App+6+MindMeister

What is MindMeister and what can it do for me?
Mind maps show the relationships between things, by linking them together with tree or spider like structures. The name was coined by Tony Buzan in the 1970s.

MindMeister is a free mindmap tool that you can use on your Android or Apple device, or on your desktop. Take a look at this example mapping out the process for making the perfect cup of tea (add milk after the hot water!). Drag with your cursor to move the map around so that you can see it all; use + and - to zoom in and out. media type="custom" key="28322277"

To get an overview of how to build a map, take a look at My First Mind Map (it's created automatically when you sign up). Start with a word of phrase which represents your idea, and then build your map out from there. To create the first level ideas, use the Add an idea button. You can add sibling ideas by hitting Enter and child ideas using Tab. This example takes you though how to build your map: media type="custom" key="28129597"

To see how you can insert your MindMeister project into the iQualify learning platform, watch this 1min 31sec video.

Can using a mindmap app such as MindMeister replace, amplify or transform the learner experience?
Replacement Getting students to use the MindMeister app instead of pen and paper is simply replacing one option with another. It doesn't make any difference to the activity.

Amplification Students can start to collaborate with one another and with their lecturer using the sharing and social connections that come with MindMeister. They can build up their shared knowledge this way.

Transformation You can share your maps via Twitter, Facebook, Google, Evernote and Office365. Students can also embed their maps in ePortfolios, blogs, etc, to share with industry professionals or potential employers, opening up communication and learning opportunities beyond the class to the wider community. This might be a good time for a conversation with students about privacy and their online presence.

Challenge yourself

 * 1) Download the app from Google play or the App Store.
 * 2) Create a mindmap - add two topics, a child and sibling idea
 * 3) Link to a file and insert an image
 * 4) Share your mindmap with a colleague, or post the link in this blog.