Concept Map Reflection

        Concept mapping is an effective tool for teachers as well as students in order to support the NET standards. Concept mapping can be used by students as a tool to support NET standards creativity and innovation because they can create their own concept maps as a way of using their prior knowledge and technology to create an original work. A concept map provided to them can be used as a model to explore more complex ideas and demonstrate to them the process of breaking down a topic into sub-topics. Standard two, communication and collaboration is supported by concept maps because they can be filled out as a means of communicating knowledge and working together with others to create or fill one out. Research and Information Fluency is supported when students use this digital tool to gather, evaluate, and use information. Once they process information, they can organize it in a concept map. Students are encouraged to become digital citizens and understand technology operations and concepts in standards 5 and 6 with their effective use and understnding of concept maps.


         A planning map can help me integrate and plan technology in my lesson because it forces me to brainstorm more effectively. A mapped out strategy is easier to follow than one off the top of my head strategy. I am prepared and can even include hot links to easily bring up a site when I need. With my use and understanding of concept map, I can transfer my knowledge to the students, so they understand the effectiveness of concept maps. I learned that concept maps offer me a tool to plan multiple ways of teaching a lesson and incorporate accomodations and supplements if necessary. Once a lesson has been taught, I can make adjustments to the map if needed for next time. Brainstorming and mapping out the lesson will expose some flaws before the lesson itself. I will use concept maps as a tool to plan lessons, as a supplement to the students, and as an assessment. Concept mapping is one tool I can effectively use to meet the teacher and students NETS standards.