Concept maps continue to helps students and educators across the globe in multiple ways.
The ease of organized content is a big time relief as it makes easier for the learner to get a hold of the topics by breaking them in multiple parts. There are various web tools that van help student make these concept maps.
Below is a list of 10 web tools that educators and students can use to make awesome concept maps.
1. Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us is a simple web-based mind mapping software that requires minimal effort on the part of the user and contributes to a more organized set of ideas. The tool lets you create simple flowcharts and webs to diagram ideas, writing assignments, and projects. Also, students can share and collaborate with other users from the same platform. They can export their charts as JPEGs or PNGs, or even as Web pages. With an upgraded account, they can save and share unlimited charts, download or upload them to work on multiple computers as well as offline, and add users to work together through the Bubbl.us site. The feature to collaborate with other from the same platform enables the students to work along with their peers.
2. Wise Mapping
Wise Mapping is a simple and quick-operating mind map creation program that is based entirely in the web. It’s ease-of-use and plethora of publishing and sharing options make it a great choice for anyone looking to show their work to the world. The tool is of great use for students for the features it has. The tool allows for minor customization of the look and feel of the mind map. Users can change the background and border color of each subtopic as long as the content is within a shape and not a simple “line” topic. Font sizes, colors, and formats can be changed on all subtopics regardless of shapes used, however. Also, what’s interesting is that icons, notes, and links are able to be added to each section of the mind map providing additional detail regarding the specifics of each one. These can provide greater insight as to what tasks require attention, are completed, or are the responsibility of other persons involved.
With many tools with so many features and the flashy looks this is one simple tool with an all-in-one approach. The makers of the tool have gone with a clean, easy to use look, even down to the lack of registration requirement. It works on almost anything and users don’t need to do much more than simply type in their mind map as an outline and the tool does the rest. You can’t add any documents, images, links, and so on, but it does provide a nice clean interface that is familiar for users who are not as tech savvy.
4. Mind42
Mind42 is a free online mind mapping software. It is a software that runs in your browser to create mind maps – a special form of a structured diagram to visually organize information. User can created mind maps and can also share them with others. The tool is completely free.
5. Coggle
Coggle is completely-free, web-based mind-mapping software. It allows users to create organized notes and content maps. In addition to that, it allows users to share documents with each other in real time. What needs to be noted is that the platform requires user to log in with a Google account. So that is a must. The platform has an easy interface and users can figure out the features quickly.
6. Gliffy
Gliffy is a diagram making web2.0 tool . It allows you to create great looking diagrams and drawings in a snap. It is similar to Bubbl.us .
7. MindMapple
MindMapple is a great tool as well, as for visual thinkers it allows to use clip art and other visual stuff like that. Another great aspect is that you can cloud share it via Google Drive. As the name gives away, it also works for macs so that’s a cherry on the top!
8. Mindomo
Mindomo is a web-based mind map creation application that is free at its most basic level. Mindomo’s high level of sophistication allows users to completely customize their mind maps. Few features that will make you pick this one are:
– You can work on maps even if your internet connection is down, and your changes will be automatically synchronized when the connection is restored.
– Playback mode that shows you how a map was built.
– Maps can be turned into presentations or realtime editable outlines.
– Map customization by adding icons, colors, styles and map themes.
– Google Apps and various LTI integrations (Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, Desire2Learn, itslearning, Schoology).
9. MindMup
MindMup is easy-to-use, web-based mind-mapping software that requires no sign-up for users. It enables users to save files online, share them with others, or export them to other mediums. Create unlimited mind maps for free, and store them in the cloud. Your mind maps are available everywhere, instantly, from any device. Free users can create public maps up to 100 KB and save them up to six months.
10. SpiderScribe
SpiderScribe is an online mind mapping and brainstorming tool. It lets you organize your ideas by connecting notes, files, calendar events, etc. in free-form maps. You can collaborate and share those maps online! Unlike other mind mapping tools, SpiderScribe allows the creation of free mformat maps, with elements connected in any ways. In addition to that, besides the traditional text, images and file stencils, it also supports web items like calendar events and map locations (through Google Maps).
The only way to understand which suits you best is try one at a time. So, give these tools a try as per your needs and do share your experiences with us in the comment section below.
