What is Mind Mapping?Mind mapping is a software application that enables the visual display of information, concepts and relations between ideas. It can be used for creating an association of ideas or for memory retention. It is generally easier to remember a diagram than to remember a description. In 1990, Buzan invented mind mapping and the term mind map is a registered trademark of the Buzan Organizatio. According to Buzan and Buzan (1996) "the mind map is an expression of radiant thinking and is therefore a function of the human mind. It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain. The mind map can be applied to every aspect of life to improve learning, add clarity to thinking, and ultimately enhance human performance". There are a number elearning tools that allow the creation of mind mapping. One such tool is is Coggle. Coggle is an online free tool. Users only need to sign in with a Google account to start designing their own mind map. They can click and hold to drag a map around the canvas; click the plus signs on either side to add branches to the map; and double click on any of the items to edit the map. Coggle will automatically assign different colors to branches. Alternatively, users can personalize their own map by simply clicking on a branch to bring up a color wheel. When a map is finished, it can be downloaded as a PDF or PNG and shared with others, who can view it or edit it accordingly. Therefore, Coggle offers users with a super simple means to visualize their ideas whether they are note-taking, brainstorming, planning, or doing creative work. Application to EducationUsing a diagram to represent a complex set of relationships promotes meaningful learning; it helps students to retain and improve their knowledge. Moreover, mind mapping fosters imagination, thinking, and the ability to make associations between concepts . To further explore the usefulness of mind mapping, Budd (2004) conducted a study on a small group of students who were instructed to create a mind map for a specific topic. The results of this study indicate that mind mapping is an active and collaborative learning tool that can be used with diverse learning styles and enhance students’ learning. Noonan (2012) used mind maps as an assessment strategy to develop students' understanding and memory. He concluded that mind maps have the potential to provide students with a strategy for retaining information and integrating critical thinking and problem solving skills into learning. In summary, mind mapping is incredibly useful for helping students to actively engage in learning and to build new and meaningful knowledge. Considerations for the Instructor The free-form and unconstrained structure of mind mapping provides students with endless possibilities for linking ideas . Therefore, mind mapping cultivates creative thinking, and encourages brainstorming.
Another advantages of mind mapping is its utility. Maps make new information more usable and help people think and learn. In fact, mind mapping trains people’s minds for more efficient retention and recall. This technique gives individuals a visual framework to organize and associate ideas. It provides a great way to brainstorm, make a plan, or turn ideas into the steps needed to make them happen.
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