Conept Mapping

Concept mapping is a great resource for classrooms. One way they would benefit my math classrooms is in note taking. By using a mind map, the structure of how to solve or work through certain problems would be easy to follow. The mind map would allow for a great visual representation of moving through the problem solving stages. It would also provide more detailed information that could be read through for students to gain a better understanding.

Concept mapping is also a quick way to summarize ideas and concepts. They are easy to create and help organize thoughts in a manageable way. In this regard, concept mapping is great for discussions as students can jot down their thoughts in an organized way that would make it easy for them to remember their thoughts, record answers and comments from other students, and allow teachers to see exactly what students were planning on discussing if they did not get a chance to share.

I would personally like to gain more experience with concept mapping. This is because I am a visual learner and believe this would benefit me as well as my future students. I am always interested in finding new ways of documenting notes and information so I can easily look over notes and recall what they were about. It is always a challenge making certain points stand out over others in note taking, and I believe concept mapping is a great way to battle this.

I think concept mapping would be easy to learn the basics of. However, in order to apply it in a really useful way that integrates all of your content, I believe it would take a lot longer to master all the variations that are possible using the software. As of now it seems overwhelming, but I think through some simple exploration it would not be as bad.

Teacher Web critique

I really want to be able to utilize a class website in my future teaching.

• One way I would utilize a class website would be to post homework and resources for the homework. I would use this almost like a continuing WebQuest, where students would have to use these resources to finish homework and it would connect them to the outside world.
• Another reason to use a class website would be for the announcements. This would enable me to communicate quickly with students and let them know about sudden changes. It would also enable them to consistently check when things are due instead of having to wait unitll class.
• A final reason to use a class website is so students and parents would have access to their grades and the feedback I would be giving them.

Class websites can enhance student learning by connecting them to a vast array of resources and materials that will connect them to the world. Through the website they would be directed to interesting websites that would expand their knowledge on the content. This would not just be a WebQuest, but rather lead them to new information that might be interesting to them. Another reason that a class website would enhance student learning is that it keeps students up to date and involved with class room material. Students would always feel connected to the class and me the teacher.

There were lots of different page types in the teacher web system. My favorite ones were the grading page and the email/announcement page. The grading page was awsome because it allows students to quickly view their grades and some feedback on their assignments. This would keep students involved in their learning and help them improve quicker as they can see where they had problems right away and correct those. The email/announcements page was really interesting. It allows the teacher to make an announcement post and also to email the announcement to all the students. This would force students to keep up to date with class notes and changing dates.

Over all, I thought the teacher web would be a great resource that I would love to use when I start teaching.