Mapping Student Minds

Once again the articles we are assigned really help in opening my eyes to the possible technology and tools we can use in our classrooms. I was never aware that a program such as Casual Mapper exists. This program seems like a great tool for the hands on learners in the classroom, like me. The first thing that struck me upon reading this article was the fact that usually technology is thought to replace teaching or allow teachers to be "lazy." In the article the teacher even mentioned that it made her have to go back and rethink her skills of learning something new, as well as struggle to not lead students to answers to really allow the students to find their errors and self correct or explain their reasoning. Allowing students to learn from their mistakes and self correct is hard to do, sitting back and watching children make errors, but a valuable and good learning experiance for the student. I really like the concept of using a program to connect the field trip information and data into cause and effect relationships. These are great cognitive skills for students to develop at young ages. Also, the students having to go back and revise their work and reevaluate are great skills in all aspects of life, the ability to rethink and adapt to changes needing to be made can be a hard task for many adults even! The final step in the project, presenting the material to City Council, is a great way to instill a sense of responsibility in students. Not only will students feel responsible for correctly gathering and analyzing their data, but also as members of their community trying to make a difference and make changes. Great article!