I explored briefly the Mind42.com website because it caught my eye as it relates to an activity that I am doing currently with my 8th grade students. They are moving through the engineering design process for building their dream house. Currently they are at step three and four: brainstorm possible solutions and make a decision. I had them bookmark three house plans that fit the criteria they developed during the first step of the process. I then had them work in Inspiration to brainstorm the benefits and disadvantages of each floor plan. I wanted them to see that the coolest looking house was maybe not the best house to select for this project.
I could have them use the Mind42.com site to make it more interactive and add the aspect of collaboration to the activity. They could brainstorm about their three choices and then partner up with someone to critically think about the options. I want to see that the students have gone through decision making process. They then journal about it.
The more I explore it, the more I see that it has potential for meaningful collaboration with students.
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Overall, this series of post presents some options you have for introducing what you are learning to students. With 150 students, I would recommend you consider trying out your ideas with a limited number of your students. Perhaps one of the periods when the technology is more accessible? This way you can better manage the results so you can use what you learn with other students in the future.
ReplyDeleteDennis