Just a short entry today and I blame it on my latest “toy” … I am a “born again mind mapper” and have found mind mapping to be useful for everything from to do lists, meeting summaries, to developing and presenting business plans.
So when I found www.prezi.com I was delighted … software that allows you to mind map and develop presentations all at the same time!!! Have had great fun playing around and using this for presentations I have had to give as well as another tool for mind mapping. My big concern though is that like most “technology” – be it hardware or software – I will only ever use 20% of what is offered??!! But then as long as 20% gives me 80% of the benefit … good old Pareto, the 80/20 rule is such a good excuse!
Comments (4)
I've found VUE (Visual Understanding Environment) which is freely available from Tufts University http://vue.tufts.edu really helpful.
It's a Concept Mapping tool which could also be used as a mind map. It also allows you to develop presentations at the same time and attach slides to the nodes, with then the ability to have conceptual paths through presentation material should you need change or tailor for different audiences.
Doesn't have the bling presentation effects that Prezi has, but for something that's free I've found it really useful for not only sort my own ideas but to use for working through with others to clarify understanding of complicated ideas.
Posted by Adrian Grindrod | August 12, 2010 10:30 AM
Posted on August 12, 2010 10:30
Will check that out - thanks Adrian. Think Prezi has a range of options, one being free and public.
Posted by Chris Woods | August 12, 2010 9:01 PM
Posted on August 12, 2010 21:01
A similar program to VUE but with more functions (and lacking a few of VUE's) is CmapTools by the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition in Florida. CmapTools is also free.
You can keep your mind/concept map on one of their servers and also publish it on the web, and even collaborate synchronously over the web.
You can find 400 000 searchable concept maps that people have made at Cmappers Try search for "complexity" or something.
BUT even if CmapTools has a presentation tool, I use Prezi for presentations. It is unbeatable for that purpose.
Posted by Romi Rancken | August 13, 2010 5:23 AM
Posted on August 13, 2010 05:23
Thanks Romi - as far as Prezi presentations go, my challenge at the moment is to find a remote that is compatible!
Posted by Chris Woods | August 13, 2010 8:35 AM
Posted on August 13, 2010 08:35