Week 1

An Introduction to Learning Technologies

Well today was a bit of a surprise.  I was aware that ICT, Information and Communication Technology, was part of the course but up until this week it had not appeared on the LMS and therefore, had not occupied my mind.

Well, not anymore.  Within five minutes of the lecture starting, about the time it took my first computer, an old Commodore 64, to load a game, I was shaken to the core.  Although I thought of myself as not being entirely computer illiterate, I hadn't realised how far ICT has progressed and how fast.  One of the great things about this course is how exciting it is to learn again.  Today's lesson highlighted how much new software is now available and how many uses there are for ICT in the classroom.  At first it was a little daunting and then it became eye opening.

We were introduced to Inspire by Greg.  Inspire is a software programme used in schools for visual mapping, outlining, writing and making presentations.  According to their website, it can be used to:

"Brainstorm ideas, structure your thoughts and visually communicate concepts to strengthen understanding ........ To take notes, organize information, and structure writing for plans, papers and reports....... transform your diagrams, mind maps and outlines into polished presentations that communicate ideas clearly and demonstrate understanding and knowledge".

In the workshop we used the software to create a mind map of our choice (see below).

In only a short period of time I was able to produce some half-reasonable results and, with practise, I feel confident I could improve. 


Here are a few examples from Inspire's website of the work which can be produced.

The Inspire website also contains some very good explanations of mind maps and their significance to students' learning: 

  

 

"Mind maps are visual representations of hierarchical information that include a central idea or image surrounded by connected branches of associated topics or ideas. Subtopics are added to the mind map flowing outward from the central idea".

"Mind maps provide a simplified overview of complex information allowing students to better understand relationships and find new connections. As students use symbols, colors and simple keywords to create a memorable mind map, information and connections within that information are more easily recalled. Supporting information is detailed in attached notes".

Taken from http://www.inspiration.com/

For more information on how to use mind maps, here is a useful link to James Cook University's website  http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/learningskills/mindmap/howto.html