engaging-classroom-with-web-2-0/
Mind Tools are Mind Boggling
Since I am pretty new to most Web 2.0 tools and especially Prezi, I am totally envious of all you techies out there! Every time I try to add, delete, or move something on Prezi, I end up editing the wrong thing...and don't even get me started on the pathways! These tools provide spectacular multimedia capabilities that stimulate learners, but the time it takes me to complete the set up is mind boggling.
Like my fabulous group members have mentioned, I too am glad we choose Animoto as our primary tool of focus. It is very easy to use. I even thought I was doing something wrong since it was so easy! I added just a quick little section on Slidesix since I use it quite frequently for professional development. Basically, it is Powerpoint on steroids!
Thanks group for being so great! I forgot what it is like to not have to push people to get there work completed. I am lucky to be part of a group of self starters!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Animoto and Prezi
Like Rachel posted, I'm also glad that we did Animoto as the 2.0 tool for our Prezi presentation. After creating a sample presentation, I was once again reminded about how easy it was to use Animto. More than that, I was reintroduced to the plethora of activities that it could be used for in the classroom. My class is currently focusing on the American Revolution, in social studies. Animoto could be used for quick presentation on the major players, causes of, results, and many other topics that I am looking to discuss in class. Cause and effect, plot, and other reading materials can always be used in a presentation or lesson. As shown in the Prezi presentation, science principles can be easily put together and presented to the class in a nonverbal, creative manner. I'm looking forward to using Animoto in the classroom, as soon as I get it approved with parents and the tech people at school.
Prezi was an exciting tool as well! I watched an amazing example in which words and pictures zoomed in and out, with ease and clarity. I was overwhelmed and went into "Just do it and hope for the best" mode. However, once the presentation started to come along, I found Prezi really easy to use. I love the concept, moving from one idea to another in an easy, distinct manner. This could be used to plan writing, storyboard concepts, present group ideas (connecting concepts), showing cause and effect, reinterpreting stories, and so much more. I was impressed with all the avenues of presentation that Prezi provides.
The only issue I had with Prezi, that might not have been a problem for the rest of you, was the horrible ordeal of moving one item at a time. I wanted to highlight an entire section and move it at once, but was not able to. This was the one, frustrating detail in Prezi.
For our instructor's benefit, and to reiterate how much I appreciate this team, we put together a terrific presentation. Through email and the blog, our teamwork was outstanding. At the beginning, I was worried that we wouldn't be able to collaborate without getting together or constantly calling each other. That was not the case. We communicated our ideas and thoughts, worked together to brainstorm and edit ideas, and continuously verified the project, as individuals and a group. If we did this, on one project, wouldn't our kids do the same? What an amazing opportunity.
Finally, I wanted to agree with Daniel! I would love to see this blog used for more than just the assignments. If we have an interesting experience at school or in class, blog it! If there is a problem that you can't solve, blog it! This blog is a great tool for communicating and I look forward to learning more about your unique experiences.
Thanks everyone!
Prezi was an exciting tool as well! I watched an amazing example in which words and pictures zoomed in and out, with ease and clarity. I was overwhelmed and went into "Just do it and hope for the best" mode. However, once the presentation started to come along, I found Prezi really easy to use. I love the concept, moving from one idea to another in an easy, distinct manner. This could be used to plan writing, storyboard concepts, present group ideas (connecting concepts), showing cause and effect, reinterpreting stories, and so much more. I was impressed with all the avenues of presentation that Prezi provides.
The only issue I had with Prezi, that might not have been a problem for the rest of you, was the horrible ordeal of moving one item at a time. I wanted to highlight an entire section and move it at once, but was not able to. This was the one, frustrating detail in Prezi.
For our instructor's benefit, and to reiterate how much I appreciate this team, we put together a terrific presentation. Through email and the blog, our teamwork was outstanding. At the beginning, I was worried that we wouldn't be able to collaborate without getting together or constantly calling each other. That was not the case. We communicated our ideas and thoughts, worked together to brainstorm and edit ideas, and continuously verified the project, as individuals and a group. If we did this, on one project, wouldn't our kids do the same? What an amazing opportunity.
Finally, I wanted to agree with Daniel! I would love to see this blog used for more than just the assignments. If we have an interesting experience at school or in class, blog it! If there is a problem that you can't solve, blog it! This blog is a great tool for communicating and I look forward to learning more about your unique experiences.
Thanks everyone!
My Thoughts on Animoto
Animoto is the tool our team chose for analysis of a Web 2.0 tool. I'm glad we chose this tool. I think it's a great tool for the classroom. It's easy to use and a great way to display information and content for the teacher and the student. Some ways to use it are for storytelling and introducing different cultures. I think it would be a great way to make social studies content and science come alive for students. It's a wonderful way to engage students and make them interested in the content. It can also be a great tool for a collaborative group project in older grades. For example, students could do a research project on a person, a culture, or a country, and create an Animoto presentation showing what they learned. Also, like Eldon stated on the Prezi, Animoto can be used as a cross-curricular tool. It can be used in any area, even math.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Crocodoc
Hi everyone,
I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break!!
A few weeks back I found this Web 2.0 tool that is really cool. It converts PDF forms into documents that you can complete. This can help people that don't have capabilities of Acrobat reader that lets you write on forms. This is a wonderful tool for students that completing scholarship forms that are only giving to them in PDF format or are posted in websites as PDF format. Click on the image below and you can a see a sample. Then you can print the document or save it.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
idroo for Skype
I am inspired when I read Daniel's thoughtful well written posts. I hope this measures up.Skype is a tool that offers inexpensive or free communication on the computer and/or telephone. In my house we use Skype on the computer to stay in touch with my sister-in-law in Vienna and my brother in San Diego. Using the video capability of Skype makes talking to your distant friends and family like a dinner table conversation.
Skype has a free app that is a terrific collaboration tool for a phone call or a conference call and that is called idroo which can be downloaded at shoppe.skype.com. It has the look and feel of a white board. Let me know what you think.
I setup my iPad to work with Skype this week. I don't have the new iPad2, and the original iPad doesn't have a camera, so the person that I am communicating with only gets to see a terrific profile picture of me while we talk. Perfect for those early morning calls. What more could they want?
If you don't have Skype, the latest version can be downloaded free from skype.com. To use Skype, a microphone is necessary, a webcam is nice but not necessary and you must create an account; but you don't have to put money in the account because using a computer to computer connection is free. In the contact area look for your friends and family that already have accounts and send them a request. If you are like me and don't have any friends, search for me, Dennis Olson, I live in Tucson. We can get all of the problems resolved and you can introduce Skype to others.
The AUP lesson and research was enjoyable; of course I always have fun when I am learning something new like the AUP. I was surprised at the collaborative design of some AUPs. Scott County School District for example had AUP videos made by the students and brochures. I thought that most AUPs originated in an attorney's office and then went to the school district making for a dull document that had no buy in from the students, staff and faculty. I believe that the contracts the parents and students signed were above the skill level of many elementary students and would like to see how teachers (my peers) work with AUPs in the classroom.
I believe that the blog should be used more by our group. Beyond our blogging assignments, this blog gives us an opportunity to get to know each other better and to share our experiences with all the new applications. I know that have a lot to learn from your classroom experiences.
I hope your Spring Break is awesome!
Dennis
Monday, March 7, 2011
Mindtools for Learning
All of these great Mindtools are wonderful for learning. As far as rating them individually can be hard, all four of them are different. Each of them is unique which is what makes them interested. I had a hard time using Kidspiration and Inspiration. Kidspiration is a Mindtool designed for learners K-5 grade level and Inspiration is design for learners 6-12 grade level. I think that with more practice on these both Mindtools, one can have a very powerful teaching style in class, where students can interact in learning by using these amazing tools. Sometimes I envy the kids today because they have so many tools to help them learn and interact with each other. Is not just the teacher in the front of the room lecturing, those days may soon be over.
I found Xmind easier to use. Xmind is so easy to make different types of projects. I love it how it can go from a visual view to an outline view and vice versa. Easy to move clusters/clouds around it just give one so many options. I can see how this can be useful in the classroom when creating family trees, concept maps, and classification of any type of things or animals. It’s just mind-blowing how this Mindtool functions. Most important of all is that is FREE.
Continuing talking about free Mindtools, I don’t have the words to express what OpenOffice does. It’s like having all the Microsoft Office Suite products for FREE. The quality of the product, I must say is excellent. When I first saw this I was shocked and the first thing I thought to myself is this some type of “reverse engineering” or this company in trouble for having similar software to Microsoft. I sometimes wonder why we don’t hear of such great FREE opportunities. This could help millions of people that can’t afford to by Microsoft Office Suite or updates. I have briefly used the programs. But I would rank this product.
- Microsoft Office
- OpenOffice
- Microsoft Works
Give some more time and I will let you know how my ranking might change.
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