Mindmapping resources

I have previously blogged about mindmapping resources, but I find that I have not really become comfortable or adept at using it productively. If you are interested in learning more or discovering resources available, there is a great summary and table by Robin Good. He writes:

Here below the set of key basic characteristics that I have utilized to compare these selection tools to draw your own mindmaps, so that you can easily find the best fit for your needs:

1. Price: Evaluate if you prefer a free service or a more complete solution with additional features.
2. Software / Web-based: Specifies if you can use the tool inside your browser or you have to download and install a software on your hard-disk.
3. Platform: Check if you can run the service on your operating system.
4. Free trial: Indicates if the service allows you to evaluate it for free during a limited period.
5. Collaborative working: Not all mind mapping services allows you to collaborate in real-time with your teammates. Find the ones that does.

There is also a more extensive list of resources but with less commentary provided by Jane Hart.

Mindmapping

I'm still trying to figure out if "mindmapping" is a useful tool for me and for my students. I've noted a few mindmapping programs before here and here, especially in connection with diagramming sentences. Here is a good introduction to the topic with links to a number of mindmapping tools and a rather thorough review of MindMeister. One of the main issues that is emerging in this field is the degree to which mindmapping is valuable as a collaborative tool. Is the point to show others how you personally envision a topic? Or is the greatest advantage in having others work together to envision a topic? In light of my field of work, I'm trying to think of ways that it will help in biblical studies. Maybe I should create a mindmap and have you all sort it out... Wikipedia does have a decent survey article on the topic of mindmapping, and it links to another article on the similar, but significantly different, topic of concept mapping.

Some options:

• Check out this list of mindmapping tools.
  
• Another free online tool that has recently become available is Wisdomap. I do like the idea of separating but keeping available more info apart from the map in articles and links. (Free account allows for 3 maps. HT: Jane's) Also check Mindomo which has a very rich interface, and you can use it as a collaborative tool. (Free account allows for 7 maps, but it is ad-supported.)
• UPDATE: In the comments, Judi points to "View Your Mind." Here is what a project looks like. Do note that is only available for Linux and Mac OS X. Thanks, Judi.
  

If anyone has made good use of mindmapping tools in their own work or in the classroom, especially in the area of biblical studies, please share some links for us.