Post # 14

For the Flowchart, I used Gliffey. I found it pretty easy to use. There are a lot of shapes to use and they are easy to move around, there are a also a lot of color options. One problem that I did have was that I found it hard to erase. I did like that you do not have to register with the site, so it is one less username and password to have to remember.

As a new user to both Mindmeister and bubbl.us I like Mindmeister the best. I felt it had a lot more features. Mindmeister has a great tutorial that it starts with that makes it very easy to use. Some of the features I like are that it is easy to add notes and web links onto the map, and it has a playback feature, so you can watch the map being made, one idea at a time. In addition, it is easy to find images to add to the mind map, there is a large selection provided under the images tab, or you can search the web with a feature on the website, and easily upload the image into the map. Also on Mindmeister it is easy to share work with others, and you can collaborate in real time.

Between flowcharts and mind maps I found mind maps easier to use. It was hard for me to understand the difference between flowcharts and mind maps, the biggest difference that I found between the two is that flowcharts are for presenting a sequence and mind maps are best for laying out ideas and connecting thoughts and and putting them on paper.

Both flowcharts and mind maps could be used in a number of different ways, in explaining different concepts to class or teachers could use them when brainstorming ideas together.