Concept+Maps

Concept Maps

__About Concept Maps:__  A concept map is a diagram that shows relationships among different things. A concept map is a type of graphic organizer. Usually, you are given a topic that you are asked to build off of by using phrases such as: benefits, weaknesses, strengths, examples, definition, etc. There are many different ways to design a concept map, and it is up to you how you want to do so. Concept maps can be created through the digital media or on paper. The concept is usually the "main idea" and is connected by arrows to show relationships among other things. __Example Of My Concept Map:__

[|Link To My Webspiration Concept Map]

__How Teachers Use This In Education:__ Teachers can use concept maps to explain any topic they are teaching in education. They can already have the concept map completed before they start their lesson, or they can have the students fill in the concept map as they move throughout the lesson. This is a great way for teachers to show students how things are related to each other. It also breaks the topic up into smaller pieces so students are given an opportunity to learn in a less complex way.

__How Students Use This In Education:__ In education, concept maps are a great technological tool for students. For my ISTC class, we were asked to design a concept map for "Educational Technology." We had to make sure to include things such as benefits, strengths, weaknesses, and more. Using a concept map was a great way to talk about how these things relate to the topic "Educational Technology." I was able to set up my concept map the way I wanted as long as I included all the required criteria. Students that get assigned a project can use a concept map and really see the relationships between certain things. You can use different fonts, graphics, and shapes to show your creativity. Students can use this for projects where they have to explain or talk about a specific topic. You can also use concept maps to compare one or more things. It is a great effective tool in education.

__How Concept Maps Can Be Used For Diverse Learning:__ Concept maps can help diverse learners who need different displays of information that is being presented. This helps students who need to view information in different formats. Sometimes it is hard for students to read straight out of a text. It becomes too much information that they are not able to comprehend as fast as other students. To diversify learning, teachers can use concept maps, or the students can make concept maps to make their learning much simpler. Concept maps allow the students to see the information broken down into small, simple points. They are still getting the same information from a text, just in a more helpful format.

__ISTE-NETS Standards:__
 * 1) Creativity & Innovation- The students get to choose their own colors, format and layout.
 * 2) Communication & Collaboration- Students work together to brainstorm ideas.
 * 3) Critical thinking, problem solving & decision making- Students critically think about appropriate terms to put in their concept map.

__Websites To Design Your Own Concept Map:__ [|My Webspiration] [|Inspiration]