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Create 1 - Content Map

Answer: What should be included in the Content Map? What aspects of online learning and technology are essential to integrate in the process?
Create: Isolate a web tool explored in this lesson, and then create a Content Map for the chosen topic using that web tool. Be sure to highlight technology tools used in your lesson plan.
The Content Map displayed below was created using Bubbl. To view the map in a new tab, click here.


For our current natural selection unit in my blended biology classroom, students are responsible for learning about the influences that shaped Charles Darwin's theory and how it has affected our modern understanding of biology. I created this Content Map to illustrate the connections between learning goals, learning tasks, and the technology resources used in their online learning during the first major section of this unit.

 Content mapping is a great way to effectively plan for instruction and assessment. A few benefits are outlined here:

  • It helps instructors see connections between segments of content and teach them as an integrated whole, rather that in "chunks."
  • It helps us see how assignments may assess more than one learning goal or how assignments integrate with other assignments.
  • It helps us ensure that all assignments are aligned to a standard and learning objective.
  • It helps us plan for the effective use of technology.
  • It helps us plan for the instruction that includes frequent feedback and formative assessments OF and FOR learning.
  • They can be used to collaboratively plan with teachers of the same (or different) content areas.
In a blended or online class, I believe an effective Content Map should include technology tools for synchronous and asynchronous interaction. Examples include: discussion boards, tutorials, live lessons, group work. The Content Map should also account for interactive practice and resources for enrichment or remediation.

Done right, I think the Content Map could even be shared with students as an overview of the unit, the goals for their learning, and the tools, experiences, and resources that will be made available to them during the process. It would be a great resource to share with students.
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