Brainstorming is a process whereby students generate a free-form list of issues or ideas, typically in response to a specific question, case, or topic. Brainstorming activates prior knowledge and helps students construct a framework and structure for the task they’ve been given. Initially, the issues and ideas are presented without judgement, critique, or indepth discussion. Only after the issues and ideas have been generated and recorded are they analyzed to identify the best solution or develop a plan of action.
Answer Garden
AnswerGarden is a minimalistic feedback tool. Use it in the classroom as an educational tool or at work as a creative brainstorming tool. (Per AnswerGarden website)
AnswerGarden is free. Simply pose a question in AnswerGarden and have the class post 20 to 40 character responses. User responses display as a word/tag cloud.
Device Agnostic
Jot
Jot! is a simple, fast whiteboard that lets you sketch out your ideas and share them in real time.
- Visit Website
- Download App (Free)
Lino
Lino provides users with a collaborative space to post virtual sticky notes to a canvas. The notes can include text, images, videos and urls. These notes can then be colored, rearranged, and clustered as part of the brainstorming process. Lino is a free online tool that works on both laptops and iPads.
Device Agnostic
Padlet
Padlet provides users with a collaborative space to post text, images, videos and urls to a virtual wall. These notes can then be rearranged and clustered as part of the brainstorming process. Padlet is an online tool that works on both laptops and iPads.
Device Agnostic
SyncSpace
SyncSpace provides a zoomable drawing space that can be sketched on by multiple collaborators, at any time. SyncSpace is an iPad app. The collaboration space can be used with individuals in the same room or individuals at a distance.
Editable on iOS and Android. Viewable on all devices.
References
The following are just a few resources addressing the use of brainstorming in teaching and learning.