Concept-mapping, Mind-mapping
What are they?
Concept-mapping and mind-mapping tools enable you to lay out ideas and concepts in non-textual formats. Often confused with each other, they have distinct differences:
- A concept map shows the relationship between entities (or nodes), using arrows which may be annotated to describe the nature of the relationship (“has,” “causes” etc.). See the illustration in the Wikipedia Concept map article.
- A mind map shows the ideas and concepts generated around a single central idea, with the purpose of organising them into thematic (semantic) groups. It thus has a structure similar to the roots of a tree. See the illustration in the Wikipedia Mind map article.
Computer tools not only simplify and speed up the task of map creation, they also extend their functionality. For example, some allow you to link to Websites and export maps as PowerPoint presentations.
How can I use them with my students?
Concept maps and mind maps can be excellent tools for brainstorming and organising ideas around a particular topic or concept.
Diagrams of this type can also be particularly valuable ways for students who have difficulty writing to express their ideas. Read or watch the Presenting your learning case study from Abingdon and Witney College (FE).
For further ideas, see:
- The Education page of Tony Buzan's iMindMap site.
- Presentation on concept mapping at the JISC online conference June 2007 - awaiting permission
Examples
- Brainstorming and organising ideas:
- Use case 7 from the LADIE project. (Designer's note: this use case will be rewritten in due course)
- Providing a map of concepts and their relations within a specific domain, with links to resources: the University of Glasgow's Philosophy of Religion mind-mapping project (click the "About" link for an overview).
- JISC Effective Practice case study, Visualise and present concepts, Abingdon and Witney College.
Where can I get them?
Concept-mapping tools:
One of the most popular, and enduring, concept-mapping tools is Inspiration, which is available at a reasonable price to educational institutions in the UK from TAG Learning Ltd.
Free tools available to download from the Web include:
- CMap (from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, affiliated with a number of universities in Florida)
- Vue (from Tufts University)
- Compendium (Open University)
- Idea Pad - for the Palm Pocket PC only
Mind-mapping tools:
Commercially available mind-mapping tools include MindManager (MindJet), MindGenius and iMindMap.
Free tools available to download from the Web include:
Other sources of information:
Here is a more comprehensive list of concept-mapping and mind-mapping tools, both free and commercial. However, it is not clear who owns and maintains this site.
