E-Learning & Online Teaching

Brainstorming and Thinking Tools

I’ve introduced many teachers to mind mapping software. Tony Buzan’s work on this subject had a big impact on the way I taught study skills in the face to face classroom.

Mind maps have can trigger deep learning. They are especially powerful when you have to learn a great deal of detailed information and you are a spatial or kinesthetic learner.

I’ve tried SmartDraw, Inspiration & Kidspiration, Cmap, and now ConceptDraw 4 Mindmapping.

So far this product is the most intuitive and easy to use power system I’ve fiddled with. I was able to download it, and sketch out a plan for creating viral videos for my new Graduate Certificate in E-Learning program without any instruction.

Easy export to iPod is an impressive feature as well. I could see braintorming and mapping out speaker notes, downloading the notes in outline form to the Ipod and having my ideas right there in a mini-teleprompter. Cool Web 2.0 application!

The biggest drawback to thinking with software I’ve heard about from the teachers I work with is that they don’t have the time to climb the learning curve to gain mastery over concept mapping software. They say the interface gets between them and their ideas. and then they lose their ideas.

Perhaps Concept Draw will prove easier for all? I’ll recommend it!

• Clever animated video with a hip-hop beat that demonstrates the features of ConceptDraw Mindmap. Looks more powerful than inspiration with formula and decision tree features. I’ve got a review copy and will have to dig into it soon.

  (tags: mindmaps)

• ConceptDraw 4 MINDMAP: Mindmapping software High powered mindmapping at a reasonable price. Free download available. Just watched their YouTube video and this one looks like it is worth exploring. More once I get it installed and work it through a project.

• ConceptDraw Mind MapReview One teacher’s review of Conceptdraw MindMap

• (Delicious tags: mindmaps creativity thinking project_management)