A mind map is a pictorial representation of information with a central concept at the center and related concepts branching out. It is an alternative to linear notes. Mind maps can be created by starting with a central topic in the middle of the page and branching out main themes connected to the topic with further details branching from the main themes. Relevant software for creating mind maps include Inspiration which can be installed from the Start menu and online options like MindMeister and Bubbl.us which allow creating and sharing of mind maps.

1. Study Skills Development08.09.11Rakesh PatelMarta Ulanicka

2. What is a Mind Map?A pictorial representation of information and an alternative to linear notes. A mind map will contain a central concept (or the ‘topic’) in the centre with branches to related concepts, which in turn branch off to provide further detail.

4. Mind Maps within Medicine

6. How to create a Mind Map…Use blank paper, turned sideways (landscape).Start in the centre with an image and/or word that represents the topic of the mind map.Choose the keywords or images that will represent your main themes and put each one on a line that is connected to your topic in the centre.Branch off from the main themes with points represented by keywords or images. Put each word or image on its own line.Make the words and images larger in the centre and smaller further out. Make the lines the same length as the word or the image.Keep the lines thicker in the centre, thinning out towards the edges of the mind map. This helps to show the order of your material.

7. … or in Mind Map terms:image from www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm

8. Relevant software: InspirationStart -> All Programs -> CFS Software 2 -> Select and remove software. Install from the list and load via the same route.

9. Relevant software onlineMindMeisterBubbl.usOnline mind mapping software with a range of options. With the basic account you can: create up to 3 mind maps

10. add icons, notes and links

11. share and collaborateVery simple online software for designing brainstorming diagrams. With the free account you can: create up to 3 mind mapsIf you use online softwareRemember to save and back up your work.

12. Ideas for the bloglinks to resources;anything you’ve learned which you think others would find useful;which topics you find easy and which topics you find difficult (you could set up group study sessions based on this information);ask questions;what works for you when studying (e.g. have you adopted the portfolio system? is it working for you?);set up study sessions – students only, or with Learning DevelopmentAnything else you want to share!

13. Who is admitted to the blog – your choice