Concept Map Reflection

I believe that every NETS standard is met with the concept map assignment. Students must use the computer and a new program to creatively map their ideas. If the teacher chose to, he/she could make this a group assignment, and then the NETS standard for group work is covered as well. This assignment also requires critical thinking, planning, and strategies, if it is completed correctly. The planning map was an extremely useful tool for teachers to use to help integrate technology into lessons. The planning maps allow teachers to start with one idea and possibly end up with twenty that stemmed from that. It is a great brainstorming tool for teachers, and it is technology. Brainstorming on the computer is a lot different than brainstorming on paper; because, teachers may use the computer as a resource for pictures, sounds, movies, and more while figuring out their lesson. This assignment taught me that it is easy to start with one idea and turn it into a lot of different great ideas. It also showed me that creating lesson plans can be fun and easy. The most important lesson I got from this assignment is to use my resources. I am on the computer working, so why not use the computer to my advantage. By me using the computer to work, I am integrating technology for myself and finding technology to integrate into my student’s lessons.