Digital Concept Mapping in the Classroom

Concept mapping is very familiar to me. I used mapping in almost all of my classes growing up because my teachers believed in its ability to aid students with learning. I wholeheartedly agree. Mind mapping is an amazing way to write down information in a concise but effective format where students can refer to if needed. This can be especially useful in subjects where there are many concepts or definitions in the curriculum. In my classroom, I plan on using concept maps in science, both on paper and digitally. A great example would be in a grade one science class. One of the units of study is The Senses. Creating it digitally will allow for students to use their senses in a different way than just pencil and paper. Students can create a map outlining the senses, explain each of the senses and examples of when we use them, explain their significance to human life, ways to take care of our senses, and include visuals to help them explain the concept better. Having a concept map will allow them to use their sight and their words to help them understand what the senses are. This next picture showcases an example of what this could look like as a concept map:

Another scenario to use digital concept maps would be in a grade nine math classroom, where the unit of focus could be on numbers. The General Learning Outcome is for students to develop number sense. Concept mapping can be used for students to have all of the different concepts, formulas, and rules learned in grade nine math, or math from previous years since the skills are built on each other. For example, students can use concept mapping to remind them what exactly an operation on powers is, which is a part of integral bases. Students in grade nine would not be able to understand this formula (a^m)(a^n) = a^(m+n) in integral bases without understanding the concept of powers. Having a concept map for formulas such as these will decrease the extraneous load and in turn students can focus on building their math skills. Students will also have all of the information on hand and can use their concept maps during assignments to help them practice for tests.