Software
 | Recommended software solutions for creating concept maps: |
 | Basic, online, no-costFree, online concept mapping tools which require you to create an account, and then you can login, create, save, edit, share, collaborate, and export concept maps. MindMeister
MindMomoGliffy
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| Free, online and offlineFree, offline concept mapping tools which require you to download and install concept mapping software. Open Office Draw
FreeMind
VUE
CMAP
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| Proprietary, offlineProprietary concept mapping tools which require you to purchase, download and install specialist concept mapping software. Inspiration
MindManager
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| LinksMore exhaustive lists of concept- and mind-mapping software.
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Comments ( Hide )
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Peter Donnan says:Jul 23, 2007 09:32 ( Permalink ) |
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James Neill says:Peter, I've tried to incorporate your comments into the main text. |
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Peter Donnan says:I tend to use Inspiration because of its ease of use and even then I do not use the full range of options such as the capability to attach audio files. I think many people get used to one system and use that if it meets their needs. The fact that Inspiration can so easily be converted to an MS Word format is a big feature for me. Many of the systems allow one to export the concept map in various formats - as JPEG, GIG and PP files - and I believe that many users, once they make their initial decision, will tend to use the one system. So in terms of one's initial analysis many will want to use a free system if it meets their needs so VUE and CMaps in particular will be worth a look. The other point is that most offer free trials so this is where one needs to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for your own context and potential usage. Peter |
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Mitchell Whitelaw says:I've been using FreeMind for a while and find it very useful for idea development; this semester I've started using it for presentations and lectures, and delivering the resulting presentations to students on the web. The HTML export feature is a useful way to get a rich presentation online, in an interactive format that encourages students to browse; also it can embed images, and link to web URLs or other media files (such as video). Here's an example - HTML export from a lecture introducing fundamental concepts in sound and listening. |
This is an area where it would be worthwhile to see more comments on the advantages and specific features of different systems. VUE and Cmaps are certainly worth a very close look. VUE has been developed at TUFTS University and has great value for learning, teaching and curriculum structures; Cmaps, like VUE, allows much more content and linkages to be added to the basic concept map.
Inspiration is a very popular and easy-to-use program that is used widely in schools. It has many templates that can be adapted for different uses and a very nice feature where the concept map can be quickly converted to a MS Word document and inserted in a typed assignment for instance. Its ease of use, options to insert hyper links and sound files etc, are added features that will appeal but unlike the other two I meentioned above there is a cost for this progam although I think it can be trialed for a month.
Mind Manager is a very classly system, well suited to corporate presentations and high-level strategic planning, and there is a higher price attached to this program compard with the others.