Text2MindMap Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Tool

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Name of the Web 2.0 Tool:   Text2MindMap

URL of the Tool: www.text2mindmap.com

Please select the one, primary category for this tool: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Tool

Please describe this tool in your own words (a minimum of 150-250 words).

Text2MindMap is a creative web application tool that allows the user to type out words in a very simple to use format that then creates mind maps in a window for download and inclusion in presentations or learning materials.  The main concept of the tool it to allow the user to type the main categories as well as subcategories that creates a very easy-to-read and understand mind map for the student or other audience.  The easy and ability of developing a mind map from a simple outline would be very useful in a variety of contexts and teaching opportunities.

Download and install a program or plug-in for the tool to work properly?

The tool does not require that the user install a program or download a plug-in.  The user can also download their mind map into a PDF or picture for inclusion in presentations or teaching materials.

What do you need to know before using this tool? (What skills do you need to have?)

Overall, this is a very simple-to-use tool that anyone could likely figure out after one or a few tries.  The user only needs the ability to create an outline for the tool to effectively work and then type the information in using the proper indentation (in order to lump the main concept and subcategories together properly).  This is a very easy to use application..

What do you need to have before using this tool?

To effectively use the tool users need to either have a pre-developed outline of the intended mind map or they can enter the free-text in the box to the left of the mind map window as they are developing their map. 

How do you use this tool? (Write the basic steps using a numbered list)

1. Visit www.text2mindmap.com

2. Begin typing the outline using the simple format already provided in the tool:

3. Once the outline has been developed, click on “Draw Mind Map” and the system will automatically develop the users mind map that is editable, based on the information entered.

4. At any time during the development of the mind map, the user can edit the information in the left text column or move the mind map boxes around the screen and click on “Draw Mind Map” again, creating a more manageable window that is easy for user to understand.

5. The user can also modify the position, font, color, and lines that coincide with the mind map figure by clicking on the Options tab in the text formatting area of the tool.

8. In order to share the finished product, the user must choose either to save as a PDF or PNG file, but can also be shared via email Facebook or Twitter.

Locate or create your own example of an educational resource created with this tool

Please describe a scenario of how you might use this tool in a teaching environment.

This tool would be very useful in a teaching environment because it allows the instructor to put the information into very easy to follow outline format for students.  For my own example, I created a mind map of the individual residency and fellowship training programs at our institution that can be shared with others as they try to understand the type of residency or fellowship and the category under which they fall.  This could be a very useful concept for instructors to use and to categorize information in a way that the learner can use it as an enduring reference.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using this tool in a formal or informal teaching environment?

Advantages: free, no sign-up or downloads required, very user-friendly, simple format for entering the outline information, the ability to see the mind map and make changes before finalizing, ability to save and share the finished mind map with much ease and in several formats, ability to change options easily

Disadvantages: must have outline prepared or the ability to prepare an outline on the fly

Would you recommend this Web 2.0 tool to others, or suggest that they explore a different tool?

I would highly recommend this tool to anyone interested in creating mind maps for either learners or individuals that need to convey outlines in a very visible way to better understand how different concepts and categories connect.  I could see use of this tool in a variety of teaching and learning environments and the ease of use creates a fun tool to play around with until the perfect mind map is created.