Response to Chapter 3

The FACTS of design is a framework for teachers to design a class with learning opportunities for students. The authors discuss some interesting electronic technological tools for education. I found the computer graphic programs particular interesting to me. Graphics, the representation of concepts, work well for visual learners. One type of images the computer graphic programs can assist learners to create is organizational images, which can show the connection, sequence, and hierarchy of information (p. 53). I tried to make mind maps (graphic organizers) by hand to synthesize the information from different readings for Teaching Second Language Reading class last semester. However, my handwriting made it hard to insert something that I came up with later to the fixed branch structure. Buzan (2006) introduces the Computer Aided Thinking (CAT) and the examples from MindGenius as tools for creating mind maps. This software allows note-takers to enter the central image or keyword as the main theme first and then make branches as the related points (see the picture above). It will be easier to make changes because this program will help structure the new branches. This software can not only organize the information from the readings, it can also be used as a brainstorming outline for writing. The teacher can help students visualize their thinking by using this mind map creator or the teacher can organize the knowledge in a mind map to help students learn. Although some learners can create very good mind maps, this CAT program makes the process more efficient. This is a great tool for teaching and learning.

Buzan, T. & Buzan, B. (2006). Computer Mind Mapping. The Mind Map Book. BBC: UK.