The Following Tools can be used for Mindmapping. I have included a brief description of some of the features of each tool and there are one or two examples included. Click on the name of each tool to visit its website. You can sign up for free by providing an e-mail and user name to all of the sites featured here. There are some good paid versions but I don't see the point in paying for something we can get for free!

1. Mindomo - The free basic account includes 7 Mindmaps which should be enough for most needs. There is a fairly comprehensive help section. I found the Menu a little tricky at first but very useful once I had spent a few minutes with it. Mindomo allows you to make a colourful map which can include pictures, text, video, audio and links to webpages. It has a small library of symbols so pupils will need to learn to upload own images. Students can publish in a private Folder and share maps by e-mail and control how much the recipient can edit. Alternatively they can publish in the Public Folder allowing anyone who finds the map or is given the web address to edit or view. An Example map can be viewed by clicking here. The finished map can also be printed or included in your own website.

2. 2. Mindmeister - The free basic account allows 6 mindmaps. You can export the mindmap as an image file or include it in a website or blog. I have included a live example posted in this blog below (something I couldn't do with Mindomo) There is a facility to move maps bettern Mindmeister and other mindmap software such as Freemind which may or may not appeal to you. You can't add files to the map in the free version although you can in the paid version which also allows for the maps to be created offline. You can add icons to the map, notes, and webslinks. However, the fact that you cannot add files/your own images or change the look of the mindmap are two limitations in my book. Collaborators can be invited by e-mail and quite cleverly they give a different colour for each collaborator so you can see who has done all the work. (Useful for teachers!!). The Map can be published online for viewing but doesn't allow for editing.


3. Wisemapping - This tool comes with a useful short video to explain how to use it. The maps can be easily made and are colourful although you are not able to alter the shape of the connecting lines. It is a much simpler tool than the first two which means you cannot attach files or pictures. However, you can add notes and links and you may decide that the simplicity of use outweighs the lack of features. The maps can be shared by inviting collaborators through e-mail. Alternatively it can be published online for simple viewing. The Map can also be exported as an image file or for inclusion in Freemind. It can also be printed fairly easily. Overall, I think this would be a good choice if you had a limited time and just wanted a quick map. This is an example of a map I produced. (not live)
4. Mind 42 - Free Mindmap maker with an emphasis on the collaborative. The first thing you will notice is that it has a built in Google instant messenger to aid collaboration. If you are a fan of Wikipedia there is also an option to attach an article which is quite useful. You cannot add pictures to a node but you can choose between having a text or image node. This means you can have a very graphical map but you can't have both images and text on the same node. I think this is a weakness in what is otherwise a good tool. You can add notes and hyperlinks as required. Collaborators are invited by e-mail. Alternatively the map can be published for viewing but cannot be edited by viewers. Below is an example of Mind 42 at work.
5. Text 2 Mind Map - A new tool still in development but worth a mention as slightly different from the others. This tool takes a list of words and automatically generates a map. At the minute it does not have a great deal of functionality and I was unable to save my map, however, may be worth watching to see how it develops.


6. BBC Mindmaps - These maps are part of the GCSE Bitesize revision site. They are basic but colourful and allow text and a simple icon to be added. The maps can be saved or printed. May be useful for very young children to give them the idea or a brainstorming session using an interactive whiteboard or data projector.

7. Bubble.us - This presents itself as a Brainstorming tool but as you can see from the example below it is presented in Mindmap form. Fairly easy to use although there are no images or graphics allowed. I would suggest this may be a good tool for an interactive whiteboard for an introduction or plenary session where you don't have the time to introduce graphics.



8. Recall Plus - This is a downloadable tool rather than web based. However, it has a unique feature that makes it worth looking at. Recall Plus allows the user to create a concept map with a revision test. The maps are not as sophisticated as dedicated mindmapping software, nevertheless worth looking at if you want to create flash cards for revision. Perhaps you could get your students to make the cards as a revision exercise and test each other.

9. My Webspiration - This is an online visual thinking tool. You can create diagrams, flowcharts and also change the view to present your diagram in a more traditional written document. This can be done as an individual or collaboratively with a group. My Wepspiration is the web based version of a popular web thinking tool, Inspiration. It is currently on a free beta and I would expect will eventually become a paid for tool.

10. Wisdomap - This tool produces a simple looking mindmap. What makes this tool unique is that attached media and files appear in a sidebar rather than the actual map. This works quite well and allows for quite a bit of written information to be included.

11. Dropmind - The latest tool to join the ranks of online Mindmapping tools. The end product looks very good and has all the usual attachments such as notes, hyperlinks, pictures and icons. The unique feature here is that the mindmaps can be shown in a presentation mode. I haven't had a chance to try this tool but looks worth a try.


12. Topicscape - This is a downloadable tool which is free for students so worth a look. It creates a 3D mindmap which can then be flown through in order to view your information. If your are looking for something a little different it may be worht a look.