MindMeister


 

 

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URL http://www.mindmeister.com/
Description "MindMeister brings the concept of mind mapping to the web, using its facilities for real-time collaboration to allow truly global brainstorming sessions. Users can create, manage and share mind maps online and access them anytime, from anywhere. In brainstorming mode, fellow MindMeisters from around the world (or just in different rooms) can simultaneously work on the same mind map and see each other's changes as they happen."
Process
  1. Go to https://www.mindmeister.com/team/signup_academic.
  2. Sign up for a free account.
  3. Create a mind map.
  4. Invite people to collaborate.
  5. Export or print your mind map in various formats.

 

Suggested Inquiry Activities

Have students create a mind map as a pre-writing activity to list their ideas about a primary source, historical event, person, place, topic, etc.  The list may incluce the who, what, when, where, why and how about the topic.

Have students (individually or collaboratively) create a concept map to visually connect what they already know about a subject with their previous knowledge.  Then have them use the mind map to help them generate questions about what they want or need to know about the subject.

Have students create a mind map of resources and information they find during their research.  One of the export options in MindMeister is a text outline for Microsoft Word, so there's an easy transition from online to offline use of the information.
Students could continue working on their mind map created during the Connect and Wonder phases by visually connecting their new understandings to their previous knowledge and drawing conclusions about their questions and hypotheses.
A mind map can be used to communicate an overview of a topic visually and can be exported in various formats for offline viewing.
Have students reflect on their learning using a mind map.  Have them fill in their reflections under three headings: what they did, what they learned, and how they can use the information.

 

What Teachers Like About MineMeister

 

 

 

 

 

Standards for the 21st Century Learner - from the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner in Action

Organizing and Managing

2.1.2 - Organize knowledge so that it is useful.

2.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information.

3.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess.

Content Collaboration

1.3.4 - Contribute to the exchange of ideas within a learning community.

3.1.2 - Participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners.

3.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess.

 

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) NETS Standards

   
   

 

NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Standards

Develop proficiency with the tools of technology 
Build relationships with others to pose and solve problems collaboratively and cross-culturally 
Design and share information for global communities to meet a variety of purposes
Create, critique, analyze, and evaluate multimedia texts
Attend to the ethical responsibilities required by these complex environments

 

Primary Sources Example

MindMeister was used to collaboratively create a "What is literacy?" mind map.

 

 

Getting Started

Mindmeister
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Teacher Tips For Using the Tool

 

 

 

 

 

Alternatives

Mindomo "Mindomo is a versatile Web-based mind mapping tool, delivering the capabilities of desktop mind mapping software in a Web browser - with no complex software to install or maintain. Create, edit mind maps, and share them with your colleagues or your friends."
bubbl.us "Bubbl.us is a simple and free web application that lets you brainstorm online."