Webbing/Mindmapping

     Mindmapping is a technique that is being used by teachers and students to visually outline information.  The information can be displayed using colors and key words.  It allows for the student to be more engaged because it makes learning more interesting and easier to understand.
     Three internet sites that can be used to create a mindmapping are Spicynodes, WiseMapping, and Popplet.  All three provide a different perspective on Mindmapping.  

Spicynodes

The first Mindmapping website that I was able to use was Spicynodes.  I had a difficult time trying to use these program.  Once I got the hang of things, I was able to type in the information of my Mindmap in an outline form.  There was a limited amount of freedom in creating this map.  I was able to choose a style from only a few choices.  When I first saw my mindmap, I thought that everything had disappeared except three choices, but I soon discovered that it was animated, and I had to choose the next arrow for everything else to appear.  I did not like how it animated, and I was not given a choice to be able to change it.  I think this program would be a bit difficult for middle school kids to grasp or would need constant assistance to understand the program.  I would not choose this one to use with the students.  Here is the link just in case embedded code does not work:  http://www.spicynodes.org/a/03947f728c35a18ddbfa6f0b0a0b0a34.

 

WiseMapping

The next online program that I used was WiseMapping. It was a easier to use than Spicynodes.  You were able to create your Mindmap on your own without having to choose a style.  It is not animated, so I was able to pretty much set things up the way I wanted.  It did take me a while to get used to the program.  I really like the fact that I was able to create the Mindmap and set it up any way I wanted.  I think my students would be able to learn and handle WiseMapping with some kind of ease, but I would still have to help them out when they first get on the program. Here is the link to website just in case:  https://app.wisemapping.com/c/maps/184891

Popplet

     Of the three programs, I really enjoyed Popplet.  It was so much easier to use and I was able to change the color of the outline of the keyword bubble.  I was able to add pictures with captions at the bottom.  I could make the popplet as big or as small as I wanted.  I was able to freely arrange things easily.  It also caught my attention more because of the different things I was able to do with this program.  This would be the one that I consider to look best aesthetically.  It would also be the one that I would use with my students in the classroom since it was very easy to use and would not require for me to have to go one by one explaining the program. Here is the website just in case: http://popplet.com/app/#/1688939

What made the use of Popplet easier to use was a video on YouTube called How to Use a Popplet.  I think if the students watch this video prior to getting started with popplet, they will be able to immediately start using the program.

Reference

Cooper, N. & Edwards, S. (2010).  Mind mapping as a teaching resource.  Retrieved from 

https://shsu.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-990916-dt-content-rid-3461631_1/courses/LSSL539101214/Mind%20Mapping%20as%20a%20Teaching%20Resources.pdf.