Flowcharts have been around a long time, just not in computer form. Authors, scientist, and inventors have recorded their ideas on napkins and scraps of paper for years. Speakers today have the advantage of charting connected information or talking points into easily followed formats. Arrows or lines demonstrate relationships between facts presented to audiences, so they can easily follow the speaker’s train of thoughts. Unlike bulleted points, flowcharts clearly trace information from its source through all connecting data presented. Flowcharts have a beginning, connections, an ending and can easily be reviewed at a later time. They are used to symbolically explain complicated processes. Each step of the process is represented by different shapes and contains further information on the subject. Flowcharts allow instant understanding of a process without an in depth discussion of the subject. Flowcharts can be designed with hyperlinks, so further details can be added.
Unlike flowcharts moving from start to finish, mind maps usually provide information in a clockwise manner with cross-referencing radial branches. They allow speakers to keep track of where they are during their presentations and commit more information to memory. Mind maps are designed to assist the speaker more so than the audience. Mind maps are excellent study guides, because they focus on a central topic and allow the creator a chance to organize his thoughts. They are great to use during brainstorming sessions, since mind maps do not list items in preferential order. Many times, mind maps are used to condense information into a concise memorable structure. They are useful for graphically organizing data and depicting directly related information through branches off the main topic.
To make my mind map, I chose to use MindMeister because it allowed free access for a limited number of applications. It was easily accessed and user friendly for a novice like myself. Once I chose the topic and connecting concepts, all that remained was the typing. A student could use this software to make a study guide, but I do not foresee having any additional need for this tool.
To make my flowchart, I employed Gliffy. This graphic organizer will be used in my after-school science class to teach the scientific method of doing research. Also, this program will be useful in writing future research papers and power points.
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