Wednesday 2 December 2009

buzzin with mind maps



The use of mind mapping can help promote creative thinking,  visual learning preferences,  and especially to help dyslexic learners.  I've provided a list of mind mapping tools at the bottom of this post.

This blog post was inspired after attending a mind mapping course by a Tony Buzan (creator of mind mapping techniques) accredited trainer.  We used imindmap, which I must admit blows all of the other mind mapping tools out the water for shear versatility, adherence to the mind map methods and its rich feature set. It's due to be released online soon ( to allow for collaboration), and as an iphone app' :OD..  But Mindmeister (above) comes close as a good free alternative.


dyslexia an overview from kevbrace on Vimeo.

By the way, I was told by our trainer, that the research of predominantly left or right brain processing is not outdated. Current research points to more of a complex trigger of neurons across both hemispehres. But there is still a great deal of research that supports the differences between left & right hemisphere differences for creative Vs logical modes of thought.

Other mind map tools to consider as alternatives to imindmap;

  • bubb.lus (free online) = ok, as a basic tool.
  • freemind  (Free / Open Source) = good basic tool
  • Xmind (Free / Open Source) =  I'm advised that this is very good
  • Mind genuis (buy licence) = a good all rounder - exports to Word & PPT - ideal to brainstorm projects, essays, etc.
  • inspiration (buy licence) =one of the market leaders, often quoted as a very versatile tool adhering to the orginal mind map principles. 
  • Compendium (Free / Open Source)
  • mindomo   (online)
See also my shared book marks on mind mapping

leave a comment if you know of any more tools I've missed out on

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