Mind mapping tools continue to evolve in 2010 to better meet student needs. Recent releases include Inspiration 9 in February 2010 and MindGenius 3.5 with new Gantt view capabilities in March 2010. Student feedback indicates a desire for improved tagging, keyboard navigation, ability to focus on specific map areas, and for assistive technology to lessen difficulties and enhance learning without hampering coping strategies. Developers aim to support student tasks through new tool features and functions.

1. Mind Mapping tools move on in 2010Abi James, iansystWith the help of E.A. Draffan, University of Southampton

2. Over 20 mind mapping tools for windows… how do we focus in on what suits our students?

4. Recent developments…Inspiration v9 out Feb 10Mind Genius v3 out Oct 09,v3.5 adding Gantt views out March 10Mind Manager for Mac 8 out March 10MindView 3 for Education available in the DSA Nov 09

5. Everything is new … so is it time to think outside the box?

6. What do students really need to get out of their mind mapping tools?How do they want to use it?

7. Some comments from students…Should allow me to tag nodes…I want to tag some branches with a light bulb icon if they are ideas. I should then be able to search for all ideasKeyboard navigation & control for fast navigation & manipulation using only the keyboard (so it can be used in lectures or when information is being provided at a speed)Ability to focus on particular parts of a very large mind map (showing only things below that level, not above) = mapping program should not get in the way of the thought process

8. Assistive Technology solutions must...Lessen difficulties & provide equal accessEnhance learning‘a mismatch can hamper the students ability to use coping strategies to manage their dyslexia’ Stacy (1998)

9. What tasks can be supported by using mind mapping tools?

11. What do we need mind mapping tools to do?

13. Inspiration 9

14. MindGenius v 3.5

15. MindView

16. Mind Manager 8

17. Contact details:Abi Jamesiansyst LtdFen HouseFen RoadCambridgeCB4 1UNEmail: abi@iansyst.co.ukTel: 01223 420101Web: www.dyslexic.comwww.iansyst.co.ukwww.itspc.co.uk