PE4-Mind42.com

So I have been busy becoming a Mind42.com expert in-time to do my lesson either this week or next. I am looking to use this web 2.0 tool with my senior English block class (who I won't meet until Monday). I plan to use it collaboratively with all the student in the class. I have reserved the media center lab in anticipation of doing this lesson. While the class is in the lab, I will get them started on Mind42.com by laying the basics out in the mind maps (this lesson will eventually tie into my CBR also). Then the students will be responsible for enhancing the mind-map individually on their computers: adding links, images, notes).

So today I checked out the Introduction video provided under the "about" menu on the Mind42.com website (or you can go to http://vimeo.com/1230441) The video is good about showing all the options available with this program and how simple the options are to execute. However, the video has no verbal instructions and goes pretty fast. I think a beginner would be better off playing around with the tool first then watch the video so they won;t be lost. I will say, I did not know about the post-it note option until I watched the video. But, when it comes to the uploading to the internet and the sharing option, I will be coming back to this video to focus on the part of it. I also learned that you don't have to post your mind map for the whole world to see, but those that do, the map are all under the browse maps menu. You find the map you need already made (why invent the wheel all over again?) Even if you want to make your own map, browsing the pre-made maps is helpful in giving you ideas on ways to set up our map.

So, my next step in implementing my plan is to create maps for 3 of the 4 groups that will be in my class. I want to save one map to create in-class so the students can see how to use it. But really Mind42.com mind-map are so easy, even if they weren't paying attention they could still figure it out. I actually started 1 of the maps when I first found this tool, so I am on my way.