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Sunday, September 20, 2015

MindMeister DOK Tool



Ways to integrate Technology Tools to apply DOK standards: http://www.wbrschools.net/sites/default/files/technology/DOK/DOK_technology.pdf


MindMeister DOK Tool

MindMeister is a collaborative mind mapping software, which encourages its users to visualize their thoughts in a cloud environment. It was developed by MeisterLabs GmbH; a software company founded by Michael Hollauf and Till Vollmer. This tool provides a way to visualize information in mind maps, but it also allows tools to facilitate real-time collaboration, task management and presentation creation. It uses cloud stage to distribute changes in mind maps in real-time for users on all devices. Each Mind Map can be shared privately to an unlimited amount of users or publicly. MindMeister takes advantage of Wikipedia, Google Links and Google Images for the WunderFeatures. WunderFeatures allows users to automatically insert images (WunderBild), links (WunderLink) and notes (WunderNotes) from the web to insert into their mind map. This software is based on the freemium model, which provides three free mind maps and new features with future updates. MindMeister offers a half-yearly or yearly subscription fee for unlimited maps at a charge. The web app of MindMeister is accessible through any standard web browser. Android and iOS platforms have the option for a free mobile app. In March of 2010, MindMeister was selected by Google to take part in the launch of Google Apps Marketplace. It has been awarded 4 out of 5 stars in the Apple App Store, 3.5 out of 5 stars in the Google Play Store and 3.5 out of 5 stars in the Google Chrome Web Store. It has also received other awards like “AASL Website Awards Best Web Site for Teaching and Learning 2009” and “Innovation Award 2008 Best product in the category Web 2.0 (german)”. MindMeister is a great tool to integrate into the classroom to enforce the different levels of DOK.
MindMeister is a tool that we have not had the change to utilize in our MAT program so I wanted to do something different to explore new options. How can I use MindMeister in my classroom to apply DOK standards? MindMeister is a tool that measures levels 1 through 4 of the DOK Standards. Level one involves recalling facts or application of simple procedures. It is the ability to copy, compute, define, and recognize. To apply level one, students will use computer assisted instruction by viewing the website to understand how to use the tool. Level two is when a student needs to make decisions about his or her approach. To apply level two, students will use this web 2.0 tool to document classification, cause/effect, summarizing, and comparison. Level three is more complex when students need to use planning, evidence, and thinking to justify their choice. I will apply level three by having students analyze a problem-solving scenario to construct, compare, develop conclusions, hypothesize, and investigate through cooperative learning, debate, guided inquiry and modeled inquiry. Level four is the most complex cognitive effort since students need to synthesize their information from multiple sources. To apply level four of DOK standards, students would plan, reason, and explain their thought processes by using project-based learning, problem-based learning, research projects, and case students.  I would use MindMeister by creating an activity where students will be grouped in threes. Students will develop a hypothesis using the following question “Who consumes more energy, plants or animals?” Students will create a presentation using MindMeister to justify or refute their hypothesis using research information on photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students will show collaboration of their ideas and present their information in real-time. MindMeister would help me apply the different DOK standards by having students recall, develop skills and concepts, encourage strategic thinking, and perform extended thinking.
MindMeister is a unique tool that allows students to customize their presentations, export maps, embed maps, task management to assign tasks and track progress, attachments, and more. This tool is a graphic organizer that allows students to breakdown information to create a conclusion in presentation form. It is designed to create a mind map diagram to visualize collaborative thinking or even create an outline, assignment, or sequence of events. It is even used in commercial settings to make simple diagrams into more complex thinking or reading. It is a great scaffolding tool. I could use this tool in any lesson, homework, or assignment that I create. The big focus of this tool is collaboration so students can develop their own ideas, brainstorm and collaborate with others. This tool is useful for me since I will be a STEM educator who needs to incorporate Common Core standards in my teaching and learning. This tool is not made for just one learner, but allows every student to incorporate his or her ideas and build learning. Students are being more proactive in their own education. I believe this tool defines what STEM teaching is and utilizes all resources that can apply DOK standards, which can be measured by formative assessments like discussion, observation, and more. MindMeister creates a collaborative environment to challenge students in a comfortable setting.



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1 comment:



  1. Wow! That's really great information guys.I know lot of new things here. Really great contribution.Thank you ..

    Stem Education

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