Current events present an opportune time to introduce or reinforce curriculum concepts in the classroom and engage students with relevant learning activities, particularly when they have ramifications for society beyond space-time...
For a century, Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity has inspired and enlightened - as well as confounded some - learners, scientists and enthusiasts around the world. Recently, his famous theory was proven by direct detection of gravitational waves at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). As one of the most exciting scientific developments in history that could impact research, technology, and many other disciplines, the news offers some thought-provoking learning opportunities for teachers and students.
To understand this new phenomenom, teachers can have students "unpack" the information on gravitational waves and related topics by creating a knowledge map and using open education resources (OER) from YouTube and Wikipedia, as well as news articles, to show the interrelationships between concepts.
I've created an concept map as a model for teachers and students. Exemplary knowledge maps such as this one are available in Ideaphora for teachers and students.
Additionally, Ideaphora has vetted OER content, as shown in this map, and made it readily accessible in its Resources for everyone to use. Educators and students can also upload their own material. Multiple resources can be used in one map, enabling students to think critically about the credibility of sources in addition to assimilating information from a various perspectives. The concept nodes in the map feature a "playback" button that takes learners to the exact point in the material, whether it's a video or document, in which the keyword or image was derived. This makes it easier for students to study and recall information. Learners can save and modify their maps as they discover new information or gain a better understanding of the connections between concepts.
Maps created in Ideaphora can easily be sent to others with the click of button to spark discussion, to share their thinking or brainstorming on a topic, and for teachers to assess student learning. Our Classroom Pilot program offers special tools for teachers to share maps, assign and monitor student progress, and manage access. It's free to participate. Explore the learning possibilities of connecting knowledge mapping with current events. Have examples to share? We'd be delighted to see!
