Concept Mapping

Idea:  

To have students create a concept map that they can continue to build on throughout the two-year program.  Utilizing a topic of choice (dental related). It could also be used to study for board exams amongst other students.

Learning Objective:

Students will be able to utilize technology to create and present a concept map on various subjects enhancing student collaboration and development.

Application:
I believe concept maps can be used for so many different things (which is a benefit).  Being that you can use visual images, videos, link to other websites, allows for a variety of options.  My map reminds me of the segmenting principle. Each area/subject is a part of the puzzle and you learn, review, and understand each part and when finished all the segments are pulled together.

Reflection:

I like concept mapping, I feel if I was to use it more in my classroom then I would upgrade to have access to the additional features.  Concept mapping makes it feasible for you to be creative.  I suffer from OCD :], and I didn’t like that I couldn’t put the lines where I wanted to and I couldn’t add words in the middle of the arrows to the next connection. Hopefully all that could be fixed with an upgrade.

Overall, I want to incorporate some version of concept mapping in my classroom.  I like how more than one person can edit the map on a collaborative level.  I would suggest students work in groups of 3 or more developing a map on a topic that can be broken down into more details and topics regarding a dental/systemic relationship.