Concept Map Update

          I was very confused when we started working on concept maps that first night in class. It took me a little while to begin to understand the Kidspiration software. Although I got a lot of work accomplished on my concept map that first night, there is still a lot of work left on it before I will have it finished. Most of my brainstorming for ideas is finished, so most of the work that I have left is to tweek a few things on the map, such as changing the fonts of the writing, changing some of the colors of the direction arrows, and maybe changing some of the types of cells. I'm looking forward to the next class, so I can finish my concept map. When it is finished, I will post it in my blog.
          POST #2:  I promised an update on my concept map, and here it is. I'm pretty proud of it! I hope you like it, too. Learning how to do a concept map on Kidspiration will be helpful because this is something I will be able to teach my future students. It was a learning process, but it was fun, too.            This reflects the ISTE Standard #1a and #1c, where teachers use their knowledge of subject matter to facilitate learning by using creativity and innovation in virtual environments and using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. A concept map shows that students can use their own ideas to be creative and express them in a fun, engaging activity such as a concept map. An effective teacher will follow the ISTE Standard to facilitate and inspire students learning and creativity, and this can be done by teaching students to make a concept map. This assignment ties to the ISTE Standard to design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments. It also ties to the ISTE Standards to model digital age work and learning, promote digital citizenship and responsibility, and inspire students to learn and be creative by using computers. This assignment ties to the common core standards presentation of knowledge and ideas by having students make strategic use of digital media and displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
          This was so much fun, I'm ready to make some more! At first it was difficult to understand the Kidspiration software, but once I started my concept map it got easier and easier. I really enjoyed making my concept map, and I think any student would enjoy using Kidspiration for a project. It would be great software for any school system that has young children using computers in a classroom.