A mind map is a diagram that organizes words, ideas, and images hierarchically to gain fresh perspectives. It can be used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas as an aid for study, organization, problem solving, and decision making. Brainstorming involves uncritically jotting down as many possible solutions to a problem as possible, prioritizing quantity over quality of ideas. Mind maps mix words and images in a loose and flexible process, allowing the whole picture to be glimpsed, unlike simple lists. Different types of mind maps include hand drawn, on mobile devices, and on computers using apps like MindNode.

1. IDEAS DO GROW ON TREES
Mindmaps as a Visual Structure for Brainstorming

2. MindNode App for the iPhone

3. WHAT IS A MINDMAP?
A mind map is a diagram
used to organized words,
ideas, and images, in a
holistic, hierarchical form in
order to gain fresh
perspectives.
✴Mind maps are used to
generate, visualize, structure,
and classify ideas, and as an
aid in study, organization,
problem solving, and decision

4. WHAT IS
BRAINSTORMING?
A generative flow state, in which the goal is to
uncritically jot down as many possible solutions to a
problem as possible.
Quantity of ideas matters much more than quality of
ideas.
Richness over Rightness

5. MAPS VS
LISTS
Rather than just making a
list of numerous ideas
during brainstorming, a
mindmap mixes words
and images in a loose and
flexible process, that also
allows one to glimpse the
whole picture.

6. TYPES OF MINDMAPS

7. Hand Drawn

8. MindNode on the iPhone

9. Adding images with MindNode Pro on a Mac

10. Email a PDF with a
Hyperlinked Mindmap

11. STUDENTS CAN EXPLORE THE
ADVANTAGES OF EACH TYPE OF
MAPPING
•Use anywhere
Mobile Device •Simple
•Easy export to computer
•More complex explorations
Computer •Easily add images
•Create Hyperlinked maps
•Free and loose
Hand Drawn •All you need is a pencil
•Sketch, or collage in images

12. MINDMAP HOW TO...
1. Draw an oval, with a key term.
2. Draw curving limbs radiating out
from the oval.
3. In block letters, write a single word
flowing along each limb.
4. Bifurcation: Add smaller branches
forking out from limbs.
5. Use lots of color.

13. WHAT CAN YOU DO
WITH A MINDMAP?
Brainstorm efficiently.
Discover patterns and relationships
between ideas.
Map a learning experience.
Plan a presentation.
Create a visual, hierarchical, holistic
document with links to provide more
detail on demand.

14. FORCING EXPANSIVE
THINKING
Adding blank nodes to a Mindmap establishes a
quota of ideas for each branch of a subject.

17. LINKS
Apps Books
Mindnode.com (free, pro, The MindMap Book
and iOS versions)
Mapping Inner Space
iMindMap (Tony Buzan, inc.)
Freemind (open, complex, a
bit slow)
ThinkingSpace (Android)

18. Michael Kieley
http://LearnVisualThinking.com
http://EdTechExplore.wordpress.com

19. N E G AT I V E T H I N K I N G
+
S W I T C H O F F A N A LY S I S
With generative / lateral thinking one
does not have to be right at every step.

20. CHANCE INTRUSIONS

21. IDEAS DO GROW ON TREES
Mindmaps as a Visual Structure for Brainstorming