Both mind mapping and flow charts are easy to use and to set up for personal and group projects. I chose Bubble.us for mind mapping, and I really liked the simplicity of the program. It was very easy to construct a chart using the colored bubbles and arrows. I quickly put together a diagram of triangle types, and I think that Bubble.us is a good visual aid to use in the classroom when presenting new concepts– especially to break down a more complex topic into smaller teachable components. It is a simple but very effective way to organize thoughts and brainstorm, both on individual assignments as well as on collaborative research. The mind mapping tools organize and connect ideas to a central topic, whereas the flow charts link material in a sequence – so that the ideas “flow” in the natural order. I tried to use the Flow Charts program, and it kept locking up on my computer, so I selected Gliffy to create a flow chart for my research paper on dyscalculia. Gliffy is easy to navigate, and I was able to set up my outline in no time at all. The Gliffy flow chart provided good visuals and enabled me to easily organize my ideas for my paper. Both programs also have “share” features, which are essential for group projects and collaboration. I think that mind maps tools are great for brainstorming, and the colorful graphics can be used to enhance any course material. I like the flow charts for outlining, and I think that they can be adapted for any subject to teach procedures, to conduct research, and to design lesson plans. Wonderful tools! 
Both mind mapping and flow charts are easy to use and to set up for personal and group projects. I chose Bubble.us for mind mapping, and I really liked the simplicity of the program. It was very easy to construct a chart using the colored bubbles and arrows. I quickly put together a diagram of triangle types, and I think that Bubble.us is a good visual aid to use in the classroom when presenting new concepts– especially to break down a more complex topic into smaller teachable components. It is a simple but very effective way to organize thoughts and brainstorm, both on individual assignments as well as on collaborative research. The mind mapping tools organize and connect ideas to a central topic, whereas the flow charts link material in a sequence – so that the ideas “flow” in the natural order. I tried to use the Flow Charts program, and it kept locking up on my computer, so I selected Gliffy to create a flow chart for my research paper on dyscalculia. Gliffy is easy to navigate, and I was able to set up my outline in no time at all. The Gliffy flow chart provided good visuals and enabled me to easily organize my ideas for my paper. Both programs also have “share” features, which are essential for group projects and collaboration. I think that mind maps tools are great for brainstorming, and the colorful graphics can be used to enhance any course material. I like the flow charts for outlining, and I think that they can be adapted for any subject to teach procedures, to conduct research, and to design lesson plans. Wonderful tools! 
