SpiderScribe
SpiderScribe is an online mind mapping tool that allows students to brainstorm and share their ideas. SpiderScribe is relatively easy tool to use, with an easy to use interface. It allows for users to easily embed images, links and notes on to your mind map something which other mind mapping tools struggle with. SpiderScribe does however require the user to sign up for an account to create mind maps this easy to do and just requires and email address and a confirmation of this email. It is free to sign up and with this free account you receive the ability to create as many public mind maps as possible, however you are only able to create 3 private maps. In the classroom I can't see this being an issue as the students can set their maps to public with a link (anyone with the link can access the map, however it isn't available through a google search) and this does not count as a private map. Below is an example of a SpiderScribe mind map I created, it links the text The Peasant Prince to various areas of the Year 4 Australian Curriculum.
Possible uses for SpiderScribe in the classroom include using it to brainstorm ideas on a topic, students can also use it to map out the characteristics of a character in a story they reading.
Another great benefit of SpiderScribe is the ability for many users to collaborate on the same mind map, granted they have been given access by the original creator. This gives students the ability to work in groups to brainstorm and share their ideas before starting an assignment.
For all the benefits of SpiderScribe there are some negatives, such as not being able to integrate audio or video. However the benefits far outway the negatives and I would definitely use this tool in the classroom.
SpiderScribe would be in the redefinition category of the SAMR model as it allows for students to collaborate on the same mind map at the same time. As for the Bloom's taxonomy it would be in the apply category as students are required to apply their current knowledge into a brainstorm.
Another great benefit of SpiderScribe is the ability for many users to collaborate on the same mind map, granted they have been given access by the original creator. This gives students the ability to work in groups to brainstorm and share their ideas before starting an assignment.
For all the benefits of SpiderScribe there are some negatives, such as not being able to integrate audio or video. However the benefits far outway the negatives and I would definitely use this tool in the classroom.
SpiderScribe would be in the redefinition category of the SAMR model as it allows for students to collaborate on the same mind map at the same time. As for the Bloom's taxonomy it would be in the apply category as students are required to apply their current knowledge into a brainstorm.