BUBBL.US
Brainstorming,
Mind Mapping and Creativity

Address: http://bubbl.us

Bubbl.us is a Web 2.0 tool that enables users to create mind mapping and brainstorming diagrams online. To begin, the main topic/concept is entered in to the parent bubble. Then ideas and thoughts are recorded in colorful text bubbles linked to the parent bubble. Users continue to add text bubbles which are color coded according to hierarchy.

The site is simple and easy to use. The application is Flash-based so the latest Flash viewer needs to be installed.

Mind Maps

"Because mind mapping is more flexible than outlining, it encourages creativity. Displaying all related topics on the same mind map, with emphasis and connections indicated by images, symbols, and colors, improves memory retention. The maps are also easier to understand, which saves time and increases productivity.Diane Murley “Mind Mapping Complex Information”

21st Century Skills

This Web 2.0 tool can enhance creativity when brainstorming is used to explore off-the-cuff relationships.

Group brainstorming and mind mapping encourages group discussions that develop team collaboration and effective communication skills.

Critical thinking skills are cultivated when mind mapping is used to analyze the different elements of a new or complicated subject.

In the Classroom

Benefits of using bubbl.us:
Easy to use
Doesn’t require an account unless you want to save work
Helps to organize thoughts and explore relationships
Aids in generating ideas
Encourages risk taking
Encourages group discussions
Incorporates multiple intelligences

Mind mapping is a good tool for visual and kinesthetic learners. Visual learners benefit from associating ideas and concepts with images. Kinesthetic learners learn well by physically drawing their ideas.

Robert Marzano, a leading educational researcher, lists non-linguistic representations as one of his nine core strategies for improving instruction.

Non-linguistic representations include:
Creating graphic representations
Drawing pictures or pictographs
Generating mental pictures

Bubbl.us is a Web 2.0 tool that can be used for non-linguistic representations.

This application can be used as a pre- and post- topic assessment tool. Students can preview a specified topic by creating a mind map to show what they know at the beginning of a lesson. Following a lesson or teaching unit students can review the material by creating a mind map showing what they have learned.

Teachers can use these mind maps as an assessment of the information and knowledge gained by students and to identify gaps in their learning that may exist.

Here are some examples of mind maps using this site:

Triangles

Civilizations

Thanksgiving

Tutorial

Here are some tutorials to get you started:
Bubbl.us – A Web App for Teachers

Bubbl.us: brainstorming and Mind-mapping Online

Safety Concerns

Remind students not to identify themselves with their full first and last names, home address or phone number when posting their work online.

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