Further to my earlier post on assistive technology for dyslexia this is a review of MindView AT, considering the ease of use; compatibility with other technologies and implications for users. Also discovering if this can support students, with dyslexia in higher education, to plan and complete essays, reports and presentations. This is what the software states can be achieved.
Brainstorm, Organise and Present Your Ideas!
MindView AT for education ( Match Ware 2019) “is mind mapping software it is a comprehensive visual learning tool designed to support the student in developing and presenting ideas visually and then export into several different formats (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.). MindView is based on the proven mind mapping theory (Buzan 1994) and enhances creativity, clarifies thinking and improves understanding of the subject at hand for an essay report or presentation”.
Buzan’s (1994) theory on mind mapping emphasises that learning occurs during the creation of mind maps. Whilst, a study with nursing students, transitioning from didactic to practical learning, carried out by Boley (2008) also, shows that these students benefited from instructor-made mind maps. Whilst this was not explored further, it could have been the Hawthorn effect, because they knew they were in an experimental group, so the motivation was effectively to increase performance (Mayo 1949).
However, whilst I did not take much convincing that mind maps are creative and useful, because I have used them before in business studies as a tool, other students may not be aware of the concept. When I created mind maps it this was before they became digital, so involved pen and paper! Then copy and transfer to a word document which was time consuming. Thus, training for students is vital to use the mind mapping tool effectively.
Here is my creation on MindView AT.
Start with main topic and add branches and sub branches. Add in attachments hyperlinks and text. Then add numbering and export to word etc. Note that the word document will read the mind map clock wise (see ribbon tools).
Below is the word document produced from the mindmap above.
This is very responsive and easy to use. Compatible with word and Power Point. Once exported to the word document it will include the weblinks, notes, pictures and attachments. The document can be easily edited, populated and the essay completed by the student. This can also be edited with with Dragon Speak, another assitive tool I will review. The MindView AT is a fantastic tool and would be very useful for dyslexic students (given the training).
Key Points to Note
- Mind Mapping is a powerful note-taking method.
- Highlights important facts and overall structure of a subject with the relative importance of individual parts.
- Supports creativity making connections between ideas, helping problem solving.
- To use Mind Maps effectively, capitalise headings, use different colours plus, add symbols and images. Mind Tools (2019)
Combining this method of mind mapping to create an essay plan with MindView is very helpful for dyslexic students.
References
Buzan, T., (1994) The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain’s Untapped Potential. New York, NY: Penguin Group; [Online] Available at Tony Buzan Accessed 5-3-19
Mayo, E., (1949) Hawthorne and the Western Electric Company, The Social Problems of an Industrial Civilisation, Routledge, London.
Match Ware (2019). MindView AT – The Only Truly Assistive Mind Mapping Tool . [Online] Available at Match Ware Accessed 5-3-19
Mind Tools (2019) Mind Maps: A Powerful Approach to Note Taking. [Online] Avaliable at Mind Tools Accessed 5-3-19