ConceptDRAW Mindmap

I have used mind-mapping software for many years for my own personal use, so when Andrew asked me have a look at the ConceptDRAW Mindmap Professional software; I was intrigued to see what this software had to offer over the programme I use.

My initial impression when opening the program was WOW! The screen was filled with icons and file options in abundance. Apparently there are 3000 icons! The initial dialogue box gave me 7 options: new blank document; new document with brainstorming; create a mindmap with the assistant; create a mindmap based on a template; open existing mindmap; open last-edited mindmap and getting started tutorial – luckily there was the option to tick a check box ‘don’t show this dialogue box again’. Guess which option I chose?

There is no doubt that this is a powerful programme having extensive features and functionality – an fully functioning help system, a huge range of libraries and templates and there are many options regarding formats - the maps can be saved as JPEGs, PDFs, PowerPoints, HTML etc. etc. I am sure the versatility of this programme will appeal to many. You can even export the map, the text notes and the outline to your iPOD. Apparently this is the first program devoted to mind mapping that supports both Macintosh and Windows platforms. All documents and libraries can be freely exchanged between versions.

The brainstorming function allows users to capture ideas in both Outline and MINDMAP views and uses a timer to limit the brainstorming session. There is also a text notes facility to supply additional information where necessary. You can edit them in the floating window. When exported to HTML, notes come up as hints in the browser. Although I cannot pretend I explored them all, apparently ConceptDraw MINDMAP features powerful flowcharting tools: vector drawing tools, automatic shape connectors and more for creating pro-quality flowcharts and diagrams.

As far as using the programme with children goes, I can imagine using it to introduce mind-mapping to children so that they can develop their own paper-based examples and it would be useful too in making up blank concept maps for children to fill in. However, my feeling is that this program is far too complex for my children to use. My Year 6 children are very good at ICT but the skills needed for this programme are advanced and many of the features are too complicated for their use. They and their teachers would need a far simpler tool.

I tried to remain as objective as possible when reviewing this software and am very aware that my judgement may be clouded due to many years’ experience using another mind-mapping programme but, in my view, this software is far more complex than I or my children would ever need but recognise that this is a powerful piece of software that could be a useful tool for older children and their teachers.

Comments

[Mark Warner]

I've just started using 2Connect from 2Simple Software for this kind of thing. It's really child friendly, and allows childre to build their concept maps, and also add pictures, notes and audio recordings to each point. They can then use their maps as a starting point for creating written texts.

It even comes with templates, which are linked to Sue Palmer's Skeleton books for Literacy writing. Very useful!

[John]

Have you seen the much simpler, online and free mindomo:
http://www.mindomo.com/
I've not tried it at school our 15" monitors are a bit small, but it might be useful.

[Olga]

Maybe the software is difficult for 2-4 year old children, but for the elder children, students and teachers ConceptDraw MINDMAP is very useful tool. With the help of mind map you can create any game for children while studying animals, birds, flowers etc. You can ask them to put pictures to the appropriate branch, to add subtopics or to place subtopic to the correct topic etc. Teachers can use mind maps while studying any subject. If this is history - they can create mind map of the crucial dates of particular country or epoch, if this is geography they can create a map of continents, countries and capitals etc. Students like making notes in CD MINDMAP

[Olga]

ConceptDraw MINDMAP is recommended in Chidren's Technology Review for March, 2007 http://www.childrenssoftware.com/