Mind+Mapping

Mind Mapping (SpiderScribe, LiveChart, Bubbl.us)
=SpiderScribe - A Mind Mapping Tool = A mind map created in SpiderScribe. ==== ====

SpiderScribe is an online mind mapping tool with some unique features. It provides the option of working collaboratively. A variety of files may be uploaded, including text notes, documents, images, maps, and calendars. For a tour of the features found in SpiderScribe click here. Maps may also be printed or exported. The map above was exported as a png file. For a demo of the tool in action click here. There are many other tools for mind mapping available online. Richard Bryne, the author of the Free Technology For Teachers blog, has an excellent article Nine Tools for Collaboratively Creating Mind Maps. Feedback on this specific tool is that it is very user friendly. However at this  point SpiderScribe is not offering education accounts. It is free for anyone to use, but currently you need to provide an email address to set up an account. **LucidChart** LucidChart is mind mapping tool that has been around since December 2008 and has the time to become a robust tool. They provide free accounts to teachers and students. In fact you may create accounts for students which do not require the student to have an email address. LucidChart is easy to use, featuring a range of options, including a drag and drop interface. If you have used Inspiration this tool will have a familiar feel. You can quickly resize shapes, text, arrows and connecting lines. The site has a number of excellent tutorials. Below is the beginning of a chart on Universal Design for Learning, a chart that is simple in design. Here is one example of LucidChart in action (and feel free to sing along). media type="youtube" key="pLF8LqbWoCs" height="349" width="425" If you liked that one feel free to check out two more songs put into LucidChart. All I Want is You (Juno Version) Total Eclipse of the Heart (Glee Version)

[|Bubbl.us] The third mind mapping too we will look at is bubbl.us. This tool is also easy to use and it allows you to try it without creating an account. If you create a free account you will be able to save and share your map and access additional features. To use bubbl.us you simply click on the box they provide, enter your text and if you hit CTRL you will create a child tab, and by hitting TAB you can create a sibling from the child box. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bubbl.us has help files available by clicking on the Help button in the upper right hand corner. You may export the map as a jpg. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Below is the beginning of a map on UDL.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">**Online Handout**s [|Connections to the new Massachusetts Curriculum Framework ELA & Literacy – Mind Mapping]