I’m getting started on a couple of interesting instructional design projects right now. One is the design of an online computer science class for Grade 11 students. I’ve taught CompSci many times before and used a blended instructional model where the students and I were all in the same room, and all the resources and assignments were online. It shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to adapt that to being completely online. I have a personal stake in how well the course is designed because I’ll be teaching it next semester.
I’m also working with Alec in the design of a grad level class (Ed Curriculum and Instruction 831 from the University of Regina if you’re interested in joining the fun). We’re going to be looking at open, connected and social technologies in the classroom and appropriate pedagogies in the connected age. It should be a lot of fun, but I guess that’s the whole point of these things.
My problem with both of these projects is where to organize all my notes and ideas. I have OmniOutliner Pro for organizing all my hierarchical lists like to do lists, learning objectives and that sort of thing. Or I could use Notebook from Circus Ponies, or Journler to keep track of general sorts of notes in addition to hierarchical things. Freemind is a great program for brainstorming or mind mapping, and it’s even open source to add to the goodness. In keeping with the spirit of the EC and I class, I could use some of the terrific online tools – Google Docs and Google Notebook for collaborative writing/note taking. How about Mindmeister or bubbl.us for some mind maps online. Of course, there’s always good old Wikispaces or PB Wiki (or many others that I don’t use or know about). My brain is addled with the surfeit of tools and choices that I’m not sure where to begin.
Maybe I’ll just go back to the basics!
(by Olivander, released under Creative Commons AT,NC,SA license)
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8 Comments
Rob,
I splurged and got myself a copy of DevonThink Pro and am loving it. I link to local files and URLs (built-in browser). I can create new documents in it and I can grab Rich Text versions of anything I want. I’ve set up three different databases for organizing my stuff – Work/Professional, Writing, and Life.
Like I’m looking for more choices. ;^)
Actually, I did take a look at the web site. I’ll probably download the free trial and give it a spin.
I’d be interested to know what you think about it and if you find any new and imaginative things to do with it.
Here is another really good collaborative web-based mind mapping tool that might be worth looking at comapping.com.
Thanks for the lead on that, Omar. It looks like an interesting tool – reminds me a bit of Freemind in its look and feel. With the existence of similar free tools online, I’m wondering if you might be considering having a free version and a premium version?
Will you be providing a link to the CompSci stuff you are creating? I’d be really curious to see it, as I also teach CS 20 and 30.
I definitely intend to do that, Dan. Whether or not I remember is another question, but if bugged enough I will put some links up. My plan is to put content in public view, but the inner workings of the course – forums, quizzes, submission of assignments, etc. – in Moodle. Once it is up, I can set you up with an account to come take a look. Stay tuned for more details, or start harassing me towards the end of the year if I haven’t put anything up :^)
Rob,
I have the same dillema. What did you decide? Are you using a Mac, Windows or Web based program?
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