Over the past couple of days I have shared and reviewed reproducible graphic organizers, generators that can be used to create simple concept maps, and Web 2.0 applications that make it easy to create concept/mind maps. Today I am going to continue my review of Web 2.0 applications that support concept maps (also referred to as graphic organizers and mind maps).

Exploratree is a free web resource that is actually a combination generator/creator. This application makes it easy to download, use and make your own interactive thinking guides. Exploratree provided a set of 30+ ready-made guides which you can print out or use online. All of the guides are completely customizable or you can start from scratch and make your own. You can share them and work on them collaboratively and link to them as well. Watch the instructional video to learn about the application…initially I was put off by the Create It view and I can tell you from experience you will definitely want to switch to the Show It view before you print any of the organizers.

Mindomo is another impressive and versatile Web-based mind mapping tool. Like the other Web 2.0 applications I have shared, it delivers the capabilities of desktop mind mapping software in a Web browser – with no software to install or maintain. The product is robust and intuitive. In addition to adding links, notes, symbols, attachments, and images to your mindmaps you can also add video…very impressive. In addition, the formatting of your maps is simple and as easy as dragging and dropping. The formatting menu is very similar to Microsoft menus. The free version of the application allows you to create 7 private maps and unlimited public maps and the free version of Mindomo does not provide secure access to the Mindomo server (this means your username and password are transmitted via the Internet, and other users could have access to your account).You can create, edit mind maps, and share them with your colleagues or your friends. Users have the option of upgrading their free account to a premium version that is advertisement free. Users can also download and use a desktop version of this application that Mcan be deployed to your desktop and run across operating systems. The desktop version allows you to work on your mind maps offline or when your internet connection is not available, but for free users only those maps opened from the Mindomo Server can be saved locally. This is a very impressive mindmapping application….give it some time and explore it in depth as you consider all it has to offer.

There are a number of additional Web 2.0 applications that are designed to create mindmaps, but many of them now charge a fee or have severely limited their free versions to the point that I did not feel I could recommend them. I suspect that many of the tools I have shared with you over the past couple of days may also begin to charge a fee, but at this time they are free and fun and they offer great collaborative opportunities and interactivity for your students.