kBURST

Another great use of technology to promote microlearning … In my research efforts, I have come to gain a fresh understanding and renewed interest in Mind Mapping and “radiant thinking” in general. The idea of compressing a 60 minute lecture is interesting enough, however, there are still quite a few skeptics.

In order to further illustrate how micro-lectures (kbursts) are the direct result of critical content, I decided to take a previous podcast (Acting 101 - The Musical Theater) and create two different mind maps. The first map was ONLY the content that I would use in my lecture. The second map included those details that I would elaborate on to teach the topics in more details - consider these sub-topics.

In the linked PDF file [ click here - acrobat reader 9 is required to view/play/print ] you can see how main topics would be expanded to provide clarity “for the learner” … however, these are not provided in the micro-lecture. These sub-topics could simply be identified in a worksheet for the learner to begin gathering the target information.

Those items that are in “yellow” represent the extended topics that could be elaborated on during the classic lecture or become the focus of self-study for the learner. Studies in the use of mind mapping has shown that learners rarely ever pick the exact same items for their maps. This tendency could be exploited and promoted as the uniquely creative experience of every learner. While this does not encourage “group concept building” initially, it does improve the sharing of “collective ideas” after the indvidual learners have completed their assignments.

Better yet, by creating a visual map for the learner it is likely that they then would add even greater detail - additional sub-topics that were NOT included in the exptended map iteration.

Although there are many good mind mapping software applications available, I prefer to use Mindjet’s MindManager Pro. To promote this strategy with younger learners you could also use images and symbols instead of words. Actually, the use of images and symbols is appropriate for ALL learners, regardless of age.

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The world is not always a pretty place to live in. Every where you look you can see good and evil, love and hate … and it can either overwhelm you or inspire you.  Practical Theology is for me, the applied truths of my own personal spiritual experience. I just want to live in a kinder world, is that so wrong?

Here is the manuscript for this podcast.

Are you ready for a Practical Theology kburst?

We are surrounded by a perpetual paradox. Great wealth coexists with widespread poverty. There is both knowledge and ignorance. But what really grieves me is that there can be so much indifference in the world and so little compassion.

• The Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37)
• The Widow’s Mite (Mk 12:38-44)
• Joseph of Arimathea (Jn 19:30)
• the loaves and fishes (Mt 14:13-21)

Examples of selfless acts more than illustrate the kingdom of heaven, they define its most noteworthy characteristic. Without compassion, there can be no community! Without community, there can be no body!

Compassion expressed through spontaneous and deliberate acts transcend race, age, gender and even denominational affiliation. We are all brothers and sisters.

Let’s start acting like it.

you can access this podcast via podlinez - 509.895.2545

you can call me using grandcentral.com - 651.204.3762

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