concept+&+mindmapping

**CONCEPT AND MIND MAPPING**

Aurelio Z Simango Last updated May 2012 by Samantha Adams

Mind mapping is a visual way to register, organize and display information in a ‘map’ drawn up using textual descriptors and graphical clues (Holland et al., 2004). Concept maps, on the other hand, consist of concept labels that identify specific ideas (concepts) and the links between them, which explain how concepts are related to make meaning. A pair of concepts and their respective link makes a single proposition, and a concept map is made from any number of propositions to give a personal definition of any particular idea or phenomenon (Novak 1998).Alternatively to the traditional practice of an “outline” or “of paragraphs using sentences” are “mind- and concept-mapping”, which consist in key words or symbols that represent “ideas and words”. The difference between concept maps and mind maps Concept maps
 * 1. DEFINITION **
 * Are commonly used to organize and represent tacit knowledge.
 * Usually contain general concepts at the top of the map, with more specific concepts arrayed hierarchically below.
 * Connector lines usually contains keywords or phrases that summarize the relationship between the topics they connect. Such as topic a “causes” topic B.
 * Topics may be cross-linked with each other to depict more complex relationships between topics. Topics in mind maps may only have one parent; in a concept map, a topic may have multiple connector lines, each one representing a different relationship.

Mind maps


 * Tend to be more flexible and personal than concept maps.
 * Are used to slice and dice the map’s central topic or concept in multiple ways.
 * May contain images and color, to make them more visually stimulating
 * Topics may only have a single parent

Concept maps or mind maps? The choice: []


 * 2. EXAMPLES OF PRODUCTS **

The following are just some of the easy optional tools for mind-mapping used in Higher Education, public presentations and conferencing:
 * 1) Inspiration has been an industry leader for years now, but it is not free and not cheap either. Their website is a good resource, though, for ideas on how to use such tools in the classroom, and for general reading on the educational benefits of concept mapping. Try the free trial versions just to get a sense for the software.
 * 2) MindManager - is a paid tool with very pleasing aethetics. This has a free trial version you can download and try.
 * 3) C-Map - is a FREE, good, easy-to-use tool. The information on the home-page of their website also serves to explain all the features of this tool (it's been put together using C-Map itself!)
 * 4) FreeMind - is like MindManager, except that its FREE! Make sure you install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on your machine before using this.
 * 5) Mindomo - is available in free as well as paid versions. This is a new web-based concept mapping tool that allows the user to create the maps within the web browser itself, which allows for easy sharing and collaboration. The maps look much like the MindManager maps.
 * 6) bubbl.us - is an online 'brainstorming tool', which is also FREE. It is user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing too. The features described on the site are shown through a bubbl.us map.

More software options and websites for mindmapping and information organisation: [] Mind mapping software blog: []

How to make a mind map: []
 * 3 . EXAMPLES OF APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING **

Using concept maps as a classroom assessment technique media type="youtube" key="Gm1owf0uGFM" height="315" width="420"


 * 4. OTHER RESOURCES (articles, guides, videos, examples...) **

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 * Related articles**
 * Eppler, (2006). A comparison between concept maps, mind maps, conceptual diagrams, and visual metaphors as complementary tools for knowledge construction and sharing. //Information visualization//, 5, 202 - 210.[]
 * Hay, D., Kinchin,I.& Lygo-Baker,S. (2008). Making learning visible: the role of concept mapping in higher education. //Studies in Higher Education//, 33(3), 295–31.
 * []
 * Budd, J.W. (2004). Mind maps as classroom exercises. The Journal of Economic Education, 35 (1), 35 - 46. []
 * Summary of Literature Pertaining to the Use of Concept Mapping Techniques and Technologies for Education and Performance Support []
 * An investigation into the concept of mind mapping and the use of mind mapping software to support and improve student academic performance

Gavin's presentation on the use of Cmaps at UWC
 * Software:**

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media type="youtube" key="4wZ5wV5dPZc" height="315" width="420"
 * Mind mapping**

If you have time: This 28-minute screencast explores the following aspect of using concept maps as an educational tool: 1. What are concept maps? 2. How can concept maps help students learn? 3. What evidence supports the use of concept maps? 4. What do students say about using concept maps? 5. How do you create a concept map? 6. Three examples of concept maps. 7. Best practices for using concept maps. 8. Grading and assessing concept maps.
 * Want to know more about concept maps?**

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