opinion: Use of free mindmapping tools

Figure. 1

As part of the two modules involving research methods I have been 'playing' with mindmaps in the class to capture the discussion. Figure 1 above was taken from a classroom discussion around some of the issues within a project idea that the group was working on. The tool used is the free on-line tool https://bubbl.us/ .

Figure 2

Figure 2 shows the tool. Is it the best mindmapping tool out there? I think it is fair to say it isn't, I have some paid ones installed that offer a greater range of features. It was selected as it is-

• Online;
• Free;
• Simple to use;

At the end of the session I wanted to the students to have the final map we had produced together so only having an image of the map was fine.




All views are the authors, and may not reflect the views of any organisation the author is connected with in any way.

URB@N Project: University 101' for the University of Northampton

The School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton has funding from URB@N for three projects. URB@N stands for ‘Undergraduate Research Bursaries at Northampton’. It is a bursary scheme offering opportunities for current undergraduate students to participate in a pedagogic research project taking place at the university. Details of one of these projects is included here.

  University 101' for the University of Northampton 

Staff involved:

Nigel Freestone

Sindy Banga - Health

Overview

The project aims to develop and evaluate the on-line Northampton University

101 transition course. This course has been written to help new students

and International students to make the transition to The University of

Northampton successful, easier and effective. It is an on-line course that

addresses the UK HE academic culture that is new to many students.

The non-credit bearing course aims to:

• To increase student engagement, retention and academic performance

• To familiarise students with the UK degree structure, programmes

and academic expectations e.g. learning outcomes and assessment

strategies

• Foster a sense of belonging

• Familiarise students with the University of Northampton’s academic

practices including plagiarism and the grading criteria.

• Introduce the resources and facilities available to students

• Promote engagement in the curricular

• Help students develop and apply study skills, such as essay structure

and writing, critical analysis and referencing.

Students would be required to complete Northampton 101 before they

commenced their programme of study. It is anticipated that Northampton 101

will run for the first two weeks after enrolment, on-line. This is important in

order to meet the demands of International programmes such as students

based in India. There will be a number of academic activities, such as; The

Learning Styles Questionnaire, Turnitin, and a written activity linked to their

first module.

Student will only be allowed to move on to the next stage once they have

passed the previous stages.

For more information about this project go to University 101' for the University of Northampton

More details about URB@N can be found at: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/urban

Personal View: On-line marking - two screens or one

I was involved in an interesting conversation (well for me anyway) recently, a colleague was saying that they found on-line marking slower and more restrictive.What I have found is it is quicker and I am (I think) providing more meaningful feedback. So what is the difference?


My apologies now on two accounts; first for this just being a personal view and second stating the obvious. One of the difference I think is I am lucky to be using two screens not one.This does makes a big difference to the experience of marking.  I find myself putting the student's work on one screen and on the other assignment briefs and anything else I need. It gives a much more enjoyable experience to the marking and I do believe a more productive one.


Anecdotally the few  students that have commented on the on-line marking through Grademark have been very positive.


So in terms of on-line marking ---Two screens are better than one! In terms of Green Computing...well that may be another question.