Inspiration/Mind mapping

In our discussion Tuesday the 13th, David B from Lewiston mentioned a very nice program called Inspiration (and it's cousin Kidspiration for younger learners) which helps users map their ideas and brainstorming sessions. For those who don't have the money to buy licensing for either of these, there are some online tools that will do some of what Inspiration does, though not quite a elegantly. Try these:

1. Gliffy - www.gliffy.com - called a diagram editor - free accounts online - easy collaboration with other users.

2. BubblUs - www.bubbl.us - simple web/mind mapping tool - no account required, but free accounts available to store webs

3. FreeMind - http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page - download to your Mac or PC - not as rich as Inspiration, but more complete than the online programs above. Also very free.

What do you think?? Comments welcomed.

spk
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Session #2

Connie and I had a great time with all of you today. Seems we're all enjoying learning from one another.

Here's a topic to blog post that will help us plan the last session.
Which one of these hands-on activities would you most prefer to take part in:
1. Online bookmarking and the digital social network (del.icio.us as a tool for organizing online information)
2. Creating tables in Microsoft Word for organizing typed information
3. Making your own class wiki from start to finish
4. Better Powerpoint presentations (how to avoid Powerpointlessness)
5. Creating your own webquest
6. Using Microsoft Publisher to produce a variety of documents - newspapers, posters, fliers, etc. (Note: you may not have Publisher on your PCs. It is not always included in the Office Suite, so check before you choose this one.)
7. Using Freewebs for student webpages.

Remember that our emphasis will be on classroom implementation, not just personal productivity. So when you choose, be mindful of how you envision using the skills with students. Please choose only ONE (we will have time to do more than one, but will only plan on those that get the most attention here) and add how you think it might be helpful in your teaching.

Remember to add your name to your comment. Thanks.

spk
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Internet Dangers

What are the greatest dangers of the Internet? How should schools address these dangers?

Discoveries

Have you found something of interest that the rest of the group might like to know about? Here's a place for sharing your discoveries around tech integration and information literacy.

spk
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Session #1 is done

I just finished reading your blog comments. (Looks like not all have come through, so I'll check back again later.) As is usually the case, everyone comes from a slightly different place with regard to technology. That makes it tough to get something right for all - actually it's impossible. I just hope over the course of the 3 sessions everyone finds something here that impacts his or her teaching positively. And please don't compare yourself to anyone else with regard to technology. We all need to be moving forward from wherever we are. Our students need us to.

Brownie points for anyone who comments on this post!!
:)
spk
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Second topic

Please react to this statement: "If all our children learn to do is read, they will not be literate." David Warlick

First topic

This blog serves as a place to interact around various prompts related to information and communication technology (ICT). To add your thoughts, click the Comments link below this post (entry) and type. Be sure to add your name at the end of your comments.

Please briefly describe your personal connections with technology and respond to the article about Jon Stewart and Brittany Schmidt.