Free Tools for Concept Maps

Concept mapping is a proven method in which ideas, concepts, data, and other information are associated with images and represented graphically. Mapping helps students improve academic performance and success across the curriculum. A concept map is a way of representing or organizing knowledge by showing relationships that exist between concepts. The map illustrates how students’ knowledge is organized and helps identify the way they think and see relationships between topics.

Concept mapping software is an outstanding tool that students can rely upon to plan, research, andConcept mapping software is an outstanding tool that students can rely upon to plan, research, and complete projects successfully. complete projects successfully. With concept mapping software, students can create graphic organizers and expand topics into writing. This powerful combination encourages learning in multiple modes. Students can develop essential learning strategies while creating graphic organizers to visually represent concepts and relationships. Teachers can also use concept mapping to plan out their course curriculum and to help students develop their critical thinking skills.

Inspiration is popular visual learning software that can help students visualize, think, organize and learn. The program is also very simple to use and requires little know-how. However, there are other concept mapping tools that are available for free and just as simple to use. Each tool has its benefits as well as limitations. So, please test these tools prior to assigning them to students.

The first tool is available online and provides easy-to-use templates for teachers and students to manipulate according to specific needs. This online tool is available at http://www.spicynodes.org. SpicyNodes strongly advocates using what they refer to as “nodemaps” to encourage educators to add nodemaps to their teaching toolbox. For this purpose, SpicyNodes has built and maintains a gallery of nodemaps created by the SpicyNodes community that enable authors to showcase information.

Another online tool is called Bubbl.us [https://bubbl.us/beta]. This tool allows anyone to create a concept map online easily and quickly. The tool’s graphics are simple in that the nodes are only in the form of “bubbles,” and not in any other form or image. Furthermore, once a user subscribes to this site, Bubbl.us provides users with a Print and Export option, as well as the ability to save the maps to their accounts.

Another free concept mapping tool is called CmapTools [http://cmap.ihmc.us/conceptmap.html]. CmapTools is used worldwide in all domains of knowledge and by users of all ages to graphically express their understanding. One benefit of CmapTools is that the software program is free for use by anybody, whether the use is for commercial or non-commercial purposes. In particular, schools and universities are encouraged to download and install the program on as many computers desired. Students and teachers may also make copies of the program and install them at home.

There are a few more free concept mapping tools available out there. But, these three are a good way to begin exploring the benefits of concept mapping. Happy mapping!