Mind Mapping tools
With the recent discussions about the Software for schools deal, its worth considering some of the other tools we could use in our teaching.
One of the best tools for the visual learner is a mind map. This learning tool is not covered by the software for schools package but fortunately for us there are some excellent alternatives that are reasonably priced (Many are open source and free). Here is a selection that are worth considering:
- C-Map – http://cmap.ihmc.us/conceptmap.html this is a favourite of mine. Its free, powerful, easy to use. I highly recommend this. It is also available in an assortment of flavours – Windows, Mac and Linux
- Freemind – http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page This is, I believe, one of the standards for open source mind mapping. Great straight forwarded well suited to a variety of ages. It is also available in an assortment of flavours – Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Mind Jet Mind manager – http://www.mindjet.com/ This is a professional standard powerhouse of a tool, but its not free. The lead version (mind manager
is windows with Mind manager 7 available for mac and windows. - Inspiration and kidspiration – http://www.inspiration.com/ this is a standard for education. Available in Windows and Mac its good but I find it clunky. This is a purchased tool and its not that cheap.
- Compendium – http://compendium.open.ac.uk/software.html - This si a free mind mapping and brain storming tools created by the Open University in the UK. It also has an excellent argument mapping tool/template as well. This is another favourite of mine. Also available in all three major flavours – Windows, Linux and Mac.
Resources:
I have put together some notes and ideas for mind mapping and tied these into Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy.
http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/blooms%2C+learning+styles+and+thinking+organisers
Starter Sheets – Mindmieister – this is a web based mind mapping tool – http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/Starter+Sheets
This is a 3D mind mapping tool that has recently appeared – it has a free student addition. I haven’t had a chance to look at it, so I can pass comments. http://www.topicscape.com/student-edition.php?display=5
This is a directory of mind mapping tools – looks at web based options as well – http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/Directory/Tools/mind.html
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
http://www.mywebspiration.com – online Inspiration. Very cool and FREE
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September 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I manage a very comprehensive directory of information mapping tools at http://www.mind-mapping.org/ It’s a non-commercial, ads-free site listing hundreds of tools and gives links to the software publishers’ sites, thumbnails, and descriptions.
MindManager is now at version 8 (on Windows anyway) and can produce PDF or Flash based files. This allows interactive mind maps to be emailed or embedded on web sites. MindManager is an expensive package though.
You might want to mention XMIND. This went open source some months ago and has a very capable free version. FreeMind is great for nerds (I admit to being a user) but XMIND produces mind maps that look more commercial and some may find it more user friendly.
One of my favorites for collaborative, trouble-free mapping is the web-based tool: bubbl.us.
You mention Topicscape. I have used this for years and it gets better and better. It has a bit of a learning curve, but is well worth the effort because of the way it allows any node to be connected to any other, and how it supports organizing files in a concept map type of arrangement that you can zoom and fly around.
Vic Gee
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September 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
A good collection of links, thanks. On the NZOSS list I remember seeing a list from Josh, but can not find them anywhere at the moment. Maybe we need to gather these suggestion up into one place so tomorrow it is easy to find. Where might this be?
Paul.
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September 4th, 2009 at 1:00 am
These days I’ve read at least 4 posts about mind mapping and education. Mind mapping obviously is extremely useful technique for more creative lessons and easier memorization.
Let me recommend you Seavus DropMind, which is consisted of platform friendly desktop application and collaborative online solution. Both of them include special academic program which offers teachers and students several benefits that will make teaching and learning easier and faster.
Have a great day,
Natalija
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