ModuleOutline

Module 1: Mindtools and Critical Thinking Chapters 1 & 2 from text 3 hours in class with course introduction • Learning from computers (CAI), about computers (literacy), and with computers (a Constructivist perspective) • Evaluating Mindtools • Critical thinking in schools • Categorizing information tools: semantic organization, dynamic modeling, interpretation, and knowledge construction

Module 2: Semantic Organization Tools—Databases Chapter 3 from text 1 hour in class on what is a database 8 hours in class on building a database Software: either InspireData or FileMaker (free 30-day trial . . . entire class will use same one, Theresa has yet to determine which one) • What are database management systems • How are databases used as Mindtools • Evaluating databases • Building a database • A special look at the Maine Memory Network

Module 3: Semantic Organization Tools—Semantic Networks (Concept Maps) Chapter 4 from text 3 hours in class on using concept maps Software: Inspiration (free 30 day trial) • What are semantic networks • How are semantic networks used as Mindtools • Evaluating semantic networks

Module 4: Dynamic Modeling Tools—Spreadsheets Chapter 5 from text 6 hours in class on using spreadsheets Software: Excel (acceptable: NeoOffice spreadsheet or Appleworks spreadsheet)—must provide own • What are spreadsheets • How are spreadsheets used as Mindtools • Evaluating spreadsheets • Building spreadsheets

Module 5: Dynamic Modeling Tools—Expert Systems and Systems Modeling Chapters 6 and 7 from text 1 hour in class reviewing • What are expert systems and systems modeling • How are expert systems and systems modeling used as Mindtools • Evaluating expert systems and systems modeling

Module 6: Dynamic Modeling Tools—Microworlds Chapter 8 from text 1 hour in class about Seymour Papert 2.5 hours in class “experiencing” Microworlds Software: Microworlds EX (15 day free trial—no saving, no printing) • What are Microworlds • How are Microworlds used as Mindtools • Evaluating Microworlds • Learning in a Microworld environment

Module 8: Knowledge Construction Tools: Hypermedia Chapter 11 from text 2.5 hours in class constructing hypermedia Software: Microworlds EX (15 day free trial—no saving, no printing) • What are multimedia and hypermedia • How are hypermedia used as Mindtools • Evaluating hypermedia construction

Module 7: Interpretation Tools Chapters 9 and 10 from text 1 hour in class reviewing • What are intentional information search tools and visualization tools • How are interpretation tools used as Mindtools • Evaluating interpretation tools

Module 9: Geographic Information Tools Online resources and handouts 6 hours in class exploring GIS and GPS Workshop with Center for Community GIS. There is a fee associated with this portion, unknown what it is at this time. • What are GIS and GPS • Can GIS and GPS be used as Mindtools • Evaluating GIS and GPS

Module 10: Implementing Mindtools Chapters 14 and 15 from text 1 hour in class reviewing • The role of Mindtools in society • Constructive roles for learners • Challenges to teachers • Assessment and learning: problems posed by Mindtools • Assessing learning with Mindtools

Sharing Sample Projects and Sample Projects with Lesson Plans 3 hours