Wednesday 15 January 2014

For teachers - free tools for mindmapping

This time I tried some free tools for  
schemes and mindmapping  
(sometimes you can use just a given number of free maps, then you are asked to upgrade).
As usual I've created some simple examples for you, just to give you the idea and make your choice easier.




Why should a teacher use mindmapping?

  • A visual map gets students attention and focus
  • Mind mapping enables teachers to organize, summarize and  manipulate ideas and concepts very easily
  • It allows to present information in a visually attracting and comprehensive way
  • Its organizational structure helps students understand effectively
  • It promotes inquiry and problem solving
  • It promotes active note taking

The first tool I tried is Popplet.
It combines presentations , mindmapping and online bulletins. You can  integrate text, images, video, and Google maps.


http://popplet.com/
My example: http://popplet.com/app/#/1559358

Then I tried Spiderscribe
It allows you to  easily visualize your ideas by connecting various pieces of information together. It also combines elements like text, images, files, calendar events and geographic locations.



http://www.spiderscribe.net/
My example: http://www.spiderscribe.net/app/?ac420a5aeab2f33f7cb411eeebec5938

This is Spicynodes.
It allows you to create visually attractive nodes for your blog or websites. Nodes are visually displayed pieces of information that helps visitors easily navigate the content of your site so that they find what they are looking for.You have to click on the nodes to open them.

http://www.spicynodes.org/
My example: http://www.spicynodes.org/a/199c482ed6e8fe4de02ad4db20039e4c

I also tried Text2mindmap.
It converts texts into mind maps.


https://www.text2mindmap.com/ 
My example:
https://www.text2mindmap.com/k7XZDE?controller=frontpage&method=index&map=k7XZDE


This is Slatebox.

It allows you the freedom to create as many nodes and maps as possible. You can upload  images from the app itself. 


Slatebox:
http://slatebox.com/
Actually I didn't manage to save a link so I uploaded the .png file of my example for you.


The last tool I tried for you is Mindomo.

It has several features such as including a clipart library, importing images from Google images or Flickr , and using video straight from YouTube. If you want to use the free version you can just import images from the library.



http://www.mindomo.com/
My example: http://www.mindomo.com/mindmap/0c71d1cf14034f07aaff536e11b2d5ab

I hope to be helpful! BFN and have fun with your mindmaps!