Mind Mapping Overview
A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank landscape page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those.
- Concept Maps: diagrams that show relationships, links or associations between concepts.
- Concept Mapping: a technique to show concepts and their relationships with each other through labeled arrows.
- Mind Maps: The organization of mind maps reflects how the mind processing thinking as ideas arise
- Mind Mapping: A process that brainstorms ideas, words, tasks or other elements and arranges them in groups around a central notion
- Group Concept Maps: constructed through active collaboration among group members. More content and cross-links result due to contribution by different learning styles that bring differnt knowledge to the task.
Definitions taken from "Collaborative Learning using Concept Mapping," by Patricia Lupion Torres & Rita de Cassia Veiga Marriott
Mind Mapping Tools
- CMap Tools
World-wide, collaborative, web-based free software.
- eDraw Mind Maps
A vector-based mind mapping application with examples and templates. Use to create basic flowcharts, mind maps, brain-storming diagrams and sketch maps.
- iMindMap
Free 7-day trial of iMindMap Ultimate. Reverts to automatically into iMindMap Basic after trial - which you will then have for free.
- LucidChart
Limited use free education account. Utilizes basic flow chart format. Also available as a free Chrome app.
- Popplet Lite
- Spicynodes
"Basic" plan with limited features is free. Two other plans available for fee (Organization & Enterprise).
- xMind
Basic software available for free download. xMind Pro is a "for fee" product.
Basic software available for free download. xMind Pro is a "for fee" product.
