Thing #14

Here comes the sun...

Well, not actually. This task asked me to look at the difference between flow charts and mind maps. That sounds a whole lot like tech speak for death by power point. However, these tools are extremely useful both in and out of the classroom.

Flowcharts- I chose to create an account with Gliffy. It is a free ( for the 15 day trial period anyway) web site that allows the user to create, save, and share flow charts. It is pretty easy to use. I had to play around with it for some time to make it work for me but I have said this before, I am not the most tech savvy person. To me, this site would be ideal for organizational charts or procedures. It would also be helpful for very simple concept webs. However, it lacked the flexibility that I was looking for when creating a more complex concept web that I have been working on for another class. 

Mind Maps- I chose to create a free account with Bubbl.us. It is a really cool site that let my imagination run wild with different possibilities for the concept web that I am still working on. This site allows the user to create in-depth concept web organizers. I was able to add standards information to different bubbles and edit the way it flowed. This site allows for more creativity and flexibility bu the user. It would be helpful in the classroom when trying to create concept webs. It would also be useful during professional development presentations. 

Update:
I actually used Bubble.us for my EDUC 5360 class and it worked great. We are working on an integrated unit in our group and I was responsible for the concept web. It did take me a little more time to understand how this site worked but it worked out great for my project. Helpful hint when using this site: Be sure that the automatic saving function is off or else you constantly have to delete old mind maps. Please see the picture below for my web.

Thing #13

Okay, so I have to admit that I was a bit of a "Doubting Thomas" when it comes to new web applications. I still am discovering the world of texting and learning from my children on a daily basis about technology. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the flexibility and simplicity of Google Drive. It was set up just like the Microsoft software that I have used over the years. I was amazed at how this was free to use and extremely user friendly. I just typed up my document ( I took the time to find a new recipe) and published it. It was easy and fast. I can update it and modify it whenever I want. I also was able to share it with my peers.

I can see how this would be extremely useful in my classroom. My students could create a project and each take a part to work on. They could share their work and make changes online. I could put up homework assignments in a Google Drive document and the students could complete it and publish it for grading. There are so many ways that this will be useful in the classroom and beyond.

I also went and explored ZOHO to see how it compared with Google Drive. It was a great site and offered many of the same tools offered by Google Drive. However, I found that this site was not as user friendly and was targeted more to working adults than students. It just did not have the simplicity that I think my students will need to make it useful to them.

Please take a look below at my Google Drive document and get an idea of what I might be serving come Thanksgiving. :)

My Google Drive document