Reflection

I was really tested in this module with technology tools for making mind maps. I struggled to find an easy program that could be edited for what I wanted. I started with creately which was honestly not very easy to create. The only mind mapping tool that seemed truly user friendly was Popplet, which I used to create my lessons for digital citizenship. I think students would be able to use this tool and not get frustrated, unlike some of the other applications. I enjoyed creating the text boxes and customizing for what I wanted to add, like words, pictures, and videos. I believe mind maps could be a great tool to use in the classroom for myself and students.

Transformation

I would like to use mind mapping tools, like Popplet, into my classroom for various learning activities. I could see it transforming writing to organize research on a topic. Every year I teach students how to write their research and we typically use some type of mind mapping on a piece of paper. However, using Popplet could be a way to add more technology into their writing process. Also, then they could turn it in on their Seesaw portfolio to view in case they lose their paper when it comes time to write. It truly could transform our learning in the classroom.

Implementation

I plan to implement mind maps more into my classroom by providing alternatives for comprehension organization in reading. Each week we have a learning goal that can organize their ideas for comprehension. For example, story structure would be a great starting point for students to create mind maps on Popplet. They would be able to identify the characters, setting, and plot. We could develop it even further and branch out with character traits that go off of the identified people. I can see multiple ways to implement mind map tools into the classroom and my brain is already thinking about how to start right away!