Webbing/Mindmapping

Mindmapping is a graphic representation of information. It provides a visual structure to attach information to so that readers can quickly and easily access key points. Online mindmap creation tools have been around for a while and the following review of some of the more popular ones will help you see what some of your options are. I used the same information from an article about information ethics to create each map. My goal was to show what each tool has to offer and how quickly and easily mindmaps can be used to share information. I spent about 20 minutes learning how to use each site through their help offerings and about 20 minutes on each map.

Spicynodes

This tool was pretty easy to use and learn how to manipulate. I like the rotating motion as I look at the images. The information is easy to see and a few clicks brings all the details back to life. Students would like the ability to easily upload images and video to compliment their work. You can attach weblinks, pictures, and change colors to make your mind map look like you want it to look.

 Popplet

 
 This application was easy and fun to use. It was very easy to manipulate the shape and arrangement of the information. Uploading pictures was a breeze. There were a lot of options to make the final product look like I wanted it to. I could change color, shape of boxes, and location of boxes. Students would love to use this because it is intuitive and the process is easy to figure out. The was my favorite tool to map with because it is easy to use and creates a pretty product with low frustration.

Wisemapping

This is my least favorite of the three mind mapping tools I used. It was cumbersome to manipulate and didn't give many options. I had a hard time changing the look of the map and got frustrated when the different nodes tried attaching in the wrong places. Editing the text wasn't even very easy. Students would hate this because it seems very "old school" There was no place to easily upload pictures. The use of emoticon icons is very out of date for publication tools. You could share with other wisemap users but I didn't find a way to share it online. If it was there, it wasn't easy to find.


The information in this blog came from :
Bell, M. (1998). Kiss and Information Ethics. TAET Journal, Spring, 1998.