Mind+42

Description
 [|Mind 42] (pronounced //mind for-two//) is free online-based mind mapping tool that can allow anyone to graphically brainstorm, synthesize and organize ideas or concepts alone or in collaboration with more than one person. A [|mind map] is a diagram used to illustrate elements that represent words, ideas, and tasks. These elements are arranged around a central concept or key idea. Each element can be represented by images, symbols and colors that can be arranged in a hierarchal or tree branch format. Mind 42 is a web application, therefore it requires no software installation and all one needs is a web browser to launch the application. According to IRIAN, the company that introduced Mind 42, it is //“// // a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) mind-map editor” // that supports zooming, drag and drop, copy and paste, and keyboard shortcuts. It behaves like a desktop application in a web-based environment.

History of Mind Mapping

 * The earliest use of mind maps go way back to the 3rd century from [|Porphyry Malchus of Tyre] (223 - 309 AD), a Phoenician mathematician, who graphically visualized the concept categories of Aristotle.
 *  Philosopher [|Ramon Llull] (1232 – June 29, 1315 ), a Spanish philosopher used mind maps for “ Tree of Knowledge" and "The Tree of the Philosophy of Love" to enlighten the dark ages.
 *  [|Leonardo da Vinci] (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) have been using images and have been taking notes in a non linear way and is often referred to as a forebear of mind mapping.
 * The concept of [|sematic networks], developed by [|Alan M. Collins] in the late 1950’s and 1960’s by M. Ross Quillian, were used as a way to graphically understand and describe learning and creativity and functions of the human brain. Collins was credited as the father of the modern mind map.
 *  In the 1970’s [|Tony Buzan] popularized the mind mapping concept through his books and speaking appearances. He claimed that mind mapping is more useful than the ‘traditional’ outlines that forces readers to read left to right up and down while readers actually reads in a non linear fashion.
 * With the advent of personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s and its advancements that includes introduction of [|Web 2.0], various mind mapping software tools, such as [|Mindmeister] and [|Mindjet], have become widely available.
 * In 2007, IRIAN Solutions started Mind 42 as a free Web 2.0 mind mapping tool.

Impact on Teaching and Learning
With the many advantages and features that Mind 42 offers, teachers can utilize mind mapping as a very powerful learning tool for students. Teachers can illustrate concepts and ideas graphically that would be huge benefit for students who are visual learners. Images, symbols, colors and links could easily be added for an effective visual learning experience. Each node or element could be moved around by simply dragging and dropping to a desired node or space. The collaboration feature and user-friendly user interface would allow teachers to simultaneously edit mind maps with students especially during class. Finally, the fact that Mind 42 is a free and could be used on any computer with Internet access via web browser, students can work anywhere and access a mind map that was previously worked on.
 * Practical Applications**

Along with illustrating illustrating concepts and ideas, Mind 42 could be also used for:
 * Problem Solving
 * Note Taking
 * Brainstorming Ideas
 * Illustrating Workflow
 * Demonstration**

Resources

 * [|Mindmeister: About History of Mind Mapping]
 * [|Widipedia: Mind Map]
 * [|IRIAN Homepage]
 * [|Mind 42: About]
 * [|Mind 42: Mind 42 In General]


 * External Links**


 * []
 * []

About the Author
Frank Jumawan, is a student of the Educational Technology MEd program at the University of Hawaii.