1. I am really excited about learning new and different ways to collaborate! While I am not familiar with mindmeister, I think this is a wonderful way to brainstorm or consolidate new ideas with a group of students! - J. Wisniewski
2. Important Quotes
2.1. "Bloom's Digital Taxonomy isn't about the tools or technologies rather it is about using these to facilitate learning." (Bloom's Digital Taxonomy info site) -G. Kelly
2.1.1. I love this quote! I think it's so important because so many teachers include technology into lessons just for the sake of including technology. I think we as educators need to think hard about how technology will enhance learning. E. Braun
2.2. "Collaboration provides for an opportunity or "teachable moment" in which students are reminded of the importance of finding a common ground while using the democratic process." (De Abreu, 40) -G. Kelly
2.2.1. Students learning how to collaborate with others is truly a learning experience to become prepared for the real world. Although technology is taking over, it is still essential to have social skills and be able to work well with others. M. Paul
2.3. "A social networking site is only effective as an instructional tool if a school district has a plan for using it..." (O'Hanlon, 2007) from (De Abreu, 54). -G. Kelly
2.3.1. This is a great quote. After learning about PLN's last week, I think we have all seen effective social media sites as well as not so effective social networking. -L. Corso
2.4. "Rapid advances in technology have led to profound shifts in how we live, communicate and work. To prepare our students for the world they will soon enter and for a future we cannot yet imagine, education must not only adapt to these changes but innovate." (ISTE Standards)- L. Corso
2.4.1. This is true, since it seems like a new tool or site is introduced almost every day. The next "must-use" tool or site is right over the horizon. The more comfortable teachers are with using the material, the easier it will be to incorporate into our lessons and the more we can have students use. By doing this, we can try to ensure that everyone, teachers and students alike, are more prepared to integrate the next big thing into their lives. - J.Lopez
2.5. "Do today’s students need to be empowered learners, knowledge constructors, innovative designers? Should they be computational thinkers and global collaborators? " (Sykora 2016 ISTE Standards). W. Kerr
2.5.1. Yes to everything! Students need to learn how to become constructors, designers and active learners. They need to be hands-on with their learning to become more engaged in the subject matter and to be able to tie their newly learned knowledge to the real world. This will allow students to become more competitive at a global level. To be computational thinkers will keep students up to speed with the technology around them and be able to collaborate globally. These are the key to success! M. Paul
2.6. "Media Literacy education provides the tools for learning which allow for the discussion of the Web 2.0 mediums and social networks to be useful, thoughtful, and productive" (Abreu, 2011, p. 26)- J. Wisniewski
2.7. Andrew Churches said "Collaboration is not a 21st Century skill, it is a 21st Century essential" (Wiki, Bloom's Digital Taxonomy). M. Paul
2.8. "Teachers have always held the key to student success. But their role is changing. The ISTE Standards define the new skills and pedagogical insights educators need to teach, work and learn in the digital age" (Teacher's Standards, ISTE). M. Paul
3. ISTE Standards for Students
3.1. Standards will include only 28 performance indicators and will be required to serve the field for a maximum of 10 years. -G. Kelly
3.2. ISTE Standards are objectives that "describe the skills and knowledge they need to learn effectively and live productively in an increasingly global and digital society." These set of standards are made specifically for the use of technology in the classroom. -L. Corso
3.2.1. I think it is really wonderful that we have a list of standards specifically for the use of technology within the classroom! By having these rather clear standards, both students and teachers may have a better understanding of what to expect when utilizing computers, apps, or other technologies. These guidelines allow students to understand their job as digital citizens, while giving teachers guidelines on how to effectively utilize resources in the classroom setting! - J. Wisniewski
3.3. As would be expected from an update, the draft standards go a few steps further toward promoting the tools of technology for students and integrating them into students' daily lives. Students need to be shown that technology is more valuable than only providing a means of communication or simply giving them a chance to look up an answer. - J.Lopez
3.3.1. Jason, Great point in saying technology has more than just social uses or a one shot answer finder. Sometimes I think the popular belief is that proficiency means the most selfies on Facebook or being able to activate Snapchat without looking - like it used to be for memorizing the keys for texting under the desk : ) W. Kerr
3.4. There is an expectation that when students get out of school they will be able to utilize technology in order to responsibly accomplish a goal for a growing number of jobs - not just have a general idea technology exists beyond social media or how to upload selfies. The use of ISTE standards help educate and prepare students for that task. W. Kerr
3.4.1. This is true. More and more, even lower-skill positions are becoming more technology driven. Students need to be able to not only understand and be able to use that technology, but do so in a way that doesn't frighten them off from using new technology in the future. If there is one constant in the universe, it's that things always change. We need to prep students for this and the ISTE standards help to provide goals for the realm of technology. - J.Lopez
3.5. ISTE Standards for students involves a clear set of expectations including how to effectively collaborate, be a digital citizen, and have knowledge of various technological systems. The standards are concise, yet rather helpful to review! -J. Wisniewski
3.5.1. Yes I agree! The ISTE Standards are clear and concise for a better understanding of the expectations for what students should be learning to become an active digital citizens ready to take on the world! M. Paul
3.6. Necessary for students to learn effectively and prepare for the digital society: 1. Creativity & Innovation 2. Communication & Collaboration 3. Research & Information fluency 4. Critical thinking, problem solving & decision making. Using these standards with Bloom's Digital Taxonomy truly provide students with an overall successful academia in the new digital age. M. Paul
4. General thoughts - Dr. Fritz
4.1. ISTE Standards for teachers are a fantastic set of guidelines for teachers who may feel intimidated by the incorporation of technology in the classroom! -G. Kelly
4.1.1. I wholeheartly agree. I was a bit overwhelmed and unsure of how to bring technology into the classroom but the ISTE Standards made it very simplified and understandable for me. M. Paul
4.1.2. Genevieve, I definitely agree with you here! The ISTE standards are great to include in the classroom. Students in today's world use technology almost constantly. I think students are engaged and just more interested in learning when technology is used. -L. Corso
4.2. Both Bloom's Digital Taxonomy and the ISTE standards are important in today's digital world. However, I feel like many people are unaware of their existence. -L. Corso
4.2.1. Lauren, Before beginning this degree, I had never heard of ISTE (or NETS as it had been) and maybe had Bloom's Taxonomy (definitely not Bloom's Digital Taxonomy) mentioned as a subpoint in a class. W. Kerr
4.2.1.1. Hi Lauren and Wendy! I too had never heard of the ISTE standards before taking Drexel's multimedia course this past summer. I strongly feel that there should be a bigger push to incorporate them into lesson planning. From my experiences, a large amount of general education teachers feel intimidated rather than excited by the incorporation of technology into the school day. I think that if we better educate teachers about the ISTE standards, we are more likely to see technology be put to good use in the classroom! -G. Kelly
4.3. I have heard the statement, "The law hasn't caught up with technology." I think having standards to follow is a way to try and avoid the complications of not being prepared and aware from happening in education along with preparing students for a digital world. W.Kerr
4.3.1. I definitely agree with that. These standards are definitely a help considering by nature the law really can't keep up with technology. It's important to warn students against the negatives of technology use, especially social media. E. Braun
4.4. All of what we read this week can be very useful to us in the classroom. A lot of what we read this week has gone unmentioned or untaught and yet it truly shows how helpful and effective technology can be in teaching in the classroom. M. Paul
4.4.1. I think you made a really good point in your post, Mindy. All of this information is not taught in regular education classes, but only in multi-media education classes, which not everyone is required to take. They are missing out on very valuable information. -L. Corso
4.5. I've had previous experience with the original Bloom's taxonomy, the revised edition, the digital edition, and the ISTE standards, but I'll be honest, I haven't thought about them at this level before. I think having to make the connections between the technology tools and the taxonomy and standards makes it stand out a little more. At least it does for me. - J.Lopez
5. How could you use a tool like mindmeister in a classroom? (Think Collaboration - harness the power of the social media!) -Dr. Fritz
5.1. Children could use mindmeister in place of paper graphic organizers and concept maps (i.e.: when reading a novel, character from book goes in the center of the map and the character's traits as various bubbles). - G. Kelly
5.1.1. This is exactly the thought that I had! and this would even give them the chance to comment on each other's ideas as well. I think that students would really enjoy the change of using an online format that they can easily work on both from home and in class. E. Braun
5.2. Mindmesister could be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. It could be used as a tool to create a concept web in a Language Arts Class or in a Social Studies class (or really any class). It will both ISTE standards and Bloom's Digital Taxonomy Levels. -L. Corso
5.2.1. I love the term "concept web" that you used. The idea of using it for a Language Arts class made me think of a game show where the next word builds on the previous word and the objective is to complete all the words. I can't recall the name of it but there could be game like element worked into the use of mindmeister to make it more fun for the students. W. Kerr
5.3. I think the MindMeister tool could be used in a social studies classroom as a timeline project. The timeline could stretch across the board and different points of interest could branch out from that line. It would allow multiple students to work on the project and each one could be marked with the student's name or initials, so it would be possible to see which student did which section. I think it would also be possible for students to share thoughts about notes or a partner or team project. Multiple students could be sharing their thoughts outside of the classroom. - J.Lopez
5.3.1. Hi Jason! I love your idea of having students use this program collaboratively, just as we are doing here. I think using it in conjunction with a social studies timeline project is great! Students could be split into groups and have the opportunity to add to the timeline as they discuss within groups during class, as well as be able to access it outside of school too. Great idea! - G. Kelly
5.3.1.1. I would also think that in the end, each group could present their timeline to the class by displaying it on the Smart Board. I know not every classroom has one, but most classes I have seen have at least a projector that is capable of connecting to a computer. This can be used instead so the students could showcase their work. - J.Lopez
5.3.2. I love this idea! It's not something I had thought of at all but its a really great idea. This tool could even be used as a sort of rough draft where students can post all of their ideas and then a final timeline could be created as well! E. Braun
5.4. Mindmeister could be used as a way to: 1. learn collaborative skills - each student adds and builds on to the concept until a comprehensive result is reached. 2. create a digital form of an outline or organizer - e.g. mapping of a chemical reaction. 3. improve social skills - this is similar to learning collaborative skills but it could be used for a more social application as opposed to one that is strictly academic in nature. W. Kerr
5.4.1. Wendy, I really like how you mentioned the important of collaboration, and how it can be used through this program! I think it is so important for students to learn how to effectively work together in groups, and what better way to teach them how to work together than give them a tool that allows them to share their ideas in an organized, yet unique way! Great point! -- J. Wisniewski
5.5. Like many have mentioned, mindmeister is a wonderful tool that allows students to think and create in a collaborative way. Students using this tool within their classroom may brainstorm ideas for a group project together, or continue their collaborative projects outside of the classroom (at home!) The tool allows students to access information both inside and outside of the classroom in order to further promote a learning environment where students feel excited about sharing their ideas! - J. Wisniewski
5.5.1. I love the idea that they can keep going with their work at home! It would be great for those who have access to be able to continue their collaboration outside of the classroom.
5.6. Although I don't think Mindmeister would be very useful for younger learners, unless it's simplified to teach a lesson, I do think that it would be very useful for Middle Schoolers. It would be great for group projects to get students to work together collaboratively, just how we are here. It's a great way to keep information organized and if need be divided into subheaders providing a visual way of showing knowledge. I think it would be great for science, social studies, it could even be used in English, or Language Arts. M. Paul
5.6.1. Mindy, I think you brought up a good point in saying that some modification may be needed for very young children. I'm not 100% sure of all the applications of mindmeister though. I did see there are upgrades available. Possibly some of the upgrades have the ability to customize the format to make it more applicable for younger learners. W. Kerr
5.6.1.1. Okay I will have to check it out. I think 3rd and 4th graders could probably figure it out because children are very tech savy. Being in a Kindergarten classroom I may use Mindmeister as a teaching tool to show them connections of videos or main words or concepts. M. Paul
5.6.1.1.1. I've seen kindergartners use it! They can only achieve as high as you think they can achieve!!! -Dr. Fritz
5.7. Mindmeister is the modern graphic organizer! Teachers have been using this type of tool for ages and this is just a digital version that would make it easy for students to collaborate when they aren't in the classroom. I think this tool could be great for assessing prior knowledge, tracking student progress on a certain project and for fielding questions and allowing for student input. -E. Braun
5.7.1. I completely agree! I especially like the idea that teachers can track the students' progress. What a great way of being able to have a class of students collaborate on a certain topic! M. Paul
6. In a few words (short and simple with graphic organizers!) tell how we are meeting the teacher standards (or administrator) through this class!!! -Dr. Fritz
6.1. We are meeting standard 3: Model Digital Age Work and Learning! We digitally collaborate and share ideas with Dr. Fritz and our fellow classmates each week! -G. Kelly
6.1.1. I agree! What we do in this classroom is a great model for how our students can use technology as well! E. Braun
6.2. I think we are also meeting standard 5 - Engage in professional growth and leadership. We are obviously participating in a learning community to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. We also evaluate and reflect on research and professional practice to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools. - J.Lopez
6.2.1. YES! I think you can learn so much by seeing how/what others are posting and exploring with the technology - that was the main purpose of this learning experience:).-Dr. Fritz
6.3. Along with standards 3 and 5 of the teacher's standards, I think we are also meeting 2 and 3 of the administrator's standards. #2 Digital age learning culture/ b. Model & promote frequent & effective use of technology for learning. #3 Excellence in professional practice /d. Stay abreast of educational research & emerging trends. ( I thought this video highlighted concept of what teachers need to do to apply the standards.) W. Kerr
6.3.1. Thank you for adding a video! I have never tried this before - so thank you for showing us that this can be done:). Learn something new every day!!! The POWER OF COLLABORATIVE LEARNING!!-Dr. Fritz
6.3.2. Thanks for posting this video, Wendy! I think it brings up the excellent point that before teachers begin to support their students in incorporating useful technology in the classroom, the teachers THEMSELVES must be supported and taught how to use it. Like the video states, it's not about using technology to raise test scores. It's about using it to create a collaborative and dynamic learning environment to give students essential skills that can be used in the real world. Thank you for this! -G. Kelly
6.3.2.1. You are both very welcome! The video link is (thankfully) very easy to use.
6.4. We are meeting teacher standards in this class by Inspiring Student Learning and Creativity (Standard 1), by utilizing a multitude of various platforms for sharing and collaborating with different pieces of information! -J.Wisniewski
6.5. Our class is meeting the Teacher's Standards #2 because we are experiencing a new digital learning experience. Standard #3 because we are learning a more efficient way of teaching and becoming more fluent in Mindmeister. M. Paul
6.5.1. Mindy, I agree with you completely! I think that by discovering new tools like Mindmeister, we are able to keep in mind really valuable resources that we may later share with our students! After learning so many different aspects of the digital age within this class, I find it even more important to begin following multiple education blogs to learn more about these resources! -J.Wisniewski
6.5.1.1. And - I hope you are all gaining the confidence and realizing that it's very simple to learn a new tool just by trying it. For older students - give it to your students and let them figure it out/teach you (and each other) how to use it! - Dr. Fritz
7. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy rewrote the old Bloom's cognitive domain which categorizes and orders thinking skills and objectives on a continuum from Lower Order Thinking Skills to Higher Order Thinking Skills: Remembering (social networking/bookmarking/social bookmarking/highlighting/bullet pointing, searching), Understanding (advanced and Boolean searching/blog journaling/categorizing & tagging/commenting & annoting/subscribing), Applying (running & operating/playing/uploading & sharing/hacking/editing), Analysing (mashing/linking/reverse-engineering/cracking), Evaluating (blog/vlog commenting & reflecting/posting/moderating/collaborating & networking/testing/validating), and the Highest Order, Creating (programming/filming, animating,videocasting, podcating, mixing & remixing/directing & producing/publishing). M. Paul
7.1. Your post is detailed and the activities you list go along vary well with the level of thinking that you give them. I think it would be great to have a project that took students through all of these skills and the end summative assessment being one of the "creating" skills you mentioned. E. Braun
8. Questions?
8.1. I was surprised how easy it was to figure out and use! Thank you. M. Paul
8.1.1. I am not in your group, but your map looks excellent ladies both visually and in content! M. Krotz
9. To add a bubble, click on the center bubble then click the plus sign at the top of the screen. Then, begin typing in the bubble. Whatever bubble is "clicked on" when you click the "plus" sign is the bubble that your new empty bubble will appear from. (Dr. Fritz)
10. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy - ideas for our classroom (short and to the point please) -Dr. Fritz
10.1. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy is an updated version of the original taxonomy. It includes the levels of remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. L. Corso
10.1.1. An idea to incorporate this into the classroom is have students work collaboratively and create an online portfolio about topic covered in class. This hits on the creating phase of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. L. Corso
10.2. From the lower order thinking skills to the higher order skills, students can locate and bookmark sites for research (Remembering), summarize and annotate a site (Understanding), upload their research to site in order to collaborate with other students (Applying), organizing and outlining their research (Analyzing), commenting on blogs and/or collaborating on projects (Evaluating), and publishing their project or blogging their thoughts on a subject (Creating). - J.Lopez
10.2.1. I completely agree! Resources like the classroom computer are great tools for students who are reaching all different levels of Blooms Taxonomy. The flexibility of digital resources to fit a variety of the different levels of Blooms Taxonomy just comes to show its important within the classroom! Great point! - J. Wisniewski
10.2.1.1. Great points, Jason and Julia! Jason, you illustrated the different levels and tasks that go with them very well. I think using technology often is not seen for how it can be broken down and applied to the stages of learning - it is sometimes lumped into the category of being a shortcut to "real" learning.
10.3. A list of questions that fulfill the categories of analyze, evaluate, and create in order to steer students in the right direction and promote engagement. W. Kerr
10.4. According to Bloom's Taxonomy, students will be able to utilize "Create" (higher level thinking), by creating a research project and presentation about their favorite historical figure in American History! By researching credible sources, brainstorming ideas on numerous websites, and watching videos on these historical figures, students will be able to have access to numerous resources to help enrich them! -J. Wisniewski
10.4.1. I agree with you, Julia! The "create" level of thinking from Bloom's Digital Taxonomy can be easily met while incorporating viable resources from the internet. Teachers are able to set up pages that can lead students to these resources, and the students are able to create their research projects or portfolios using platforms on the computer. Teachers can guide students through an interactive research experience while incorporating many of the levels of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. -G. Kelly
10.4.2. Julia, I think that your idea meets more than just the create level of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. It theoretically meets all of the levels. Students can use the internet to find potential resources which would be the applying phase. -L. Corso
10.5. Bloom's Taxonomy is easily applied to the digital world. In fact, I think it's very important to think about Bloom's Taxonomy to create media literate students. I think that this can be approached in the classroom by building upon skills. The beginning of the year can start with lower order thinking and students can help come up with ways to advance and build. The Diigo tool comes to mind for building on these skills, beginning with remembering and understanding by using the annotating tool to search for and share information. Many of our students are already using higher order skills by creating things like youtube videos, their own websites or podcasts etc. The key is using these higher order to enhance education. E. Braun
10.5.1. You listed some great ideas of putting Bloom's Digital Taxonomy into action in the classroom. Having students spend a year building on each component from Lower Order Thinking Skills to Higher Order Thinking Skills would be good possibly for Middle school but for elementary I think it would be best to incorporate the components into a smaller group of lesson plans, perhaps no more than a few weeks to keep the children engaged in the subject matter. Then move onto the next component building up. M. Paul