Concept Mapping
Concept mapping is the creation of graphical representations of what is being learned and how it connects to other concepts. Concept mapping serves as both a flexible learning tool for students and as an evaluation tool for educators. Students can work with the guidance of a teacher, with classmates, or independently to diagram, map, chart, and visually demonstrate what is being taught. The process of concept mapping engages students in higher-level thinking as they work to consolidate their ideas and to integrate them with other concepts. Students develop a product that can be used by teachers to assess the depth of student understanding and to identify potential misconceptions (Hattie, 2012). The result is a powerful map of student learning that can guide the teacher in designing the learning experiences that will follow.
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Digital Tools to Support Concept Mapping
Google Drawings
Google Drawings is an online tool to help users create images, charts, posters, and other drawing needs. Similar to other Google tools, you can collaborate with others, publish online, or download an image file. Google Drawings works great with other Google tools such as creating a chart to place into Google Docs. You can create a Google Drawing in your Drive by clicking +New --> More --> Google Drawings.
Popplet
Popplet is a simple, flexible, scalable solution to work on and share your ideas. Students can work collaboratively on a Popplet mind map. The website works well on student Chromebooks and there's an app for iOS and Android devices too.
Canva
Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, concept maps, logos and more. Create your own classroom and share templates with teachers and students. Canva is collaborative. The website works well on student Chromebooks and there's an app for iOS and Android devices too.
Mind Map How-to
Canva Tutorials
Examples: Product Launch, Preparing for a Job Interview, & Animal Classes
If you are able to give your students a choice as to how they create their concept maps, check out this
Concept Mapping Choice Sheet. Talk to your Digital Learning Coach if you need more options or a different menu.
