Thing Fourteen

In this learning activity, we explored mind maps and flow charts.  In order to compare the two, I visited bubbl.us and gliffy.com.  I found the mind maps to be similar to sticky notes in a way.  There were ways to use different keyboard short cuts in order to drop and group bubbles as things come to your mind. This could be used to keep your desktop organized and keep a running to do list or even allow students to make a brainstorming map for a writing assignment. Gliffy.com allows users to make flow charts of all sorts! As an aspiring science teacher I loved the fact that you can create your own using all sorts of shapes, sizes, and designs.  I think this would come in handy when teaching students different life cycles or cell processes.  It becomes an easy way to keep thoughts organized and in sequential order.  You could also use any of these tools to help keep students on track throughout the day.  I actually created a flowchart containing the daily schedule for a child I work with at an after school program who has problems focusing.  It has helped him see what he needs to be doing when and after laminating it it also serves as a check list for him!  I can see myself using these sites many times in the future!