Remixed from:
http://www.warrensburgr6.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=21725&
A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.
Mind maps or graphic organizers can be invaluable tools for visual thinkers and visual learners. The process of creating a mind map can help students gain an overview perspective on complex, multifaceted concepts. Mind maps can also help students outline an essay or story they're planning to write. The following list contains tools that can be used by students to create mind maps and other graphic organizers independently or collaboratively.
For additional information about types of graphic organizers and how you can use them in the classroom, visit:
http://www.cast.org/publications/ncac/ncac_go.html
Mind Mapping Tools
Gliffy
http://www.gliffy.com/
Gliffy is another online diagram software site. There's no registration required unless you'd like to save or export your graphs, flowcharts, mind maps, and diagrams.
Creately
Creately.com
Supports collaboration and comes with 1000+ ready-made templates that can be used.
Popplet
Popplet.com/
Simple to use, free mind mapping tool
Bubbl.Us
http://www.bubbl.us/
Another basic, free mind mapping/graphic organization tool
Twiddla
Twiddla.com
Real-time collaboration with drawings and graphic organizers.
MindMeisterhttp://www.mindmeister.com/
Mind Meister's basic account is free and has all of the features that a teacher or student needs. With a free account, users can collaborate with others, share via email or embedding (will need to publish your mind map first to get an embed code), and download or export files. One of the best features is the ability to add active links to websites-- great for students trying to organize their thoughts for a research paper! Other features include adding attachments, notes, and tasks, as well as icons and images-- creators can even choose from different map themes.
WiseMapping
http://www.wisemapping.com/c/home.htm
A free collaborative mind mapping tool, Wise Mapping has fairly easy to use editing and sharing functions. Each cell created in a Wise Mapping mind map can be dragged and moved around in the map without losing any text or text formatting. Wise Mapping lets users collaborate on the creation of mind maps, and maps made on Wise Mapping can be shared with others via email, url link, or embedded onto your website.
SlateBox
http://www.slatebox.com/Index
Slatebox offers a variety of good-looking templates and intuitive tools for designing and editing mind maps and charts. Creating a mind map is a simple matter of selecting a template and using the visual editor to place text and images in boxes. Those boxes can be resized and rearranged using the drag and drop editor. You can embed the chart on a webpage and even invite others to collaborate and chat.
Easel.ly
http://www.easel.ly/
create and share visual ideas online using visual themes(vheme). drag and drop a vheme onto your canvas for easy creation of your visual idea!
Cacoo
http://cacoo.com/
You'll need a free account to use this feature-rich collaborative diagram creation resource. Like similar diagram creation tools, Cacoo allows you to draw shapes, type, and drag and drop elements of your diagram. One of the unique aspects of Cacoo is that you can upload your own images to include in your diagrams. The collaborative aspect is that you can invite other people to contribute to your diagrams and you can chat with your collaborators in real-time while you work.
ExploraTree
http://www.exploratree.org.uk/
Exploratree is a free graphic organizer creation tool. Users can use pre-made graphic organizer templates called "thinking guides" or create their own templates. The Exploratree thinking guides can be used online or downloaded and printed to offline use. Thinking guides can be created collaboratively, which makes Exploratree a good tool for students working in groups to design projects together. You need to register for and activate (by email) an account in order to use this site.
Mindomo
http://www.mindomo.com/index.htm
Mindomo offers free and premium accounts and is useful for organizing thoughts, solving problems, managing tasks, and much more. Users can insert hyperlinks and symbols to individual topics or the entire map. Users can also choose from a wide variety of layouts or create their own design. Minomo also has a find and replace feature as well as a spell-check option. Maps can be shared by exporting as an image, a Microsoft Project file, .rtf, and .pdf file formats. The Take a Tour ad Video are worth viewing.
Text2MindMap
http://www.text2mindmap.com/
A work in progress, but simple and free-- and no need for an account! Simply type (or paste) text in the box provided, choose indents/outdents, and the site creates a map. You can also save your map as a .jpg image.
DropMind
http://web.dropmind.com/Index.aspx
"Realize the true potential of your amazing mind!" DropMind is impressive and versatile software that offers both online mind mapping and a downloadable desktop application. The user interface is intuitive, and images and hyperlinks can be included, as can icons and symbols from an extensive built-in collection. Collaboration is facilitated, and a chat featuer is included. A free registration is available, but does not include any export options-- a Premium account, or Academic (reduced rate) account is required to export.
ChartGohttp://www.chartgo.com/
ChartGo is a free service that allows users to quickly and easily create pie charts, area charts, bar graphs, and line graphs. The site does not require any registration to use the service. To create your chart, just select the chart style and chart dimensions, then enter your y-axis and z-axis data. ChartGo generates your chart based on your specifications and data input. You can either create a custom graph or choose from the sample graphs and modify them. When your chart is done, you can save a copy to your computer or share it via a unique url.
Chartlehttp://www.chartle.net/
Chartle allows students to create simple and interactive charts online-- no sign up or registration required. Type or import your own data into organizational flow charts, bar graphs, pie charts, scatter plots, annotated timelines, Venn diagrams, mtion charts, maps, and even gauges. Chartle's website also mentions an upcoming feature allowing improved import from Excel.
Spider Scribehttp://www.spiderscribe.net/
With Spider Scribe, users can work individually or collaboratively and can add images, maps, calendars, text notes, and uploaded text files to their mind maps. Users can connect the elements on their mind maps or let them each stand on their own.
SlickPlan
http://www.slickplan.com/
SlickPlan is a web-based sitemap/flowchart generator that allows for the creation of free sitemap and flowchart design. Login is required, but registration is free, and you can embed the sitemap on your website.
Diagrammrhttp://www.diagrammr.com/
Create and share diagrams by writing sentences! Can even login with existing Google account.
Mind42http://mind42.com
A collaborative browser-based online mind mapping tool.
