Mind42 is another mind mapping application. This is a program that resides “in the cloud”. There is no application that resides on your computer. It is very easy to use and manipulate.
As you create your mind map it gives you the option to embed an attachment or a link or an image. The images can be found very quickly through a tool that pops up that will search google, yahoo or flickr. Once you have found your image it replaces theword being used. I don’t like this option. I wish the term would stay as part of the map so that there is no guessing as to what this image represents.
You get a “birdview” which makes it easy to move around your map as it gets bigger and bigger. You can cut and paste parts of your previously created map in order to rearrange or edit your ideas as you progress through the process. Numerous students can collaborate on the map by simply sending an invitation.
When the map is completed it can be exported in various formats: mind 42.com, pdf, jpeg. It can also be published to your website or blog. The map you see above was placed in the blog by a simple cut and paste process. The program generates text for you to place into your text blog. This allows the reader to manipulate the image with in the blog. You can magnify the image or collapse certain ideas (nodes). I was amazed at how easy this was to do.
One very nice feature of this application is that it is free. I did find it cumbersome that I couldn’t move terms around in order to re-establisha hierarchy for the ideas once they were created.
Mind mapping is a great way to get students involved. Having the flexibility for ideas to grow allows students the opportunity to feel like they are a part of the learning process. As far as re-establishing hierarchy for the ideas once they have been created, maybe as you continue working with the program you might find a way to accomplish this minor set back.
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ReplyDeleteAs a visual learner, mind mapping is extremely important. Being able to physically see what you are learning and getting involved helps a learner to remember what he/she is taught. Also, with education technology moving the way it is, seeing quality, free applications is a breath of fresh air. It will give teacher an opportunity to give quality lesson plans in an age where school are cutting budgets.
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