What’s a mind map?

Why are we learning this technique?

Mind maps make you think in a different way than standard note taking. Often when you are finished with your mind map, you see your project, class or research from a different vantage point, thus having a more complete picture of what you are working with. It jogs your creativity and helps you to avoid linear thinking. By turning your information (notes/ideas/research) into a visual representation, it will allow you to analyze, understand and remember the information better by engaging your brain both artistically and analytically. When mind mapping, your brain takes the information in a more understandable fashion than with standard note taking. Don’t be surprised if you begin to come up with new ideas as you mind map, as well as once you have finished your mind map.

Information in a mind map begins with your central idea, in my sample, I start with Art Deco as my central theme. From there I add anything that reminds me of that era, and each new topic begets another topic and so on. Because we will be making our mind maps online, using Coggle,you will also be able to add photos and links to web pages, videos etc. Don’t be afraid of color, photos, drawings and symbols (there are some symbols built in that you can add if you like them.) Don’t fret if you don’t consider yourself an artist. This isn’t about artistry, rather, it’s a visual tool that helps your brain think. Keep your topics as short as possible as you add them, less is more here.

To begin with, watch my overview video on using Coggle and Padlet.

Steps for This Week’s Mind Map (10 points)

  1. After you have finished all of this week’s readings and watched all of the videos, brainstorm a bit and pick a subject/topic that was mentioned that you’d like to reseach futher. Dive into the research first to gain additional information/ideas, save some websites and find some photos/drawings to use.

  2. Be sure you have watched the overview video above.

  3. Create your Coggle account and begin creating your mind map, working from the center outwards.

  4. Your mind map should contain:

  • A minimum of six topics in addition to the central theme.

  • Each topic should have at least three sub-topics attached.

  • Please have at least two photos per topic (although the more the merrier).

  • Please add at least two links within your mind map.

  • Add your link to the Padlet on the next page of this lesson (see the click through below or link under Course Lessons at the top of the page) as shown in the overview video.

Coggle Help & Privacy

Curious to see my Coggle about Art Deco up close?You’ll find it here.(And yes, I did correct the spelling of Louis Armstrong since the filming!)

Happy Coggling!