Whether you want to start a new project, write an essay, or plan an event, brainstorming is an effective method to outsource ideas and create mind maps. Brainstorming a topic before writing about it can help students focus their ideas and direct them in the writing process.
There are now several web tools that can be used and most often for free to create visually appealing mindmaps. These tools can help our students pin their ideas down on a target topic and enrich their written pieces. I have featured several of mind mapping tools before but the list below is the most updated collection.
1- Popplet
Popplet is a free online tool that allows you to create mind mapping and brainstorming diagrams. You may create a maximum of 5 Popplets.
2- MindMeister
The leading online mind mapping application, MindMeister allows your team to be more innovative by providing a shared collaboration and brainstorming environment on the web. Plan projects, manage meetings and sketch out business plans online with partners and colleagues, all in real time!
3- SpiderScribe
SpiderScribe is an online mind mapping and brainstorming tool. It lets you organize your ideas by connecting notes, files, calendar events, etc. in free-form maps. You can collaborate and share those maps online!
Bubbl.us is a simple and free web application that lets you brainstorm online. You can create colourful mind maps online, share and work with friends,embed your mind map in your blog or website, email and print your mind map, save your mind map as an image.
5- Text2Mindmap
Text2MindMap is a free mindmapping tool where you can convert your ideas into mindmaps.
6- Scapple
Scapple is an easy-to-use tool for getting ideas down as quickly as possible and making connections between them. It isn’t exactly mind-mapping software—it’s more like a freeform text editor that allows you to make notes anywhere on the page and to connect them using straight dotted lines or arrows.
Mind42 is an online mind mapping application that allows users to visualize their thinking using the proven mind mapping method.
Lucidchart is a web-based diagramming software which allows users to collaborate and work together in real time to create flowcharts, organisational charts, and mind maps.
