WEEK 5 - Mind-Mapping

Do you know what is the meaning of Mind Mapping? 

Why everybody say that mind mapping is very useful?

Don't worry.....Let me explain with you.....

Meaning of Mind Mapping ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

     A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word on text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches. Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, other items related to a central key word or idea.

     Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as " rough notes " during a lecture or meeting, for exmaple, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. An example of a rough mind map is illustrated. 

   

     Other terms for this diagramming style are : " spider diagrams ", " spidergrams ", " spidergraphs ", " webs ", " mind webs ", or " webbing " and " idea sun bursting ".

Origin :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

     Diagrams that visually map information using branching and radial maps trace centuries. These pictorial methods record knowledge and model systems, and a long history in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists, and others. Some of the earlier examples of such graphical records were developed by Porphyry of Tyros, a noted thinker of the 3rd century, as he graphically visualized the concept categories of Aristotle. Philosopher Ramon Llull ( 1235 - 1315 ) also used such techniques.

     The semantic network was developed in the late 1950s as a theory to understand human learning and developed further by Allan M. Collins and M. Ross Quillian during the early 1960s.

Guidelines for creating a Mind Map ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colours.

2. Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your mind map.

3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.

4. Each word/image is best alone and sitting on its own line.

5. The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and thinner as they radiate out from the centre.

6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image they support.

7. Use multiple colours throughout the mind map, for visual stimulation and also to encode or group.

8. Develop your own personal style of mind mapping.

9. Use emphasis and show associations in your mind map.

10. Keep the mind map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

***** This list is itself more concise than a prose version of the same information and the mind map of these guidelines is itself intended to be more memorable and quicker to scan than either the prose or the list.

Uses :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

     As with other diagramming tools, mind maps can be used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid to studying and organizing information, solving problems, making decisions, and writing.

     Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, educational, and business situations, including note taking, brainstorming ( wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved fr later stages ), summarizing, as a mnemonic technique, or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also promoted as a way to collaborate in colour pen creativity sessions. 

Mind Map can be used for :--

==> Problem solving

==> Outline / framework design

==> Structure / relationship representations

==> Anonymous collaboration

==> Marriage of words and visuals

==> Individual expression of creativity

==> Condensing material into a concise and memorable format

==> Team building or synergy creating activity

==> Enhancing work morale

*****Data retrieved from mind maps can be used to enhance several other applications, for instance*****

          expert search systems, search engines and search and tag query recommender. To do so, 

          mind maps can be analysed with classic methods of information retrieval to classify a mind map

          's author or documents that are linked from within the mind map.

Differences from others visualizations ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Concept maps :-- mind maps differ from concept maps in that mind maps focus on only one word or idea, 

whereas concept maps connect multiple words or ideas. Also, concept maps typically have text labels on their connecting lines / arms. Mind maps are based on radial hierarchies and tree structures denoting relationships with a central governing concept, whereas concept maps are based on connections between concepts in more diverse patterns. However, either can be part of a larger personal knowledge base system.

Modelling graphs :-- There is no rigorous right or wrong with mind maps, relying on the arbitrariness of 

mnemonic systems. A UML diagram or a semantic network has structured elements modelling relationships, with lines connecting objects to indicate relationship. This is generally done in black and white with a clear and agreed iconography. Mind maps serve a different purpose: they help with memory and organization. Mind maps are collections of words structured by the mental context of the author with visual mnemonics, and through the use of colour, icons and visual links, are informal and necessary to the proper functioning of the mind map.

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