The learning resources this week explored implementing concept mapping and virtual field trips into the classroom. David Ausubel had a variety of ideas that led to his beliefs in learning which focused on cognitive psychology. "The fundamental idea in Ausubel's cognitive psychology is that learning takes place by the assimilation of new concepts and propositions into existing concept and propositional frameworks held by the learner" (Novak & Canas, 2008, p. 3). Concept maps and virtual field trips allow learners to create and organize these connections.
Meaningful learning is required in order for understanding and retention to take place. Concept maps are considered graphic organizers to aid students in understanding information. When the students have a tool to structure the links between what they already know and the new information they are being exposed to, the students are being given the chance to discover personal connections. The learning is made meaningful by making it personal. Mind maps are another type of concept map that can be used to understand a topic and how that topic fits with prior knowledge. The following article discusses why mind maps are useful and gives simple directions on how to make mind maps, including tips on how to improve your mind map.
Mind Maps, Note Taking Skills, and Techniques
A virtual field trip is a terrific tool for discovery learning. First, give the students a topic to explore and a few questions to focus their explorations. Then, take the students to the computer lab and give them access to a virtual field trip site. Finally, let the learning begin. This is a hands-on, concrete experience for the students to take part in.
Great Virtual Field Trip Site
Both concept maps and virtual field trips can increase motivation for students to take control of their own learning. Engagement also increases because the students are using new, unique tools that allow them to make their own connections and learning experiences.
References:
Novak, J. D. & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Web site: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf
First of all, thank you for the links- they were very interesting and informative (I especially liked the one on concept mapping). Anyway, I agree with you that both the concept mapping and virtual fieldtrips all the students opportunities to make a personal connection with the material and I don't think that they would be able to make this type of in-depth connection without this sort of resource. Additionally, the technological advancements create opportunities in which they would never be able to experience and thus, allowing them to control their own learning by not limiting their imagination. Thank you again for the link and providing your input.
ReplyDeleteAllison,
ReplyDeleteI really liked what you wrote on your blog this week. On your virtual field trip can I make a suggestion? Instead of just giving your fourth grade class a web site to look at a virtual field trip? Could you have them create their own using pictures and video cameras? Wouldn't it be great for the students to see each other on their sites and this might lead them in the direction of long term memory since they know who the creators were and why they did it?
James,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea! Sometimes the students have an easier time learning from each other than from a teacher. By letting them create virtual field trips and sharing them with their classmates, they will be even more engaged. Thanks for the idea!
Allison
Jess,
ReplyDeleteControl is one thing that many students seek in the classroom. Technology gives the teacher the opportunity to let students have some responsibility for their own learning.
Allison
I also believe that we need to make life connections to our learning. Sometimes I really struggle with being able to do that, guess certain topics lend themselves a little better to it than others. My students seem to really get into the learning when I can do that. Last week we played chess. The game of chess itself may not motivate too many students but I told them they could use their cell phones and my computers to play and things really took off. There are sites on the Internet that let them play for free and I installed a chess program on the classroom computers. I did not relate chess itself to their everyday life, but I did relate it to something they all enjoy and it really seemed to work. I hope even these types of connections improve my student learning!
ReplyDeleteAllison,
ReplyDeleteI think that you made a great point when you said that concept maps can help students make personal connections with their learning, and therefore make that learning more meaningful and long lasting. I think that is very important in increasing your students ability to learn in your classroom as long as it is done correctly. As long as students are in control of researching and putting the concept map or graphic organizer together and not simply given a template and told exactly what to put in it, then they will maximize their learning.