Ch. 5 Response

Learning by Building Models
When I first think of models, I think of hands on representations of things that teachers build to demonstrate something to the class. Models can also be built by students to aid in their own learning. However, I do see computer programs as models that teach. As I learned from the book and definitely agree, technologies can really only teach students things that they can memorize. These technologies can also analyze students' answers to see if they have memorized these bits of information. Instead of using these types of models, students should use Mindtools. I had never heard of Mindtools, but these tools work better since they force students to teach the computer which implies that they truly understand the concepts. This also helps students think harder and use all of their knowledge from different areas of learning.
Modeling Knowledge with Concept Maps
Concept mapping is one way for students to model what they know. Concept maps are like people's brains since they show how information is connected and relates to other bits of information. Students must know the information in order to make a concept map. Concept maps are also useful as they can show students how to get to a new concept from one that they already know and understand. I will use concept maps in my classroom as a way to connect new information with prior knowledge. I have previously discussed concept mapping programs that I will use in my classroom. I also think a good way for students to connect all of the knowledge that they have learned throughout the year in all subjects is to create a large concept map that they will add to throughout the course of the year.
Modeling Systems with Systems Dynamic Tools
Systems are complicated concepts to teach and learn. I know I had trouble, particularly in high school, with various systems that I had to learn especially in my biology class. They are also more complicated so a simple model cannot show how the system works and the ways in which little parts of it can affect the whole thing. By having computer programs that can demonstrate how these systems work and all of the little things that go into a system, I think students will have a much easier time fully understanding these systems. Although there are fewer systems that are taught in the elementary school years, I will use some form of a systems dynamic tool to teach the systems to my class.
Modeling Problems with Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are a good way for students to not only organize their own knowledge, but also to simulate concepts to understand them better. In high school, I used spreadsheets to form graphs by using collected data. This gave me a visual representation of what I had learned. The idea to input different data to change the graphs to show how different bits of data affect other bits is a excellent way to show how all things affect each other, especially when it is difficult to understand by just explaining. I will use spreadsheets in my classroom, but I do think they are a little difficult for young children to use. I will probably start by making a spreadsheet to show my students and then allow them to work together to make their own.
Modeling Thinking with Expert Systems
I had never heard of an expert system which is a system that is an artificial decision maker. An expert system is just like an expert person but as a computer. I think of this as being similar to a doctor verse webmd. Students can use these expert systems to reflect on how they would solve a problem. Students can use these to lay out the steps used when solving a problem.
Modeling Experiences with Databases
Databases are collections of things which can include stories, articles, ideas, and more. Students would most often use these in researching or sharing of their own ideas. They can also learn a lot of information from things they find in databases. Databases are also very well organized so information is easy to find. I looked up the website http://kite.missouri.edu and was fascinated by how many stories they had about using technology in the classroom. I tried using the database and found stories about incorporating technology with every subject in every grade level. I will continue to use that database as a resource.
Why Build Models with Mindtools
As I mentioned before, I was not really familiar with mindtools. Although the ideas I read about in the book were not new to me, I had not necessarily thought about using them in the classroom. I think these mindtools can be very useful in the classroom as they give students a way to construct their own knowledge in a way that makes the most sense for them.