I thought it would be interesting to end this little blog series with two more Web 2.0 app reviews (though I am sure there are other apps I have missed) and a couple of odd and end resources I discovered during my research.

Mindmeister is a Web 2.0 app that offers a number of options similar to many of those I have interviewed over the last couple of days. An added feature I found in this particular application is the ability to import a .txt file and turn it into a map. I experimented with this feature and found that the best imports occurred when I imported .txt files created in Notepad. I typed one word or phrase per line and indented the various levels prior to saving and importing. The import was pretty impressive. This product also allows a teacher or individual to assign various parts of the map to individuals with a start and due date function (great for building a collaborative overview of a book or concept…you could assign each chapter of a book to one or two individuals in a class, for example). In addition, the product allows students to work on a map collaboratively and you can attach web addresses and notes to a node. Unfortunately, the attachment features is only available in the pro version at an additional cost. The product also allow you to export the image for display on a website or as a .pdf printed handout. You can also export your concept/mind maps in .jpeg format (read further down my post for a great .jpeg idea).

I question whether I should share this concept mapping application as the developers recently closed access to the beta version. However, this product was my favorite application (I have been one of the beta testers): MyWebspiration. The product is very similar to the software version of Inspiration with the added benefit of collaboration and online chatting. You can sign up to be notified when this application will be open to users again at the MyWebspiration website.

If you use Inspiration or Kidspiration you can export your mindmaps in .jpeg format. At least three of the Web 2.0 applications I have reviewed also allow you to export your graphic organizers/mindmaps in .jpeg format as well: , Mind42.com, Mindmeister, and WiseMapping.com. Once you have saved a map in .jpeg format, go to the Block Posters site. The Block Posters site is a free site that will let you upload any image file (so this strategy would also work with your photographs and clipart also) to enlarge and turn your image/map into a poster size of your choosing. You won’t believe how easy it is to enlarge, print, and piece together a super-sized graphic organizer/image!

As I wrap up this series of graphic organizer posts I would like to leave you with a very inspiring mindmap created by artist/writer Austin Kleon. Please take time to visit Austin’s blog to learn more about his mindmapping technique and to view some more of his inspiring works of art/writing.

Tags: Concept Maps, generator, Graphic Organizer, Web 2.0

Category: Farr-Out In-"Sites", Fun & Fanciful!, Integration Muse, Web 2.0 Wonders