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Concept Maps

What are Concept Maps?

Concept maps are used to show connections between different topics. They are there to provide an outline that is needed to continue with a project or explaination. A concept map is a way to organize your thoughts on something before figuring out what you want to do with it. They are great to use when brainstorming ideas down and before writing a paper or presentation. They are a great organization tool.

How can Concept Maps be used in the classroom?

Concept maps are a great tool to have in the classroom. Like I have said before, they are great to use whenever you are brainstorming. Students would be encouraged in my classroom to use concept maps all of the time especially before coming up with big assignments.  I would encourage them to use concept maps before doing any assignment but especially before papers or projects. As a teacher, I would use concept maps before planning out my lessons. It would allow me to figure out what I needed to do and accomplish to be able to teach the students all that they would need to know. Concept maps would be very helpful to use in the classroom.

Good Example of a Concept Map

A good example of a concept map can be seen in the following image. This is a concept map on trees and their use.

Link to My Example

The following is an example of the concept map that I made. It was on our group wiki, Blogs.

How does Concept Map meets NET standards?

National Educational Technology Standards for Students: The Next Generation

1. Creativity and Innovation

a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression.

2. Communication and Collaboration

a. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

b. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.

3. Research and Information Fluency

a. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

b. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

a.identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.

b.plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.

c.collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.

5. Digital Citizenship

a.advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

b.demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts

a.understand and use technology systems.

b.select and use applications effectively and productively.

c.transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.