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Modeling With Technologies
Why should we have students build models using technology? 1. Students are able to represent internal mental models externally, causing metacognition. 2. Students own the knowledge used to create models.(p96) 3. Modeling supports many cognitive skills including hyposthesis testing, conjecturing, and inferring. (p96) 4. Construction and revision of the learner's conceptual understanding occurs through building models. (p83)
Mindtools: Mindtools can be used to help students create models. These are tools that take on some of the cognitive burden of creating the model. They challenge students and allow students to teach the computer instead of vice versa. There are five mindtools discussed in the chapter. Each one is described below:
1. Concept Maps: Concept maps are organized, visual representations of different ideas or concepts and the relationships between them. Concept maps allow students to represent domain knowledge. The most important feature of good concept map software is the ability to type in links between concepts.
2. Systems Dynamics Tools: Systems dynamics tools allow for the creation of simulations that show the relationships of the components of a system. They effective model complex problems and thinking processes. Systems Dynamics Tools: 1. Stella: Stella seemed very complicated. It would allow users to demonstrate complex problems but would not be easily used with elementary students. 2. Model-it: Model-it was a little easier to understand but would still be difficult for young students to use. -The problems exhibited by these tools seem too complex for elementary students. It might be possible for the teacher to create a simulation and then allow students to interact with it to learn about the relationships within a system.
Concept map programs: 1. Inspiration: inspiration allows users to create a diagram using pictures and text. The diagram can be switched into an outline for essay writing. Inspiration also provides definition webs and book comparisons. It is very student friendly and would be very helpful in the classroom, especially in writing. 2. Semantica- Semantica allows users to organize concepts and ideas. It did not seem as kid friendly and might be a better fit for adults. 3. Gliffy- I have used Gliffy before. It was easy to use and allowed for some creativity in concept mapping. Gliffy has some useful features like floor plan maps.
3. Spreadsheets: Spreadsheets are computerized record- keeping systems. They help students identify relationships and patterns among data as well as simulate problems. Spreadsheet tools: 1. Microsoft Excel is commonly used to create spreadsheets. 2. GoogleDocs allows for free creation of spreadsheets. It is easy to use. Example of a spreadsheet using GoogleDocs: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key= pT3g9ag3mWHCmd2wALvm-aA (I'm a YoungLife leader and we take kids to camp in the summer. I created a spreadsheet to keep track of camp money, using fake names and amounts)
Expert Systems: Expert systems simulate the knowledge of an expert in a particular field and aid in decision making. They use knowlege about objects and the relationships between these objects to make decisions. When students use expert systems, they should attempt to provide the expertise in solving a problem. Expert Systems: 1. MYCIN- This was the first expert system. It is used to aid physicians in diagnosing infections. It should not be used by students. 2. Vanguard software- This expert system software helps businesses make decisions in client relations and other areas; not used in the classroom. 3. kbsc.com/rulebase.html - this site provides a list of commercial and freeware expert systems. Many are too complex for elementary students but some
5. Databases: Databases are also computerized record- Keeping systems. They act like a filing cabinet for information. When using them, students must integrate and interrelate information. Databases: 1. Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)- this database is easy for teachers, students, or parents to use to search for high quality children's literature. 2. Weboffice Database Manager- This is a desktop database that allows users to organize information. It would not be easily used by children. 3. Microsoft Access- This software also allows for organization of information. Some features could be used by students.
Reflection on the Chapter: I thought the chapter was very useful. I had never really thought about using technology to build models in the classroom. I thought the systems dynamics tools were a little hard to understand and thought they would be difficult for young students to use. I really liked the idea of using the other mindtools, though. I found it really interesting to read about the ways that model building helps in student learning. When students teach the computer, they must more thoroughly understand the content and are able to own their knowlege. I'm excited to use these tools in my classroom.
allow the use of expert systems shells that students could use to play the role of the expert.
degrassifan411 added this comment 2010-10-02 13:20:57-05:00
is this for school cuz this deserves an FFFFF!
degrassifan411 added this comment 2010-10-02 13:20:57-05:00
is this for school cuz this deserves an FFFFF!