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Hi All,<br>
There are heaps of tools that are relevant and useful and we have been
using many of them for years. MS Word is particularly helpful.<br>
Visualising thinking (VT) is NOT just thinking in pictures. It is
putting your thoughts on paper or screen - it is an attempt to make
your thoughts available to others but mainly to yourself. The research
has shown that by putting thoughts on paper/screen people can think
more effectively. Using a computer can be more effective than using
paper because:<br>
a. you can use color ( yes, I know you could use colored pencils but my
students never have the colors they want!)<br>
b. it is easy to erase and replace text/images (you can also redline an
object to remove it and make space to insert a replacement object,
leaving the first one there too, in case you want to revert to the
earlier thought or as a record of your thought process) <br>
c. it is easy to move objects around and try them out in new places eg
if designing a network<br>
d. it is easy to insert images (rather than drawing them if you're a
lousy drawer)<br>
<br>
Examples:<br>
Analysing a problem - DFD, IPO chart, mind map/concept map, PMI, Given
a scenario - highlight important factors about the system or problems
in a different color<br>
Designing a solution - storyboard, layout diagram, flow chart. network
diagram.<br>
Developing a solution - we visualise our thinking all the time in IT eg
spreadsheets (What ifs... are excellent examples of visualising
thinking), using the computer to create your solutions, making a web
page (create a draft. If you don't like it, save it then create another
one. Compare the two. Think about why you chose one over the other),
databases (create a query; test; view the result; edit it; view the
result)<br>
Testing - The trial and error method is a good example of VT. Run the
solution - display or print the product (information). View it:
alignment not right? change it and run the solution again. Compare the
two outputs. Which is better? Make a decision.<br>
<br>
If you want confirmation of what I've written check out the work of
Prof. David Jonassen who has been working in this area for years.<br>
<br>
BTW. I never use Inspiration. I find it too slow because my students
spend too much time looking for nice images rather than thinking. My
students can create concept maps more quickly using Powerpoint or MS
Paint.<br>
<br>
Have fun,<br>
Charmaine Taylor<br>
Sunbury Downs College<br>
<br>
<br>
WEIR Andrew wrote:<br>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid88F750E32F18E24B9AB69528B847BEB865F8E9@exchangeserver.administration.local">
<pre wrap="">Two that I am thinking of.
Dia (open source) this allows all different types of graphical tools
from flowcharts to mind maps. I already have this installed in our
network image.
And
Free Mind
Regards
Andrew Weir
VK3HFT
Information Technology Coordinator
Intranet Manager
Thomas Carr College
35 Thomas Carr Drive
Tarneit
3024
Phone 97484 466
Fax 9748 4388
There is no place like 127.0.0.1
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-----Original Message-----
From: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:itapps-bounces@edulists.com.au">itapps-bounces@edulists.com.au</a>
[<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="mailto:itapps-bounces@edulists.com.au">mailto:itapps-bounces@edulists.com.au</a>] On Behalf Of Mark Kelly
Sent: Tuesday, 5 June 2007 8:14 AM
To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] Unit 4 Outcome 1 Task 3
I've only come up with Inspiration too.
Lesley Humphries wrote:
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">While my girls are quietly working away on their Outcome 2 task, I've
been trying to plan next semester. Has anyone thought about what
software they will use for Task 3 -
"...software tools to create an effective visual representation of all
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">the thinking strategies used to analyse the information problem, to
design, develop and test the solution, and to design, develop and test
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">the user documentation. Comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness
of these strategies is based on sound, appropriate criteria and is
demonstrated in comprehensive annotations or modifications to the
visual representation."
All I can think of is Inspiration - would that be suitable? Other
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->ideas?
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Thanks, Lesley
___________________________________! ________________________ Ms
Lesley Humphries Learning Technologies Co-ordinator Santa Maria
College 50 Separation Street Northcote 3070
Ph: 9489 7644
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