Concept Maps

The need to create concept maps is a staple in education. In my experience, many of the concept maps are created in one day and finished up that day or a few days later. This type of work does not necessarily warrant having expensive software or costly subscriptions to a website.   

Websites with Printables

If students have not created concept maps before, it might be beneficial to review the process ahead of time. Well crafted concept maps are not always clean works of art ready to be hung on the wall. Printable concept map outlines provide a place to start, and students can add more bubbles and lines as needed.

Graphic Organizer – Concept Map: Such a basic outline that you might even think you could have made a better one yourself.

Concept Map: A more complex template.

Websites

sketchboard.me:  This is an easy to use site. Double click to make the first bubble, type your info and drag a green dot that surrounds the bubble to make the next one. It does not make a file that can be saved on the computer, but it does create a unique website on which the mind map is stored for 30 days. The link can be accessed over and over again during that time period. Also, multiple users can work on one mind map at the same time by going to the unique web address.

bubbl.us: Another easy to use site. You can easily print out the mind maps but are unable to save them unless you create accounts.

Software

VUE – Visual Understanding Environment: A free software for Mac and PC that appears to have all the basic elements needed to make a concept map as well as many features that the higher grades can explore such as presentation and resource tools. Within a map, linking verbs are easily added by double clicking on the links, and image files can be placed onto the page in general or into a specific node. Maps can be saved as files that can be opened again in VUE or exported as PDF, JPEG, or PNG. *I have not been able to find another free option that is as simple to use and multiuser friendly as this. (Free)

iPad/iOS

(I am focusing mainly on free apps.)

Mental: If I had to pick one app to put on a class set of iPads, I would choose this one. As of the writing of this blog, the app is completely free, without ads, and not cluttered up with too many buttons. An unlimited number of mind maps can be created within the app. Also, it prompts users to insert linking words between the bubbles – something the other completely free apps do not do. (Free)

Idea Sketch: This app would be my second choice. It does not have limits on how many maps can be created. Maps are easy to make; however, the lines connecting bubbles tend to be curved which may make them appear messy and overly confusing. In addition, the bubbles are small and some of the movements necessary to create and edit a map may require dexterity. The entire map can be viewed or even edited in an outline view. (Free version)

Inspiration Maps Lite: The free version currently allows for only five maps to be created at a time and puts a permanent advertisement to update at the bottom of the screen. Features of this app that stand out are the built in templates and the ability to turn the map into an outline. Export options include only emailing or printing. (Free version)

SimpleMind: I like this app because it is really easy to add bubbles to the map, there are no ads, and the free version allows for an unlimited number of mind maps. What I do not like in the free version is that you are unable to add linking verbs between the bubbles, connect a bubble to more than one other bubble, or easily export your map.  (Free or $5.99)

Total Recall: I am not recommending this app because only three mind maps can be created at a time in the free version and the interface is not intuitive and may require extra time to learn. (Free version)