Simple Diagrams
http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=SimpleDiagrams
Simple Diagrams is a great program to communicate and convey your ideas in a simple and fun way. As an educator this can be an effective tool to help students learn complicated skills and concepts that normally would take a long explanation in shorter amount of time. By the time a verbal or written explanation is used you may lose half your students. Because Simple diagrams uses symbols and pictures along with text you are reaching linguistic, spatial and logic learners. The above example simplifies and possibly conveys in a clearer manner what I am writing here in 250 words. This is a much more effective means of communication while the playful graphics helps to create a more memorable and enjoyable learning experience. In my classroom I could see using this software to create concept maps and brainstorm sessions. This would also be beneficial in creating detailed steps for concepts and lessons that may be difficult in a simplified manner. Often times in band we have many detailed steps and things we need to know in preparation for concerts and performances. Using this software will help communicate complex messages to parents and students. Some cons from using this software so far is that the free version does not allow to save and an annoying popup appears about every 5 minutes. You can only export to a PNG file and you can’t print which may reduce flexibility of output. However there are easy ways around this, it may just add more time and steps. Overall I was impressed with the simplicity of the application, ease of use and effectiveness in which it can be used to communicate messages.
Thanh,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this very interesting tool with simple diagrams. I immediately went to the site and took a look at how I could use and apply this to the classroom. I think that I can actually use this anytime in my 5th grade classroom. I decided to try to use this site as a lesson on cause and effect since I used this as an example for storyjumper.com on my blog site several days ago. I love to have various ways of sharing information for students. I think differentiation within instruction is very important. This whiteboard tool creates interesting mappings, and some students would love the blackboard look of the finished product. I simply took a screenshot of my lesson example which was a simple way of creating the visual while using the free version of this web 2.0 tool. This is a tool I will use for brainstorming in my classroom among groups of students on one computer, or as a tool for the entire classroom to see visually using an LCD screen. Thanks for the information!
Hey Thanh,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this web 2.0 tool. Seems like it would work in with any subject and grade level. Concept maps are such an important aspect in teaching. It really helps the students grasp a large amount of material without a massive amount of note taking. It can even be seen as fun for the students to copy their notes based on the fun cartoon like drawings. I know my art students would really enjoy it. The con regarding not being able to print is a problem for me. I do not have computers for my classroom yet and printing a copy and using an overhead (although seems like the old days) is my only option. But all of the information you have given in this blog is very good to know thanks for the insight and the site. Great work as always!
Your friend,
Tyson
Hey, Thanh!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like FUN! Since I'm not teaching right now, I'm not sure how I would use this now, but when I start teaching again, it looks like a must use! Thanks for the detailed description, pros/cons, and a great summary! Great work as always! :)
Thanh,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and useful tool you have found. I visited the Simple Diagrams website and also downloaded the free version of the program to try out. It was very easy to use and I can see the benefits for it not only in education, but business as well. It is a simple way to create concept maps, mind maps, and simple diagrams to illustrate a point. It is something that I would seriously considering purchasing the full version of for only $19. Thanks so much for sharing this great tool.
Thanh,
ReplyDeleteI have always loved using diagraming and mind mapping tools with students and for my own use. SimpleDiagrams looks like it could be a great solution for students and teachers. The fact that you can download it for free and also the simplicity of the program, I could see elementary students getting a lot out of it but it also has enough features that older students would be able to put it to use as well. Very cool site Thanh! I will be sharing this with my teachers for sure.
Thanks,
Jim