We're at it again. We've added numerous enhancements to the Ideaphora knowledge mapping environment to further improve the user experience for teachers and students. These updates are available to beta users and pilot sites as we move closer to the public launch of our subscription-based tool. During the beta testing phase, everyone can use Ideaphora for free.
The product improvements are focused on four areas:
- Tablet support
- Map sharing
- Content
- Classroom management tools (for pilots)
UPdate #1: Tablet Support
Now you and your students can enjoy Ideaphora on your tablet device. The Ideaphora knowledge mapping environment has been optimized, or reformatted, for use with iOS, Windows Mobile OS, and Android tablets, ensuring users have the best user experience regardless if they are using a desktop computer or handheld device.
Update #2: Map Sharing
All users can send the concept maps they've created in Ideaphora to others via an easy email feature. For classroom uses, students can send them to their teachers enabling them to easily assess student thinking and understanding of subject area concepts and standards taught. Concept maps shared through email include map title, an image of the map, notes the user has added, and links to sources used in the map.
Update #3: Content
New YouTube videos and Wikipedia articles and images have been "crawled" by Ideaphora's semantic analysis technologies to ensure the most accurate and relevant concepts are presented as keywords for learners to easily drag-and-drop into their knowledge maps. This content is readily accessible in the Resources section of the tool. Additionally, teachers in our Classroom Pilot Program are able to choose their own favorite YouTube or Wikipedia content as source material for their student's maps. Soon Ideaphora will enable users to add even more content sources, documents, other web pages, and more to allow learners to draw connections and build knowledge.
UPATE #4: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TOOLS 
Teachers and students participating in the Classroom Pilot Program have access to special features designed to streamline management of accounts and submission of concept maps, and provide greater control over allowable content.
The Classroom Pilot Program provides educators the opportunity to try Ideaphora with their students over an extended period of time and determine the results. Participants have direct access to Ideaphora for support in training, effective use and evaluation.
The updates we've recently rolled out provide a more enjoyable and productive learning experience for all users and help educators develop a stronger connection between classroom instruction and student understanding. If you haven't visited Ideaphora in awhile, log in today to start sharing your maps. For those who've never experienced Ideaphora, we encourage you to sign up today for access to the beta. Or, if you're interested in using Ideaphora with your students, contact us to participate in our Classroom Pilot Program.
