Mind Mapping -

I tend to be more of a visual learner and can memorize things once I’ve seen them so I really liked this exercise. I do scribble down notes throughout the day but more of a conglomerate of lists, my version of mind maps, but without the fancy colors and images. They are nothing compared to the images of mind maps on the Internet, next to a few of those mine look a little pathetic. I did spruce mine up a little for this exercise ;). Below are two of favorite examples:



from: indyish.com/how-art-creates-mind-and-reality/



from: techknowtools.wordpress.com/.../mind-map-it-out/

I did a mind map on Photography, one of my hobbies. Below is my pen and ink version. Since this was really my first mind map, I had to do it 4 times! I kept messing up or not leaving enough room for some of my branches.


I had never used mind-mapping software. I chose to try out iMindMap. It is really awesome and super easy to use. It does all the work for you; a few moves with the mouse and enter in your ideas and you are done. It was much easier to do a mind map using this software than on pen and paper. You don’t have to worry about planning what your map will look like because you can quickly change your branches. There are a lot of in-depth features that I didn’t use but if I do another one of these on the future I’ll add pictures and stuff. Below is my digital version:


I can see many benefits to using mind mapping for instructional design. One is that you can make a branch for each type of learning style and then expand off of each one with benefits, disadvantages and ways to implement that style into the class room. Another benefit is that it will help the instructor to come up with creative ways to adjust their lesson plan to fit the needs of the class. Mind mapping is also a great tool for visual learners, teachers can use mind maps for teaching the lesson, and it is more fun than looking at a board with list of information. Creating a mind map while teaching a lesson is a good way to get the class to participate and to learn from one another.