Create your own mind maps at MindMeister

Here is the mindmeister that Tess and I were working on today…so far it is as it is when the clock chimed 1:00 and we were shuffled out of the room to our next adventures of the day. My next adventure led me right to the Education Library (woo hoo!) – but only after a 15 minute catnap in the grass outside. It was great to be able to share where my thoughts are headed for this class. Something I didn’t share was the second part to the question…what I am leaning towards in terms of a work in progress project. So, here it is in a nutshell so far:

1. To look at the balance between screen time and time in nature – what is the best way to encorporate both effectively
2. To look at the balance between online connections via social media etc, personal/face to face connections, and spiritual, emotional, etc connections with nature – the best way to do all of this effectively so that one is not getting left behind the others (because I feel all are important in their own ways)
3. And finally, looking at how to connect these different connections – phew! – essentially, how can we use technology and or social media to foster positive change in the environment, resulting in positive and impactful learning experiences for our students.

*Using technology to ENHANCE our learning and teaching rather than simply for the sake of using it.

What Jenny mentioned today about taking iPads out into nature – that was and idea I had that I included in my initial mindmeister (I used that for last Friday’s post). Taking picture of native species, finding out right then and there about those species, and posting findings to a class blog, twitter, instagram, etc. As Jenny reiterated today – this is covering so many concepts with just one project. Yay! I would love to look with more detail into ideas like this.

Again, I am rambling. Two final thoughts:

1. It was great to discuss my thoughts with a fellow student today – Thanks Tess for approaching me!
2. I was so so impressed by everyones’ ideas today – Jenny is right – what a smart bunch of students/teachers you all are!