Keep calm and explain projects using "Mind Maps"!

-
Mindmaps are diagrams used to represent and outline information. It's a dynamic graphic technique we can use to translate what's in our mind into a visual picture. Since mind mapping works like the brain does it allows us to organize and understand the information faster and better. Furthermore, mind mapping enables us to sort through different details a recognize relationships among these details.

In this entry, I am going to speak about my experience using Creately. First of all, I decided to develop a Geography Project intended for 6º graders. After putting in order my ideas, I arrived to the conclusion that it would be awesome to use a Mind Map in order to explain to my students the aims of the project and it's procedures. The project is based on the topic "The 7 New Wonders of the World" and the students have to work in different teams and each team is going to make a 3D Display and they will present their displays in the classroom. By using this mind map, I will be able to explain the aims of the project, the organization of the groups, the main activity and the materials needed to carry out this wonderful idea. I have also nominated the New Wonders, included a picture of each one, added some links and curiosities because in my opinion they make the explanation easier. The main aim of the project is to work on a collaborative way.  Last but not least, we have to say that this project links Geography with other subjects such as: Arts and History.

Using Creately, was quite difficult at the beginning because it's not the same to make a simply map using Word than designing a proper Mind Map while adding some comments or linking different webpages to it. Creately is not a really fast page but  the number of mind maps and diagrams are not limited for the free accounts. So, we can create lots of diagrams and artifacts. I will continue using Creately for my future lessons because nice mind maps are ideal forms of visual and are shareable content which help students to clarify concepts and allow them to summarize just the most important information.


Geography Project: "The 7 New Wonders of the World"
I truly recommend you to innovate and face the challenge of using visual resources in different subjects.You can create your own diagram or mind map using one of these fantastic webpages:
  1. Mind42: https://mind42.com/mindmaps
  2. SpiderScribe:https://www.spiderscribe.net/
  3. Bubbl.us: https://bubbl.us/
  4. Creately: https://creately.com/
And if you like the idea of creating a collaborative one with other teachers or if you are just thinking about a different way to design group projects in the classroom you can visit these amazing webs:
  1. Coggle:https://coggle.it/
  2. Mindmeister:https://www.mindmeister.com/es
I hope you find this entry useful and I would like you to wish you a wonderful day!
So keep calm and use Mind Maps!
Silvana 🙋😉

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to our Book Race!

-
Hello folks! I've been away for a while! I enjoyed the Spring Break but finally I'm back!  In this new entry , I want to show you an astonishing resource for our CLIL Lessons : Podcasting !!! Podcasting in the classroom is the latest trend because it stimulates learning through creative means. Some of the benefits are : Creative learning. Learning on the go, with podcasting learning is no longer a sedentary activity. We can have an online archive of lessons. Easy an accessible. One of my collegues and myself decided to create a new project based on podcasting. The first step to create a project is to think about an attractive topic and also t o think about a trending name. The name of our project is   " Book Race!"   and its main aim is to promote reading not only in the classroom but also outside the school.  But before starting any project we have to  adapt it  according to the age of the pupils and also make sure about the sudents' saf
Read more

Tim's Adventures and Comic Adventures!

-
Image
Hey yaaa mates! You right? It's always a pleasure to share my resources and discoveries with you. In this entry, I will speak about Comics as Educational Resources in the classrooms.  In my opinion,  Comics are useful in the classroom due to three main reasons. The first one, is " Engagement" , students can create characters for their own comics and readers follow a story so we can see a real reading engagement . The second reason is "Efficiency"  , because it gives a lot of information in a short story and in a short period of time. Last but not least, "Effectiveness" is also important because with Comics students not only learn the material faster, they are also learning contents and values better. I used   Storyboard That   for my first creation. I chose this tool because is easy to use and suitable for the students to work in our classroom' projects and they can share and personalize their presentations with the whole class. Of c
Read more

Channel 4 Project!

-
Hey there! Today I want to talk about how to use videos with Educational Purposes. There are many benefits of  "Using Videos in Education " as shown in several decades of research: Facilitating Thinking and problem-solving. Assisting with mastery learning. Inspiring and engaging students. Learning resources for the future. Enhanced learning experience. Enhanced team working and communication skills. Deeper learning of the topics. What does it mean "To Flip the Class" ? The Flipped Classroom is a blended learning strategy with the aim to improve students' engagement and outcomes. It's key purpose is to provide a greater focus on students' application of conceptual knowledge rather than straight transfer of information. So, my fabulous team and I decided to start a new project based on "The Flipped Classroom Strategy" and we though about an attractive topic:  "The News".  In our project every membe
Read more