MindMaps

In a classroom, students are constantly exposed to different information regarding topics, and they need to "connect the dots" and see how one piece of information relates to the next. Mindmaps are a great tool which allows students to visually see how information regarding a topic is connected. There are many different benefits of using mindmaps in the classroom, such as the maps are visually stimulation, organise data clearly fro students`, as well as being interactive for students.

To the left is a simple mindmap completed on www.text2mindmap.com, looking at the Subject Managing E-Learning. As you can see the information branched off from Managing E Learning is organised into categories. Another website that is useful when creating mindmaps is http://bubbl.us/edit.php. MindMaps are a great tool and an essential part of any teachers technological skill.

What is a Blog?

A blog is a type of website which presents information from an author in " Posts" which appear on the page. Only the author of the blog can create a post, however visitors to the blogs can post comments and feedback regarding an individual post or the entire site. Posts can include any information the author of that website wants to post. This includes facts, experiences, views regarding particular areas, the opportunities are endless.

With the advancement of technology and funding in the Australian schools system, now is the time to begin the integration of Blogs and Website into our schools. By using a Blog in a classroom setting, teachers are able to present information regarding the subject area they are teaching. Blogs would also be useful regarding assessment tasks, as teachers would be able to post important assessment information and dates, with students visiting the site able to post comment and questions to the teacher. By doing this, every student that visits the site is able to see the questions and answers other students have already posted, therefore each student gains more knowledge about the task and requirements. Teachers can also post useful hyperlinks and video footage regarding a specific topic. Blog's relate to the Engagement Theory principle of "Relate", as the student's can interactive with each other's blog in a group, post comments on each others blogs, and can be used to present information learnt in visual form.

The opportunities are endless when using a Blog and educators that use Blog sites will be benefiting both themselves and the students.