Reflection- Task 2

 

As I investigated a range of programs, I found many visual thinking websites that suited my level of ICT abilities that would be beneficial to incorporate into my classroom at this level. The necessity of incorporating visual learning resources into the classroom is an essential tool to encourage student engagement in the content. The range of media incorporation is endless as it can range from photos, and videos to audio files and 3D imaging.

I found the site Popplet to be an effective and creative way to use visual thinking processes via mind-mapping. While investigating this site, I found that it accommodated my skill level and found I could use it to explore a range of concepts to support my classroom learning. This tool can be accessed by students and teachers and incorporated into subject matter as a way to enhance student understanding and investigation into concepts taught.

Popplet is a free resource that can be accessible through popplet.com. It allows users to create a range of mind maps by simply creating a title, then you can customise the colour of the background and textbox colour so there is the ability to allocate textbox colours based on different concepts that allow students the ability to track and express their thoughts and information. These popplet mind-maps allow students to collaboratively contribute to them as each textbox incorporates the authors name, there is also a share option. This can allow the sharing of concepts and ideas in group discussions and can be accessed by the teacher. The textbox allows the user format options by providing them with the choice to incorporate pics, url links, videos, and physical draw. Below is an example of how to designate concepts and of the features available when created.

Additionally, here are the available tools when creating the textboxes as seen below, which incorporates, colour selection, fonts, drawing, and media tools.

Thus, this mind-mapping option will be a beneficial tool for creating and incorporating media files and resources. It also allows student to be creative with their learning.

I found Popplet easy to use for my abilities and found it very self-explanatory when navigating the tools and features. This can allow students to pick up new tools as they progress through their mind mapping journey but having a high understanding of this program is not required.

When incorporating media and ICT into the classroom, it is essential to ensure students understand how to use these tools safetly. Additionally, when using researching tools such as mind mapping, it is important for them to understand copyright and referencing techniques. Students must understand that referencing needs to be applied to all areas of media from information to the pictures and videos they incorporate.

An example of media being used in the classroom using the SAMR Model is:

Substitution: Using mind mapping to draft assignment concepts by incorporating images and as a studying tool.

Augmentation: Using google images to find images of digestive system organs with labelling.

Modification: Using an online diagram of the digestive system and using the drawing function to label the components of it.

Redefinition: Using interactive media tools of a 3D person to identify and label the digestive system layers as a real world application.