Connecting the Dots

Mind maps support creative thinking because students can capture information by visually connecting short key words and phrases, instead of having to write complete sentences. “A mind map is like a CD,” says Dr. Jane Karwoski. “You can jump right to the information you’re interested in. Linear notes are like audio tapes. You waste time wading line by line through the content in hopes of getting to what you want.” Such efficient use of space means that more information can fit onto a single page or screen — and that gives students the opportunity to see how normally unconnected ideas might fit together.

Students Take Note

Because it accelerates students’ ability to capture and make sense of information, mind mapping is a regular part of Dr. Karwoski’s class. She uses the map structure to teach them how to take better notes By helping her students capture the meaning of a key paragraph in three or four words — instead of three or four sentences, Dr. Karwoski helps her students create very concise, but very content-rich, class notes.

The Perfect Study Aid

When, during the course of the semester, students turn in particularly good maps, Dr. Karwoski asks them if she can publish the maps in Web Campus, UNLV’s Blackboard® system.“ I was so thrilled to find that I had no trouble receiving and sending maps through Web Campus. I just click on the attachment, ConceptDraw MINDMAP opens up — and there’s the map.”

Manipulating Text… but in a Nice Way

One of the main reasons Dr. Karwoski was attracted to mind mapping is that it allows you to manipulate text — move it around, see what goes together, see if things might go together in new and different ways… without having to get out the scissors and glue stick.

Distinguish Yourself as a Speaker

Just as it helps her students, ConceptDraw helps Dr. Karwoski professionally. In her capacity as a speaker at psychology and learning events, mind maps help her to be organized — but not too organized. Interactive live presentations, carried out with ConceptDraw MINDMAP is the perfect solution for such purposes. Possibility to add notes just during presentation helps to teach students how to create short and informative notes.

“What I like about mind mapping is that it allows me a great deal of flexibility and spontaneity when I’m presenting. I can extemporize, because it’s easy to keep track of the main points I want to cover. That keeps my presentations fresh. … Good learning, thinking, writing, and presenting is a matter of connecting ideas. And connecting ideas is what ConceptDraw MINDMAP is all about.”