We’ll look at three curating / mind mapping apps – Padlet, Popplet and Bubbl.us. All are easy-to-use and popular with teachers and students who want to organize digital content in a visual layout. We will also work in teams to review the apps for use in the classroom.
The session will begin with a brainstorming exercise designed to develop some app evaluation criteria. Students will be organized into teams and assigned one of three apps. There will not be any instruction on how to use the apps – we want students to be able to experience the learning curve for a new user.
For example: you’ll have to figure out how to collaborate in an app or get an embed code for a finished mind map. (You can always Google it or use the app’s help feature). And remember if an app is tough to use, its the app’s fault.
More on each app
- Padlet – app that enables users to create an online bulletin board to display information on any topic. It has many options for types of information that can be collected. It’s great for curating information – either individually or with others.
- Popplet – In the classroom and at home, students use Popplet for learning. Used as a mind-map, Popplet helps students think and learn visually. Students can capture facts, thoughts, and images and learn to create relationships between them.
- Bubbl.us – A Bubbl.us mind map is a graphical representation of ideas and concepts. It’s a visual thinking tool for structuring information, helping you to better understand, remember and generate new ideas.
For inspiration: Are You a Curator or a Dumper? and “30 creative ways to use Padlet for teachers and students”
Padlet gallery
Assignment 6: Use and evaluate a mind mapping tool | Posts 19-A6
Student will pick one or more apps and develop a blog post. Here’s some ideas for writing prompts
- Review of one app. Or comparative review of multiple apps.
- How to tips for using an app.
- Lesson idea based on an app / mind mapping.
- How mind mapping skills can benefit the learner.
- Another great idea you have for a prompt.
Your post should include an embedded example of something you made using one of the apps. All three apps provide options for team editing and sharing your final product via an embed code.