Using Computers as Tools

©Elizabeth Fehlbaum, LSSL 5370, Sam Houston State University,

Spring 2014

Mindtools

David H. Jonassen

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Computers in the Classroom: Mindtools for

Critical Thinking

“The term mindtool represents a concept, not

a real entity.”

Differentiates between learning from computers; learning about computers; learning with computers,

which is the area of mindtools.

Jonassen’s Big Idea

“[Mindmaps] are knowledge constructions and facilitation tools that can be applied to a variety of subject-matter domains.”

Attributes of a

Mindtool

Should be generalizable; should be an application

or device that can be used in many different

ways to learn in multiple subjects.

Should be available rather than difficult to

find/obtain.

Should be affordable: online apps make this more available

now.

Should foster knowledge representation—should go beyond the mundane and

encourage users to develop own creations to demonstrate

what have learned.

Should be easy to learn and use. Real purpose is to construct and represent critical and constructive

learning. Should be computer-

based.

Examples of

Mindtools

Mindmap Databases Spreadsheet

s

Intelligent search engines

Visualization tools

Hypermedia (Prezi,

PowerPoint)

Google Docs, Evernote, Microsoft

Office

Wordle, WiseMapping, Popplet

Weebly, Piktochart, Edcanvas

(Blendspace); Glogster, Edmodo

Haiku Deck, MindMapper, Videolicious, Symbaloo, ThingLink

Mindmapping Videos

“Where Good Ideas Come From” by Steven Johnson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU

How to MindMap using iMindMap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJUnSAxDY18

3-D Mind Map Visualization Design: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=farxF3HkDBU

Mind mapping with Prezi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TENwsD0h9Rw

How to use Evernote to Achieve Your Goals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxMJGtBXkvc

Mindmapping Videos 2

Wordle Tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhL5D9nz5aI

Wisemapping Tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKxZwNKs9cE

Popplet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxLDsWHsQ1g

Edcanvas (Blendspace) Tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iguYxMDeik

“It’s Kind of a Funny Story”

Drawing Scene: (Very cool take on Mind Mapping)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rrawJ64ak

Helpful ResourcesBell, M. (2013, November 06). Belltones: Computers as mindtools. Retrieved from http://www.internetatschools.com/Articles/Column/Belltones/BELLTONES-Computers-as-Mindtools--Homage-to-David-Jonassen-93161.aspx

Computers in the Classroom: Mindtools for Critical Thinking, by David H. Jonassen (Merril Pr (1995).

Learning, Problem Solving, and Mindtools: Essays in Honor of David H. Jonassen, edited by J. Michael Spector, Barbara B. Lockee, Sharon Smaldino, and Marry Herring. Routledge (2013).

“Using Mindtools in Education,” THE Journal.