Library:Mindmapping Tools

Introduction

Mind mapping is a way of visually organizing, grouping and generating content on a specific topic or issue. Mind mapping has broad applicability for purposes of inquiry, project planning, learning, studying, and teaching. By experimenting with mind mapping software, you will have an opportunity to assess their usefulness for thinking, research, teaching and project planning. Design principles of mind mapping software for mobile devices will be key considerations in this unit.

Mind maps are one way of "information mapping". Others include concept maps which show relationships between two or more concepts, diagramming trees, cognitive maps, spider diagrams, information graphics, knowledge visualization, mental models and more.

The following Mind Mapping Resources has already been created which is extremely useful.

Watch the following video introduction to learn about the unit expectations and requirements:

Research Objects

There are numerous people, including academics, researchers and marketers, interested in mind mapping and concept mapping and the possibilities it provides for brainstorming, creativity and knowledge generation. Due to this interest you will find articles, academic papers, blogposts, videos, graphics, and presentations on the topic of mind mapping as individuals collaborate to be part of design and problem solving teams.

The following are a few research objects related to issues and ideas related to content curation.

Research Objects Activity For this section of the unit: Rate 3 of your peers' mind mapping research objects. Write one review of a mind mapping object provided. This can be a review of one of the objects listed here or an object provided by one of your peers. Find a new mind mapping research object(s) and provide an analysis of the object.

Sample Research Objects

• Classroom Assessment Technique: Concept Maps]

Presentation by University of Western Washington Professor about use of concept mapping for assessment of learning.

• How to Use a Mindmap with Tony Buzan

In this presentation Tony Buzan creator of the mind map explains how a mind map utilizes the power of the brain by its use of words, images and color to connect, group, code, monitor and organize ideas.

References

Texts

• Chiou, C. (2008). The effect of concept mapping on students' learning achievements and interests. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 45(4), 375-387.

• Davies, M. (2011). Concept mapping, mind mapping and argument mapping: What are the differences and do they matter? Higher Education, 62(3), 279-301. Permalink

• Budd, J. W. (2004). Mind maps as classroom exercises. Journal of Economic Education, 35(1), 35.

• Francis, R. W. (2006). Using concept maps as assessment tools: Defining understanding. College Quarterly, 9(3).