A+Semantic+Net

Karen Degler EDUC639, Integrating Technologies in the K-12 Classroom July 14, 2006

The course EDUC 639 K12 Technology Integration in the Classroom has been a huge learning experience for me. The class got me thinking in ways that I never have and it got me looking at how the classroom teachers’ job should be changing and evolving. The teachers of today have a tough job and wear many different hats, but the one area of desperate need is making technology a useful tool that is integrated into the life of a classroom. One such tool that would provide some integration of technology is concept mapping using a program like, Cmap, which is free to download.
 * __Reflections On Making A Semantic Map__

All through the state students are taught to make organizational webs when they are organizing a writing piece. In the book, __Modeling with Technology Mindtools for Conceptual Change__, models of student learning can be applied to all areas taught in the classroom, not just for writing. Making a model of ones understanding of the information can allow for more learning through the physical process of plotting it out and seeing how the different nodes work in relationship to each other. The act of organizing the information is a wonderful tool to gain understanding of the subject and to see how what they learn all through the year can be mapped out to show the connections to everything.

Making my semantic map helped me to see how connected all the topics we covered really are. The websites, tools, 21st Century Skills and Instructional Ideas are related and influence each other. Building the map helped to show me the connections, that we didn't learn isolated information, but that it all works together. Making and using a sematic net was a new experience and it is a tool I will continue to utilize professionally and personally.

Using the concept/semantic maps are difficult for the visually impaired to follow, but well worth the effort so that they can feel/see the connections. I am excited to explore this way of conceptualizing information with my students and the teachers I work with. Being able to see or feel the connections not only helps the regular students, but it will benefit the slower learners who tend to be more kinesthetic, hands on type learners. Building a semantic map helps everyone in the classroom to understand how what they are learning is effected by what they knew and will effect what they will learn.