E-Learning

1.       How does the tool relate to the topic of the week?

The topic of the week was E-learning. The tool we used that was related to the topic of the week was
MindMeister. MindMeister is a type of social learning environment as users can
create maps/brainstorming ideas of different topics and then can be shared with
other users. When connected to other users you can limit them to a read or edit
function this way if you are working in a group it is easy to be connected and
work on the same map together.

2.       What function does the tool serve?

MindMeister serves many tools as it is a structured learning
tool that gives users organization and structure in their maps. Maps are a web
of information that is centered around one topic and webbed out to more
specific topics as it can be used for brainstorming, paper outlines,
presentations and that is just a few. Another useful function is the option of
sharing the map to collaborate with others in a group or even share with the
public. It can be useful for group projects as everyone can go into the map and
edit information as everyone in the group can see other people’s edits instead
of emailing a project around that could get confusing. 

3.       What did you find most interesting about the
tool?

The thing I found most interesting about the tool was the option
of allowing other people into the map to let them edit the information on the
map. I know Google Docs is like this, but MindMeister seemed like more of an
option to use for presentations and outlines as it is simple and connects main
points together. I liked that it also put other users edits in a different
color that way you could actually see where they edited the map.

4.       What did you find most challenging?

I thought the tool was very easy to use. I first had an issue
figuring out how to add on branches, but the boys explained that and all was
fine. The tool was self explanatory as everything was laid out and labeled, so
it was easy to figure out how to change font size, color, add pictures and even
adding users to your map was easy.

5.       How does the tool improve or complicate communication?

I think this tool definitely improves communication as even if
one user is using it it shows how organized they are, and if a group is using
it MindMeister allows for collaboration between the group. If the group is too
busy to meet in person or if they don’t live close to each other this option
really helps as they can collaborate together and see who has what ideas as
their edits are in a different color.

6.       What is your critique of your experience?

Overall I really liked MindMeister. I think it is a good way to
stay organized for anyone that has to write papers or do projects. The tool was
easy to use and not overly complicated which is what users want. I am going to
use MindMeister for the final paper topic as I have this paper along with two
other papers due within the next few weeks and this tool will really help me
organize my papers.