MINDMAPPING
The name of this type of software may sound a bit intimidating, but, if you begin to use it, you will find that it is both easy and extremely helpful in a whole host of things you need to do. Want to write a book or an article? This is the software for you because it allows you to organize your thoughts in whatever way they come to you. You make small boxes and then arrange them into some logical pattern later on. So, if you are writing an article, the key element is the subject of the article, then you branch out from there into places where you will get your material (library, certain magazines, newspapers, journals), who you should interview or contact, where to send the article, who should you consult on this and anything else that might come to mind regarding writing this article.
Teachers can use the software to organize their classes, give students access to useful links, help the students organize their own work, etc. I don’t think there’s anyone who can’t benefit from this software. For me, it’s perfect because it provides a visual map of what I need to do, where I need to go and what I’ve already done. Visual suits me very well.
Students can use mind mapping software in class to take notes, it can be used for brainstorming, creativity enhancement, to-do-list making, making notes for presentations (such as Powerpoint), collecting materials found online for projects, wedding planning and the list goes on.
No, you don’t have to go out and spend a few hundred dollars for this software because there’s a great FREE one (FreeMind) and you can download it for any system currently in use on computers (PC, Mac, Linux, etc.) AND there are even free video tutorials to get you started plus free downloadable documentation in a PDF file on their website.
Videos: Mindmapping for writing
How to mindmap
Solving problems using mindmaps
Free mind map training
How to mind map your to-do list
Example of FreeMind Map
Go ahead; try it. No, don’t let that little voice that’s saying, “But you aren’t good at computers,” stop you. Resist the urge to not go to the website and you will be rewarded. Prove to yourself that you can do this and you can get more organized. Do it now.
Some of the commercially available mind mapping software packages are:
MindManager
Curio
Concept and mind mapping software
Mindmapping software blog
MindGenius
Mindomo
NovaMind
Remember, because we’ve put links to these software packages does not mean we are endorsing them. We are only offering them for your consideration and would suggest that you start with the free FreeMind program because it will do just about everything you want and it’s simple and, best of all, it’s FREE. Spending money on a sophisticated program that is really meant for a corporate environment when you’re not planning to use it in that manner, is a waste of money. But, you decide; it’s your money.