Smart Ideas
Making your thinking visible. Making connections.
Smart Ideas 5
Smart Ideas is a concept mapping computer desktop software that is licensed through OSAPAC for use in Ontario schools. Concept mapping allows students to brainstorm (or record from research) factors about a concept and then to organize those factors by making a heirarchy or by making connections between the factors explicit.
Use Smart Ideas in Any Classroom K-12!
- builds upon previous knowledge to provide a anchor for new knowledge
- usually results in higher level thinking (create, evaluate, analyse)
- helps memory recall
- supports visual learners (and others!)
- make connections explicit on the arrows
Benefits of Concept Mapping
Amanda's 100 Teacher Features | SMART Ideas Concept Mapping
Suggested strategies to incorporate concept mapping in your classroom.
- Use as an in-class pre-assessment. (minds-on, "what do you know about...")
- Do as a small or whole group activity. (case study, current event, process, story)
- Fill in the blanks. (students fill in information on teacher created concept map as they learn a concept)
- Organize your research. (make notes and connect ideas as you research a topic, create a report or essay outline)
Smart Ideas Screencast
Basic Smart Ideas 5 Screencast