Graphic organizers
are one way for visual thinkers to arrange their ideas. Graphic organizers
have many names including visual maps, mind mapping, and visual organizers.
Although many people plan with paper and pencil, technology tools can
be very helpful because they allow easy editing. They can also be shared
through disk, networks, email, or on the web.
Creating Graphic
Organizers with Technology. There are many technology tools
that can be used for creating graphical organizers. Consider which ones
might be used in various projects that you have created.
- Inspiration
Software. This software is made for organizing ideas.
You can create many of the charts above using the "visual thinking
and learning software" Inspiration or Kidspiration. The Inspiration
website contains lots of ideas for using the software and creating
classroom applications. Kidspiration
is designed specifically for primary grades, but can be used with
all students. In addition to using words and clipart, users can also
insert their own photographs and other visuals. You can download a
trial version from the website.
Use the following
resources to learn more about two popular graphic organizers: Inspiration
and Kidspiration.
Inspiration.
Inspiration is a software package that can be used for visual thinking
and learning. It contains tools to create a wide range of diagrams,
idea maps, concept maps, and webs. Users can add photographs, clipart,
and even make hyperlinks to the web.
Use the following
off-site resources to learn more about using the Inspiration software:
Kidspiration.
Although designed for young children, Kidspiration works well with
all ages. The audio component makes it powerful for people wishing to
add audio elements to a visual diagram.
Use the following
off-site resources to learn more about using the Kidspiration software:
Online, Shareware
Organizers. There are many visual planning tools that you can
download for free. They even have tools for handheld devices! Check
out the PiCoMap
software for the Palm OS.
- Online
Graphic Organizer Generators. You can even use online graphic
generators for creating graphic organizers. Go to the Teach-nology:
Graphic Organizer Generator page. You can create and print very
simple graphic organizers such as concept
web, KWL,
SQ3R,
timeline,
or Venn
diagram.
-
- Paint and
Draw Software. Use paint and draw software to create concept
maps and webs. Choose paint software (Photoshop, Appleworks Paint,
HyperStudio, KidPix) when you want to incorporate your own illustrations
and use free painting options. Choose draw software (Corel Draw, Illustrator,
Appleworks Draw) when you want to create and connect lines and shapes,
then move objects around.
-
- Word Processor.
Use the word processor for brainstorming lists and creating charts
and tables.
-
- Spreadsheet.
Use a spreadsheet to create a table of your ideas. Remember,
you can easily add clipart or photographs to most spreadsheet programs
such as Appleworks, Works, and Excel.
-
- Digital
Camera. You don't have to create your graph with technology
to incorporate technology into the project. Consider using objects
like paper plates, yarn, markers, or magazine clippings. Then, use
the digital camera or a scanner to take a picture to post on the web
or place in a multimedia project. Check out these examples: deep
destination, story
map, insects,
pirate
map, and space.
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