How do you choose the appropriate concept mapping software or tool for your learning objectives and context?

To choose the right concept mapping software, consider complexity, audience familiarity, device compatibility, accessibility, collaboration features, and pricing, aligning your choice with your educational goals and technical needs.

A primeiro fator que impacta na escolha da ferramenta é: QUEM vai participar do mapeamento? Se o trabalho for colaborativo, é essencial que o software também seja colaborativo e de fácil acesso a todos. De preferência, uma ferramenta online, para evitar problemas de versionamento, problema muito comum em projetos desse tipo. Lembrando que o mapeamento é um MEIO, e o FIM é o conhecimento em si. Logo, a ferramenta deve servir a um propósito, não ser servida por ele. Se não for SIMPLES não será usada, ou pior: vai ser utilizada da forma errada. Simplicidade é um critério essencial na hora de escolher uma ferramenta de mapeamento conceitual.

Before embarking on concept mapping, clearly define your objectives. Determine whether you aim to brainstorm, summarize, analyze, or synthesize information. Consider if you're exploring a topic, solving a problem, or planning a project. Clarify whether you want to demonstrate understanding, communicate findings, or collaborate with others. Your purpose will shape the type and complexity of your concept maps, as well as the essential features and functions required from a concept mapping tool.

Before embarking on concept mapping, it's essential to define your goals. Clearly articulate the purpose of using concept maps. Are you aiming to brainstorm, summarize, analyze, or synthesize information? Do you seek to explore a topic, solve a problem, or plan a project? Are you looking to demonstrate understanding, communicate findings, or collaborate with others? Your objectives will influence the type and complexity of your concept maps, as well as the specific features and functionalities required from a concept mapping tool.

Before embarking on concept mapping, it's essential to define your objectives. What do you aim to accomplish? Are you brainstorming, summarizing, analyzing, or synthesizing information? Are you exploring a topic, solving a problem, or planning a project? Do you want to demonstrate understanding, communicate findings, or collaborate? Your purpose will guide the type and complexity of your concept map, as well as the features and functions required from your chosen concept mapping tool.

Simplicidade, acessibilidade e utilidade são essenciais nessa hora. - Se a ferramenta não for útil, não vai cumprir os objetivos básicos. É preciso expor conceitos-chave e permitir relações lógicas entre eles, como pertencimento e causa/efeito, por exemplo. - Se não for acessível, o time vai se confundir no mar de versões, principalmente em soluções offline. - Se não for simples, vai criar um problema a mais: além de entender o conceito analisado, é preciso entender a ferramenta. Um software que lida com conhecimento precisa ser autoexplicativo. O contrário seria muito irônico ;)

When teaching a new population, I find it helpful to A/B test concept map options to "lab test" what methods work well for the intended audience.

Consider your audience when creating concept maps. Are they intended for personal use, instructor evaluation, peer review, or a broader audience? Assess their familiarity with concept mapping and the topic being mapped. Think about how they will access, view, and interact with your maps. These considerations will influence the design and presentation of your concept maps, as well as the format and platform you select for your concept mapping tool.

Your tools must be defined by your goals. The software out there is so impressive. If you understand what you need, add those objectives to Google and let the MEA lead you to the best outcome.

The third step in selecting a concept mapping tool is to carefully compare available options and assess their alignment with your purpose and audience. The market offers a diverse range of tools, from free and basic to premium and sophisticated. Consider web-based, desktop-based, or mobile-based options, standalone or integrated software, and compatibility across multiple devices. Evaluate the range of shapes, symbols, icons, and customization features offered.

Test and evaluate the following tools: - GitMind: This tool is a free concept map maker that allows you to create concept maps with ease. It is one of the top 10 free concept map makers in 2022. - Miro: This tool’s concept map maker helps teams generate new ideas, organize information, and visualize how complex concepts connect with one another. - ClickUp: This tool is a concept map generator with an outline mode. It is one of the 10 best concept map maker software to use in 2023. ClickUp is a project management tool that helps teams stay organized and productive.