A program for drawing up mental maps in Russian. Software for creating mind maps iMindMap. What is DG - purpose and principles of work
Mind maps(also called mind maps, mind maps, and mind maps) are a way to visualize ideas and demonstrate how they are connected using diagrams.
The technique for creating such a mind map dates back to long before the online tools listed in this article were available.
There are now dozens of services that allow you to create mind maps that include not only text, but also other elements such as images, links and videos. You can also work on maps with other users, share maps on social networks, and embed them in websites.
How can a teacher use mind maps in their work?
- When explaining new material, to organize and visualize the material.
- For brainstorming - both when discussing new material, and for solving organizational issues.
How can students use mind maps in teaching?
- To write a draft of a written work to organize your ideas.
- When studying a complex topic, in order to better assimilate the material.
- As an independent assignment, as an alternative to a presentation, poster or report.
This article lists 3 free and easy-to-use tools - Bubbl.us, Coggle, and Popplet. If you have never created mind maps before, then it is advisable to start with them. If you need more advanced features, then pay attention to paid programs such as Lucidchart, Mind42, MindMeister, SpiderScribe and Stormboard.
Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us is a very simple online tool. Well suited for those who need only text to create a memory card, and who do not need elements such as images or attached files (in the paid version, you can add images to free version only text is available).
Coggle - free service allowing you to create beautiful online maps. Here you can create any number of branches, distort them, change colors, and move elements.
You need a Gmail account to use Coggle. A good option for educational institutions where they are already actively used.
At first glance, Popplet looks like a very simple tool, but in fact it has a number of interesting features that allow you to create beautiful multimedia mind maps.
Popplet cards can be composed of many elements containing text, uploaded images, drawings or videos. Elements can be highlighted in different colors, resized and moved. You can zoom in on a particular element to see it in detail, or zoom out to see the whole map.
You can work on the map together with other users who can either add comments to map elements or create your own elements. The finished map can be printed, shared on Facebook or Twitter, exported in PDF or PNG format. The interface is in English. There is an online version and apps for iPhone and iPad. You can create no more than 5 cards for free. For $ 3 per month, you can create an unlimited number of cards. There are group discounts for schools.
Discussion: 9 comments
I also used similar tasks, only I did not have a system of French tenses, but ways of expressing future tense in English and different meanings of modal verbs.
There are also many ready-made mind maps dedicated to learning English on the web, which is quite convenient for both students and teachers.
I myself often build mind maps, but not for work, but as they say, for myself, in order to structure my own ideas.
And it seems to me that these cards can and should be made by students. When composing, they reflect on new material.
But teachers, too, sometimes need to make a mind map - not for students, for themselves.
Different people can do it clearly with different goals, I just shared my view on the place of cards in the learning process.
It's hard to say, convenience is a subjective thing :).
I think Coogle is a simple and intuitive tool. But if you need advanced features, then you should choose another solution.
Mind maps can be used in different ways, depending on the experience with them and the creativity of the teacher and students. For example, my students drew the system of the times of the French language. Most importantly, mind maps are a good motivator for learning.
I recommend mindmeister.net to create mind maps. As for me, this is the best mind mapping software. There is everything you need - cloud storage, card sharing, mobile applications for Android and iOS, and many other features.
There is also mind42 com - I have been using it for a long time
Coggle looks pretty, I like it. How comfortable is it?
The task is difficult, and time is short. I would like to write a report and not forget anything. If this situation occurs frequently in your life, then this program is for you. Meet FreeMind version 0.9.0.
FreeMind is a representative of a special class of programs that make thinking a visible process. What is their actual know-how? They allow you to build so-called memory maps (in English - Mind Map, the translation is closer to me "mind map"). There are two basic principles. First, we build a mind map diagram around a central idea. Secondly, we reduce each problem arising at different stages of the solution to a group of simpler subtasks.
In the west, this technology is quite popular. However, our RU-net also has a community promoting this idea. For example, the site "Visual Thinking". The author even conducts seminars for everyone.
Let's take a look at how visual thinking technology works with an example.
So we intend to go fishing this weekend. While it is difficult for us to imagine everything in detail, we divide the task into five subtasks: choose a reservoir, purchase worms, negotiate with a car, purchase food and fuel.
Now let's deal with each of the tasks and break each of them into simpler sub-tasks.
I think the idea is clear in principle. I will only add that each node should not have more than 5-7 subnodes. This will prevent the circuit from looking overwhelmed.
On the left side of the toolbar, you see various colorful and somewhat funny icons to make your mind map more attractive.
Despite the globality of the visual thinking approach, the practical value of the program is most fully felt when preparing presentations, articles, reports. Those. where at first a certain general scheme is known, and then the tasks should be gradually detailed.
The program allows you to export a drawn diagram in a large number of different formats: HTML (as a diagram), JPEG and PNG (as a drawing), and a number of others.
FreeMind is a program worthy of your attention. An excellent candidate for the role of a working tool for a programmer, manager or researcher. Most importantly, the program is free. Its paid counterpart MindManager costs over $ 350.
The intelligence of the map is one of the interesting ways to present an idea or task in a more or less formal way that another person can easily understand. Moreover, this idea of representing tasks does not have any special restrictions, except for the movement from a general task to smaller ones. Therefore, looking at each of the products of this class, you may be faced with the fact that functionality can be very different. For example, in one of the previous articles, we already talked about the XMind program for drawing up a mental map, which allows you to combine related tasks from different branches with additional elements in the form of a cloud, which can significantly help in the implementation of those ideas and tasks where there are no clear boundaries. In the same article, we will talk about some more free FreeMind programs and Edraw.
FreeMind software for mind maps
If you like classic mind mapping programs that automatically create mind maps from your text, then you should definitely take a look at FreeMind. This multi-platform program with Russian language support will leave a pleasant impression on you. Here's an example of a simple map:
Edraw Mind Map mental map software
Unlike FreeMind, Edraw Mind Map is not a classic mind mapping program, in some ways it even more resembles a graphics editor or a program for drawing up flowcharts, since the vast set of all kinds of icons, lines, buttons and other elements is amazing. Here is one of the built-in examples available:
You will have at your disposal a huge set of all kinds of pictures and design elements, which you can also supplement with your own images. Also, Edraw has a fairly large set of tools that allows you to solve a lot of tasks. So, for example, you can even watermark each of your projects before exporting them to images (jpg, etc.), pdf, doc, html, svg and visio. The interface of this program is clearly taken from Microsoft Office, although it is supplemented with its own controls. Apparently this was done so that users who are accustomed to the Microsoft office can easily and quickly get used to the program. In a way, Edraw is intended for those who love colorful and colorful interfaces.
Like FreeMind, Edraw weighs in at around 38MB. But, unlike it, Edraw only supports Windows. Checking for VirusTotal also showed that the application is free of malware. You can download Edraw Mind Map and find additional documentation on the developer's website at this address https://www.edrawsoft.com/freemind.php (note that edraw has a number of other products, so carefully look at which link you download the distribution kit; for example , the paid version of erawmax has a trial period of 30 days).
- ConvertFiles service for converting file formats
Technical Tips
There are various ways to capture your thoughts or convey them to your audience. You can write, underline and highlight text in different colors, draw, draw tables, diagrams and graphs. The human brain is designed in such a way that it wants to perceive information visually. Psychologists thought about this a long time ago and developed the concept of a connection diagram, which can also be called a mind map, mind map, etc. (eng. mind map). At the heart of such a connection diagram is a central idea, from which a certain number of branches depart, continuing to diverge further. The central idea can be a question, task, problem or area of knowledge, and the branches can be solutions.
Psychologist Tony Buzan is considered the inventor of the technique, although, of course, one cannot attribute the authorship of the idea to one person. He wrote a lot of books on the development of thinking and memory, contributing a lot to the popularization of mental maps. And in 2006, under his leadership, a software for creating mind maps called iMindMap was developed. Thus, the method of visualization of thinking was transferred from paper to computer, having received a lot of additional possibilities.
⇡ About the program
iMindMap is far from the only program on the list of mind map editors. And although in terms of functionality and prevalence it is inferior to Mindjet MindManager and ConceptDraw Office MindMap, it is an application with the “most human face”. iMindMap is cross-platform - there are versions for both desktop Windows systems, Mac and Linux, and for mobile devices iPhone, iPad and Android, as well as the "cloud" version. The program has a visually pleasing interface and supports Russian. You do not need to understand it for a long time - an unprepared user can immediately understand what this technique is. But most importantly, mind maps are more "lively" and interesting than in similar editors, where they have a somewhat scientific look. However, you'd better take a look at the screenshot and decide for yourself which type of cards you like best.
Left - a map made in iMindMap, on the right - in Mindjet MindManager
The program is available in three editions: Basic, Home & Student and Ultimate, differing in the available functionality. The basic version is provided free of charge, the educational one costs $ 67, the basic one - $ 256. There is also a version for mobile devices with access to the "cloud" for $ 13.99 per year. To get the free edition, you must register on the official ThinkBuzan website. Despite the large number of restrictions, the main function - to create a map and export it as an image - you can quite use.
⇡ Creating a map in the program
iMindMap has a familiar office interface and Ribbon-style menus. Open card is displayed in the main information window, on the right is a panel for inserting additional objects, which can be docked. Switching between maps is carried out on the tab bar under the main window.
IMindMap interface
Creating a new map begins with choosing an image for the central idea. If the pictures present do not suit you, you can open your own. Then change the name of this object and start extending branches from it in different directions to any length. From the tips of those branches - new branches, and so it is possible ad infinitum. Each branch is given a name that spreads along its length and can be aligned to one side, like text on a page. The shape of the branch can be changed by bending it in different ways at several key points. The location changes in the same way - it is enough to grab the branch by the tip and move it to any place, while other branches will automatically move. Branches at any level can be collapsed and expanded, various actions can be performed on them - delete, cut and paste, repaint, change the font of the name.
Adding new branches
The essence of this process is to find all the options for solving the problem, ways of completing the task, etc. For example, you are about to launch a website - this will be the central idea. One branch of "development" will depart from it, others - "filling", "optimization", "promotion". From the last branch, in turn, "banner exchange", "contextual advertising", "promotion in in social networks". From "social media promotion" - Facebook, VKontakte, Twitter and so on. Thus, all the points related to the implementation of this task will be thought out and clearly presented.
It should be said that additional central ideas can be added to the map. Branches extending from it will not intersect with the main tree. Rather, it is a visual convenience associated with the unlimitedness of the canvas. It is also possible to create child maps at any part of the branch - in this case, the selected branch will become the central idea, from which all subsequent branches will depart.
Various objects can be attached to each branch to complement its informational value: icons, pictures, notes, audio recordings and links. The icons are divided into groups, each symbolizing something different - a trip, a document, a person, a calendar month. They appear near the tip of a branch, as do images that are also attached to branches. But notes, audio recordings and links are created and viewed / listened to / opened in the sidebar - only the designating symbol will be visible on the branches. You can attach several different objects: for example, add a screenshot of the site along with a description and a link to it.
Adding a note to a branch
You can attach objects to the branches, or you can add pictures, tables and flowcharts, which are created here using the simplest editors. These elements will be displayed under the branches, like pictures. You can resize, undock, and drag them to empty space or other branches. Floating text and pictures are also inserted from scratch to indicate information that is not tied to a tree. All added objects can be moved to the back and front if they overlap.
Adding branches is carried out in several modes. You can draw standard branches by hand, giving them any shape - in this case, the number of geometric points can be unlimited. Branches with a border at the end are also inserted, and the text is located inside it, and not along the length of the entire branch. You can add links between the branches with arrows - this allows you to visually loop your tree and link individual elements to each other. True, with a large number of arrows, it becomes difficult to make out where they all lead. A cloud-shaped border is applied to the branches, which also passes to the child branches - but what is bad, it does not go back.
Framing branches
When you place branches on the screen, they can be pinned to maintain shape and location. If you do not want to form the layout manually, there is a "magic" function "Cleaning", which will automatically arrange your tree, giving it the most compressed look. By the way, shrinking can be done every time you collapse and delete branches, or in general, when you change the map, if you configure it accordingly in the "SmartLayout Options". The style of the tree changes in the same place - the degree of "roundness" of the branches is selected (you can make them completely straight) and their "spreading", that is, the minimum distance from each other.
Map before and after "cleaning"
If you do not like the used color scheme and structure of the branches of the map, you can choose different tones and style of the tree (type of rounding and line thickness), as well as the fonts and background color of the canvas. The card can be given both a strict corporate and a cheerful childish look, and if you liked the result, then add the specified style to the standard ones. You can save the entire map as a template. When creating a new card, it is possible to use ready-made educational, personal and business templates.
iMindMap uses its own IMX format to save maps, and allows exporting in many formats: raster and vector images, documents, presentations, web pages, projects, audio recordings, tables, archives and OPML markup. In the free and trial versions, saving is available only in JPEG and PNG formats, but the resolution can be quite high.
⇡ Map Display Modes
Mind maps in iMindMap can be viewed in a variety of display modes. If you want to demonstrate the audience map (primarily with the help of a projector), then there are two modes for this: 3D and presentation. The three-dimensional view is quite spectacular, moreover, it allows you to navigate through the branches in an interactive mode.
Displaying the map in 3D
Presentation mode will show you how to create a map step by step. Clicking the mouse brings up the next slide.
Display the map as a presentation
In addition, the map can be viewed in the form of a classic catalog, where instead of branches their names are displayed, which can be collapsed and expanded. But users who plan their time can be especially interested in displaying a map in the form of a project, where a link with a Gantt chart is in effect.
Displaying the map as a project
Here you should be aware that each added branch is by default a task that has a start and end date and a status (completed or incomplete). Initially, the day of the task creation is set in both date fields, and these parameters can be changed only for the final branches that do not have a continuation. At the same time, changes in child branches automatically shift the date range and percentage of completion in the parent branch, which is the unifying task; that, in turn, has its own, and so on until the "global" task - the central idea. It is convenient to indicate the percentage of completion by attaching icons with project progress rates to the branches, as well as on the Gantt chart. This is a scale that clearly shows the time intervals during which various tasks are performed (it has its own characteristics, but we will not delve into them in this article). It is also very convenient to change the duration and time of tasks on it. Finally, branches that are not tasks can be disconnected from use in project management.
⇡ Synchronization with the "cloud"
As mentioned earlier, the program is cross-platform and is also present in the "cloud". The web version is intended primarily for synchronizing maps between different devices, but it also allows you to edit them in a browser window. To use the service, you must have account in the ThinkBuzan system. And although 1 GB of space on the server is provided, synchronization of only five cards is available in free mode, and it happens only once every 24 hours. For money, these restrictions will be removed. This service is paid separately from the purchase of the program, while you can download the iMindMap version for your mobile device on the iOS / Android platform. The package is called iMindMap Freedom and the subscription is $ 13.99 per year.
ThinkBuzan Cloud Card Management
You can view and edit maps in the cloud in the same way as local ones. You can rename, delete, sort them by folders both through the application interface and in the web version. To add a card to the "cloud", you need to select "Save to ThinkBuzan Cloud" in the save mode and specify the appropriate folder. On the service website, this is done using the "Import" button. The export function in various formats is available in paid mode only.
ThinkBuzan Cloud editor
The "cloud" map editor is made on the Flash platform. Its functionality is greatly reduced in comparison with the desktop version, and only English is available from the languages. The process of adding branches has remained the same, and their appearance has also been preserved. It is still possible to add branch frames and links. You can change the colors, fonts, and text alignment. Icons, notes and links are attached to branches, and on the canvas you can arrange pictures and floating text. Actually, this is all, but the main thing is that the cards do not lose their attractiveness online.
⇡ Conclusion
iMindMap was created under the guidance of the author of the idea of mind maps, and is sometimes called the official software for this technique. The program was made for general users who are inexperienced in complex conceptual applications. It is inferior in functionality to many other editors, but surpasses all analogues in terms of style, usability and cross-platform. iMindMap can be extremely useful tool for students, office workers and in general all people inclined to planning and data analysis. It can be used for a variety of purposes: organizing projects and various aspects of life, taking notes of books and lectures, structuring knowledge. Thanks to the presence of iMindMap on all major platforms and synchronization of maps with the "cloud", they will always be with you, wherever you are and whatever device you are currently using.
Everyone who has used mind-mapping technology at least once knows how convenient, multi-tasking and simple it is. Apparently, this is why the compilation of intelligence maps (or mental maps) is starting to be so popular. Intelligence cards are used to record ideas, associations; help to brainstorm, plan project work, draw up a short business analysis of the situation, and are also used to draw up notes, write abstracts from books and magazines read.
Here's a selection of 8 great mind mapping software. We are sure that these programs will help you to use mind-mapping technology 100%. In the selection you will find many free applications and you can easily choose the best option for yourself.
And if you haven't used the mind mapping method in your work until now, it's time to give it a try!
Coggle
Coggle is a free online project collaboration application. In this program, you can design handy beautiful mind maps. The interface of the program is simple, but at the same time it has many functions that make the process of creating a mind map incredibly simple. The program supports the use of images, individual color schemes and the ability to view the history of the document. Keeping a history of changes allows you to revert to earlier versions of the created map if you are stuck in the current version. Mind-maps created in Coggle can be exported in PNG or PDF format.
Xmind
XMind is a popular cross-platform mind mapping software that runs on Windows / Mac / Linux platforms. The program has several versions: free with reduced features and paid with extended functionality. One of the main advantages of the program is its support and compatibility with the Microsoft Office suite. And a nice addition is the program's ability to work with Gantt charts.
Freemind
The program is open free application which works on any Java-enabled platform. In general, the program has all the necessary set of functions for creating high-quality mind maps. The only drawback of the program is the outdated design of the intellect cards.
Is a paid application for creating mind maps for Mac / IOS. The program has a modern minimalistic design and is very easy to use. It supports integration with all Apple devices, works well on both iPad and mobile versions. The application allows you to export the created mind maps in formats: JPG, PDF, TIFF, text formats, and also supports the export of mind maps to the format of the competing Freemind program.
For users unfamiliar with the program is available trial version programs with a limited set of functions MindNode Lite.
BubblUs
Bubble.us is a free web application for online mind mapping. The application allows you to create simple mind-maps and export them in image format. The functionality of the program, in comparison with the simple solutions MindNode and Coggle, seems a little heaped up, but nevertheless the program solves the set problem and creates a good intellect of the map. The program works on flash and will not work on smartphones.
The program is a paid online mind mapping application. Provides several options for a subscription fee, and also provides the opportunity to use the program for free. On a free basis, you can build 3 mind maps with limited export capabilities. The application has a user-friendly interface and all the necessary set of functions, which makes it possible to understand the simplicity and convenience of the intelligence cards technology. The disadvantage of the program is the possibility of full use only with regular payment, so it is more suitable for those who use mind maps regularly. The program is Russified.
