21.06.09

Date: 21 June 2009
ETRU Weekly #32


 * Link to Flashmeeting**: []

Attendees:

 * 1) user:dajbelshaw
 * 2) user:rogerneilson
 * 3) user:theok
 * 4) user:mrstacey
 * 5) user:istuart
 * 6) user:markclarkson
 * 7) user:tbarrett
 * 8) user:robthill


 * Apologies**:
 * user:mrslwalker - having a night off after a very busy week!

Agenda:

 * Mindmaps. We know there are tools, but how do we use them - and do we *teach* them? (I know I haven't, not really). After a hectic week I have started one to collect [|my own thoughts] and reflections. Am I just late to the game? user:markclarkson
 * //Great example - although Bubbl.us IS collaborative (just not simultaneously) user:mrstacey//
 * In case I can't make it here is a [|collection of stuff I used when doing an INSET] on mindmapping user:MisterG
 * We used MindMaps as a research tool at Friday's MirandaMod on Blogging to record and develop the discussions [|here], [|here], and [|here], email if you want to collaborate user:theok
 * We look at Mindmaps in SMART in Year 7. [|This is the old powerpoint] we used, based on some stuff we bought from John Cabot school. This year we've used [|this one instead] - it gets students to identify the key ideas rather than telling them. I've been on lots on insets and read lots of material that says there is one way to use Mindmaps and you should teach children and get them to practice until they get it right. While I have some sympathy with the fact that lots of students just churn out spider diagrams, I don't think I've ever done a Mindmap 'properly', and that refelcts my teaching of them.
 * Creating a social network in the classroom: Relative merits of Edmodo, Ning, ELGG, Mahara, using the Learning Platform? user:markclarkson
 * [|Google Teacher Academy UK] update user:dajbelshaw