Today I interacted with Webspiration for the second time. The first time was an experimentation in the production of a concept map. Although the map was rather exciting, nothing prepared me for the rush I felt when Teachermali invited me to collaborate with her. It was easy to put myself in the shoes of my students engaging in reading and writing in such a non-traditional manner that the experience bordered on religion.
Without a doubt this tool would motivate the struggling reader through the use of varied media and likewise the excellent reader would be challenged to improve comprehension and vocabulary skills in particular based on the visual representation of ideas. Webspiration is indeed a tool that would assist students and teachers/specialists alike in their quest for excellence and renewed interest in reading and writing.
To join in the excitement of Webspiration go to http://www.mywebspiration.com/
I must agree with the interest and enthusiasm this tool brings. I did enjoy working with it and I am positive I will continue to do so. Students will benefit from this as it offers a way to interact with technology to create and represent their knowledge. The fact that they can also collaborate with peers can be an added boost as most spend time interacting with each other via tech tools such as facebook and blackberry.
ReplyDeleteOf course the teacher will have to monitor the interaction aspect to ensure that it generates learning and healthy collaboration. I believe that webspiration offers a wide range of uses for all involved. Students will enjoy designing and enhancing their concept maps and the exercise will not seem 'boring' as it is highly visual and engaging.
1stKathine,I agree with what you've posted. Trumanne Guerin, we share the same sentiment. Mind maps are highly useful in educational settings. Hence the reason I also choose to blog on them. They are truly facinating teaching/learning tools.
ReplyDeleteShelly-Ann Housand-Joseph
Kathene,
ReplyDeleteWell, well, well, I love Webspiration . I even experimented with it before coming to class when that lecture was to be delivered. I was even more excited when I could have explained it to someone. This tool is great you can do so much with it that I think that I would be using that the most because blogging is a bit more intricate but after leaving class on Tuesday last I came home and I GOT IT BIG TIME. THUMBS UP GIRLFRIEND. I will be using the tools all day long as soon as the students are given their laptops
Webspiration is great but I think the end product looks really confusing, even the example given by Novak seems to be cluttered. It is a good tool for the visual learner.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you are versed in this thing I like the fishes in nylon pool how you did this
ReplyDeleteDear Kathine,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see that you really enjoyed knowing about webspiration. I tried it once and found that it was interesting. However as a result of missing classes last week, I was unable to see the completion of the demonstration of how to use the software. But I am looking forward to one of my colleagues filling in the gaps, so that I could experience the same measure of exhilaration that you encountered.
I was always taken back when Dr. James made his presentations during the first semester using the program. I remember trying to use the tool in Microsoft Word without success. We have almost arrived at the point where we can integrate technology into instruction. I like webspiration very much but I think I need much more practice in the application.
ReplyDeleteWell this is the second time I am attempting to comment on your post. I took a long time typing up how excited I felt when I first used the Webspiration and how I am looking forward to using the tool in my classes next term and then when I hit post the comment disappeared. I not giving up, I want to document how thrilled I am to discover this software.
ReplyDeletePreviously I had used graphic organizers as an aid to comprehension in my classes, but now I feel this will prove to be better since my students will be able to collaborate and prepare the graphic organizers themselves, which will provide me with an insight into their comprehension. ghina Mahadeo
I too, do enjoy using webspiration and believe that it has great potential for learners when used in instruction as well as when used to demonstrate their knowledge. Freeman (2004) notes that concept mapping enhances recall and memory, allows the group to stay on task,it produces an interpretable conceptual framework and yields a graphical or pictorial product which are all integral to learning. A tool that contains all these positive attributes should be a part of both teaching and learning. I look forward to using this tool in the classroom.
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