Thing # 14 Flowcharts and Mind Maps

I have to begin by saying that I love flowcharts and mind maps and I was so excited to find these tools for creating them online.  First I created a flowchart at Gliffy.com.  This was very simple with easy to use to shapes and connectors, colors and fonts.  When I was done creating my flowchart, I was given the chance to to publish it on my blog or open it up for collaboration.  I chose to publish it to my blog but then realized I would have to sign up for a 30 day trial.  I would prefer to save my free trial for a later date when I will get more use out of the sight, but I did want you guys to see my creation.  I cheated a bit and took a screenshot of my flowchart:

I made this simple chart to map out the transitions in Western art history.  I could greatly enhance this chart by adding pictures and examples of the work from each era.  I could also further divide up the topics (for example, "The Twentieth Century" could be divided into Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, etc.).  This is a great starting point for my students who will need to understand these transitions.  

I also worked on a mind map at Bubbl.us  Here is a screenshot of my creation:

This map will be useful to students who are studying art history and learning to understand different artworks.  The chart maps out different questions that they should think about when encountering an artwork.  The site was fairly easy to navigate and I had a lot of fun creating this map.  Both flowcharts and mind maps will be great resources  that I can use to visually lay out information.   These will really help students understand the continuity and transitions between topics and ideas.  Students would also benefit from creating their own flowchart or mind map.  This would be a great way for them to map out concepts for themselves.  It would also let me know that they understand transition and relevance between successive topics.