How to Make a Concept Map Online

Concept maps provide an outlet to organize brainstorming sessions.

Make a concept map online to organize information into manageable and productive collections. Online mind mapping sites provide ways to create a concept map. While concept maps bear similarities to Mind Map, a registered trademark, concept map users organize "universally recognized" concepts rather than producing visual symbols of their own ideas, according to RecallPlus, an online map diagramming site. With a little practice, you will find that concept maps can help you clarify issues of any type. The online tools offer simple ways to step outside of the thinking box.

Instructions

1. Begin a concept map with a universally recognized idea or set of ideas instead of visual symbols that only have meaning to you. For example, if you want to make a concept map for a career goal, begin with the idea, "Writing Career Goals."

2. Open an online concept map session. Use the online concept map tools to begin brainstorming. Websites such as Bubbl.us provide tools to make a concept map as basic or as complex as necessary.

3. Place the central concept image—a bubble or other box—anywhere on the page. If you want to create a concept map with attached concepts surrounding the central box, try placing the first box in the center of the working page.

4. Title the first concept box. Use a recognizable term or phrase that clearly describes the main point of the map. If you are working through a family problem, for example, title the first box, "Mom's illness."

5. Choose a color for each concept box. Use color to add symbolism for concepts. If, for example, your mom's favorite color is blue, consider coloring a "Mom" concept box blue.

6. Add concept boxes to the first box and to added concept boxes. Follow the same procedure, naming and editing each box with recognizable ideas. Add a box to "Mom's illness" labeled "Emotions," for example.

7. Connect concepts to appropriate boxes. Attach concepts, such as "Fear" and "Anger," to an "Emotions" concept.

Tips & Warnings

• The website Bubbl.us gives users the option to select paper and to export as a image, as XML and as HTML types.

• Keep concept maps dynamic, adding and/or changing ideas as life situations and information change.

References

• Recall Plus: Mind Maps® and Concept Maps
• Bubbl.us: Free Web Application for Brainstorming Online

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Think: Free Mind Mapping Web App