ConceptMapping


 * C **** o **** n c e p t M a p p i n g S o f t w a r e  **

This group of software products enables learners and educators to organize concepts in a visual architecture or framework. The framework may consist of a bubble diagram, flow chart, //mind map//, crime scene map, historical or geologic timeline, family tree, etc. The general idea is that the understanding of many types of information can best be conveyed in a systematic, visual fashion. To use concept mapping effectively, you start with your central inquiry or idea and build from it, creating bubbles or other geometric forms to put your information in. The information is divided by category and connected by lines that keep the information categorized. It can be very helpful for students and teachers to make use of these tools since visual representations are proven to enhance comprehension and memory.
 * 1) ** ** Description of Software Category **

The purposes for which these various software programs were developed vary, but they share in common a visual approach to learning. Some programs are meant for brainstorming ideas and capturing these ideas in a mind map, bubble diagram, or flow chart. Other programs provide tools for boosting memory, archiving notes, and preparing project information. There are a variety of programs that are better suited for different age groups, [|Kidspiration] targets K-5th grade [|, InspireData] targets grades 4-12, [|Inspiration9] targets grades 6-adult, [|c-Map], [|SmartDraw] and [|MindMeister] all seem to target young adult to adult.
 * From a user’s perspective, what are some of the characteristics of the software? **

Concept mapping products can facilitate the recording, classification, and flow of ideas as they develop in the classroom. Teachers routinely stand at a chalkboard or whiteboard and try to engage their students in brainstorming. For instance, a 5th grade teacher was recently observed saying to her students “What are some things which affect how well a person listens?” Students quickly offered many interesting thoughts such as noise level (an environmental factor), mood (a psychological factor), hearing ability/impairment (a medical factor), restfulness/tiredness (a physical factor), language differences (a cultural factor), distractedness (often due to tech toys), etc. These were all interesting ideas which could have been enhanced and organized in a flow chart as a record of what was discussed, perhaps to be returned to at a future date. Instead, these wonderful ideas vanished into the late-afternoon air, most likely to be forgotten within a week. This could be seen as a wasted opportunity.
 * What are the purposes for which this software was developed or its use envisioned in the classroom? What can a student or teacher expect to gain from interacting with the software? **

In addition, concept mapping products help students to understand that many types of information can be structured into a hierarchical format. For example, when writing it’s useful to remember that stories usually have a beginning, middle, and end. This is a structure which should be referred to constantly when working on a writing project so as to not lose sight of the overall effort. Likewise, historical epochs flow from one event to the next, in a continuum. How can one study history without a timeline of events which preceded the current area of interest?

This program is not very high maintenance. Most of the software programs have an option of getting updates as they are available and with all the support that is available on their websites the teachers should easily be able to handle and problems. However, if a teacher does not feel comfortable with the maintenance of this software usually there will be a tech support person for the school willing to help but this depends on the school.
 * 2) **** Will the maintenance of this software be the responsibility of the teacher or will it be the responsibility of a school/district tech support person? **

What can a student gain from using concept mapping software? Concept maps are a way for students to prioritize information and to develop logical thinking and study skills, by revealing connections and helping them see how individual ideas form a larger whole. This software also enables students to organize and sort through their research in an effective manner. This will be helpful in both keeping their work focused and in teaching them organization and categorization in their work. Since the software allows a pictorial representation of ideas and concepts, it is potentially a very powerful way to increase comprehension and memory. In his book //Brain Rules//, scientist and educator John Medina points out the power of visual communication for teachers. “If information is presented orally, people remember about 10 percent, tested 72 hours after exposure. That figure goes up to 65 percent if you add a picture.” Medina states that this is because “vision trumps all other senses” especially if there is a picture involved which triggers an emotion. Text is not much better than oral communication if one wants to promote long term memory of a subject. Indeed, many of the software products in this category are marketed as memory-enhancement tools.
 * 3) **** How does your group see the use of this software in support of student learning? How will this software help teachers meet Washington’s learning standards for your grade level? **

Many of these software programs have tutorial videos that you can watch on their websites. They also have a support or help section that has frequently ask questions and also ways to contact technical support if you need it. Most of the concept mapping software seems user friendly and with the free trials you would be able to see which software fits your needs and if it is user friendly for you.
 * 4) **** Does training come with the software? How is a teacher (or student) supposed to know how to use the software? **

Here is how we visualize using Concept Mapping software with our future students:
 * 5) **** Questions **
 * Middle School Science Class:** Due to the proliferation and popularity of crime scene detective shows, students are very responsive to science classes where the subject matter is conveyed by creating a storyline. Typically, a science teacher will create a scenario whereby clues lead to a crime scene solution (based on scientific application of knowledge). One software product in particular has an easy-to-use crime scene mapping tool which would come in handy.
 * Grades 4-12 Brainstorming Session:** As previously noted, teachers tend to spend a lot of time at a chalkboard or whiteboard trying to get students to brainstorm ideas related to a myriad of topics. This is a way of actively involving students in learning how to learn. With Concept Mapping software it is possible to have someone (say a student scribe), in real-time, enter these nuggets of information into a mind map, flow chart, bubble diagram, etc. This would provide a useful record of what was discussed, thereby enabling future reference and further discussion.
 * Grades K-3:** Kidspiration is a great program to use for this age because it is very kid friendly and the kids can use this software to develop strong thinking skills, strengthen reading and writing skills and to help build conceptual understanding in math. This is all done visually through Kidspiration. They can start with a main thought in a diagram and build from it or use cubes in the program to visually see how fractions work.

Have schools started using this software in the classroom, and if so, what age groups and what seems to be the outcome?

Once this software is purchased can it be used on various computers?

The positives about this program are that it gives teachers and students a great resource to help aid learning and there are different programs to target different age levels. I feel that the inspiration software inc. website was very user friendly and so is their concept mapping software programs. A negative would be that a c-Map tool does not have a very user friendly website and it does lack the graphics. It also lacked user friendliness in the support section of the website. It seems that if you have problems with the software you may have a harder time trouble shooting. Overall this software gets a 5-star rating because it is such a powerful way to increase comprehension and memory and it is useful not only to teachers but also to students.
 * 6) **** Positives and Negatives **