2.1.2

2.1.2 Organize knowledge so that it is useful.
=Concept Mapping=

**Connections to Ideas and Concepts from //Meaningful Learning with Technology//**
Concept maps are important because, "the process requires students to actively evaluate and organize their ideas as they are generating them." (2008, p.66-67).

**Connections to Multiple Intelligences**
These tool will work well with students who are verbal-linguistic and/or visual learners. The verbal-linguistic learners will enjoy expressing their understanding of relationships through words, while the visual learners can make the connection using pictures in addition to the text. In addition to the classic bubble and line diagram, the tool offers a variety of ready-made stencils to incorporate (i.e. faces, computers, buildings, etc.) to enhance the visual element. Younger students may find this tool more appealing than traditional concept maps.

**Correlations to State Standards and the NETS-S**
These tools correlate to the NETS-S Standard 1, "Creativity and Innovation: b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression; c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues; d. identify trends and forecast possibilities." (ISTE, 2007).

===[|Webspiration]: Online visual thinking tool [| Example]===

Webspiration lets you map out ideas, organize with outlines and collaborate online with teams or colleagues. Webspiration unleashes your creativity, strengthens organizational skills, and transforms your ideas and information into knowledge.

[|Bubbl.us]
Bubbl.us is a simple and free website for brainstorming online. It can be used to collaborate and share work with others. You can also save, print, email or embed your mindmap. media type="youtube" key="zFgWcbIJt5U" height="340" width="560" = =

[|Cacoo]
= = Cacoo is a free, online drawing tool. Users can collaborate to create a variety of diagrams. Diagrams can be worked on simultaneously, too.

**Information Organizers: Sticky notes, bookmarking, sharing:** The following tools help to organize information as it is found on the web. These tools do not rely on individual computers to store the information, but as they are web based notes can be taken when using any computer.

Diigo
Diigo is a social bookmarking site that allows users to save websites, as well as tag them, add sticky notes and annotations, and share them with other users in various groups. > **Tip:** Sticky notes are an effective way to start a virtual conversation among teams of students on the merits of a website.

Google Reader
Google Reader is a tool for gathering, reading, and sharing all the relevant blogs and websites you read on the web. This tool constantly checks sites (blogs, news sites, and webpages) that have been selected by you, scans them for updates and new content, and then organizes them in the Reader for easy access. Reader is an organization tool to keep current with educational trends, research and news. > **Tip:** This is a great organizational tool for students to keep current on their research topics.

[[image:Postica.png align="left" link="http://www.posti.ca/"]]
Postica allows you to create, distribute and share notes, reminders and files. It is compatible with Twitter and iGoogle. You can share files with people who do not have a postica account.

**[|Spaaze]**
Spaaze is a free online sticky note service that serves as personal organizer that allowing individuals to write notes, edit notes and reorder your notes. Notes can be simple text notes or you can create notes that contain videos, images, or links.
 * Tip:** Use the Spaaze browser bookmarklet to add a note to your collection anytime you come across an interesting find on the web.

Simply Box
Simply Box is a tool that allows users to capture, share, and organize anything found on the web into an unlimited number of "boxes" and then share with friends, groups, students, or the world. However, rather than saving lists of bookmarks, it allows users to capture just a part of a webpage, whether it’s a headline, a paragraph, a photo, or a video. Items can be saved and organized. > **Tip:** As students collaborate on projects, this tool makes it easy to organize, cite and keep track of the individual resources culled from various websites. >

[|Stixy]
Stixy is a organization and collaboration web tool that allows you to write notes and stick them to a clipboard. It also allows you to share you notes with others and have them respond to your notes. The [|Stixy] clipboard has three other great features, the ability to stick and share documents, stick and share photographs, and create and share a "to do" list on the clipboard and on a calendar.
 * Tip:** Use Stixy to brainstorm collaboratively around a topic, collect ideas, and highlight key points.

[|Wallwisher]
Wallwisher allows you to create a virtual bulletin board to share links, videos and other information. Users do not need an account to create or view a wall. Users can also post comments on the board.

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2.1.1: Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical-thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions and create new knowledge. 2.1.3: Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations. 2.1.4: Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information. 2.1.5: Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems. 2.1.6: Use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings.