When used well, mind maps can easily be a great aid to understanding-- such as, in highlighting interconnections and patterns that would probably not have emerged from a linear approach. They can also work in presenting a more coherent picture to become presented to except for conventional notes would afford. They can also be included in at a later date as circumstances change or our thoughts and understanding develop.
Some people require to mind maps instantly and quickly become quite proficient utilized them. Others may struggle originally to produce a useful mind map because they are so used to adopting the linear approach to note taking. For this latter group, there is much to become gained from being persistent. The skills could be developed with practice and can, eventually, be required to quite a high level of competence, if certainly not actual expertise. Mind maps may be very useful for getting a feeling of structure and control in connection with the topic in hand. Additionally, its visual nature means that their contents are more probable to become recalled at any future point. So, there are numerous benefits to using this tool. So, when it involves making notes, there is no tightness of practices that are not very helpful and thus do not serve us well. Yet, it is also fair to say that there are constraints to traditional note-taking practices, even when well used. This is because, by their very nature, traditional notes are 'linear'-- that is, they follow a direct structure from point one to point two and so forth. But life isn't linear, and nor is the way our minds operate. What can, therefore, be helpful is s process of note taking that more fully matches our thinking processes. This is where 'mind maps' appeared in.
A mind map is built by putting the topic concerned (whatever it is you intend to make notes about) in a surround the center of the page. From this central focus, you can have other boxes (or lines) that radiate from it with subtopics, problems or impressions that associate with the central focus. Apiece of these secondary boxes or lines, you can establish further subtopics, issues or whatever. This allows the note taker to explore different opportunities, separate lines of thought while considering the topic. This makes the notes multidimensional, and this allows us to become more creative in our thought and more alternative (by giving us an overview of a topic or subject). The example below gives a sense of what is involved. This was produced using mind mapping software, and there are various software application options available, ranging from free to expensive (relying on the additional facilities obtainable within the package concerned). However, software is not needed, as perfectly good mind maps may be produced with pen and paper. Altogether, then, mind maps offer very real capacity for a significant and successful approach to relevant information repository to inform our thinkings, knowledge, and decision. There are many moments when it does, or even essential, to have a register of our ideas and/or the activities to which they relate. Some people seem never to create notes; they simply depend on their memory, which, surely, is not a wise strategy, as it involves committing chance what is recalled and what is not. Other individuals, I'm aware, make massive notes, but never consult them again-- they just file them away as though having them somewhere to hand will be useful. Yet others have no submitting system, so their possibilities of finding any notes they may have taken are comparatively slim anyway. Source: www.socialjusticesolutions.org
ThinkBuzan Ltd Adds Free Android App for Smartphones and Tablets to iMindMap Suite of Mind Mapping Products
Inventor of Mind Mapping and specialist in creative thinking, Tony Buzan, has announced the release of the iMindMap for Android apps from ThinkBuzan, giving Android users the freedom to access iMindMap’s creative workspace wherever they are for brainstorming, planning and organising.
The new mobile apps will be available to download free on Google Play from May 22nd for Android phones and tablets. iMindMap Mind Mapping software is designed to give users an intuitive ‘thinking space’ in which to capture their ideas and stay on top of their busy schedules. Used everywhere from the classroom, for studying and revision, to the office, for project planning, brainstorming and presentations and even at home for to-do lists and fitness schedules, iMindMap promotes clear and creative thinking.
Chris Griffiths, CEO said:
“I am delighted to see iMindMap arrive on the Android platform. Following the success of our iPhone and iPad apps, I know a lot of Android users desperate to get their hands on an Android version. The touchscreen functionality of the smartphone platform takes Mind Mapping to a whole new level, allowing users to hand draw their maps and enhancing the creative experience. It is the only Mind Mapping app that gives users the creative freedom to draw their maps themselves with Freehand Branches and our unique Sketch Tool. We have many users who say they actually bought their tablets specifically to use iMindMap.”
The release of iMindMap for Android apps marks the expansion of the fully integrated iMindMap suite of desktop, mobile and online applications. iMindMap for Android is part of the iMindMap Freedom package, meaning that by subscribing, app users can seamlessly sync their Mind Maps across all platforms and gain unlimited access to iMindMap’s web-based editor.
Mark Morgan, Head of Mobile & Web Development said:
“iMindMap Freedom takes the iMindMap mobile apps beyond a single device. They can log in to iMindMap’s intuitive workspace on any Android tablet or phone, iPhone, iPad or any computer with an internet connection and their maps will be there waiting. This is just the beginning for Freedom. We are already working on a new Blackberry Playbook app and have some big surprises in development for the whole range.”
Highlights:
Draw branches by hand or use simple speed mapping buttons
Add weblinks and notes to branches
Tailor your maps with Freehand Branches
Insert images straight from your Gallery
Get started fast with inbuilt Templates
Get creative with the intuitive Sketch Tool
Inbuilt SmartLayout technology works in the background to keep your maps tidy
Undo/redo feature to quickly amend or alter your Mind Maps
Subscribe to iMindMap Freedom to sync maps between mobile, online and desktop
Watch this video to find out how to use brainstorming in conjunction with Mind Maps, and how to move your thinking in new directions to get past places where you get stuck in your thinking.
