Thing 14 Mind Maps - Where's my mind? My mind was somewhere else.

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS NOT A WASTE OF TIME (OR MONEY)- READ ON!! Thing 14 task is to explore mind map and flowchart software. In my experiences (mostly military), I've used Microsoft Power Point to create flowcharts and data graphs. Anyone could use power point for the creation of flowcharts. Word has drawing tools that can be used to create mind maps and flowcharts also. I'm assuming that online flowchart/mindmap software is supposed to be easier and more user focused than the Microsoft tools. Otherwise, someone may not have gone through the trouble of developing this type of software. THEY AREN'T! DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! (Take the time to learn how to use what you already have - google "power point help" and figure it out - don't be lazy, and money wasteful please.)

For this exploration assignment, I chose to explore Flowchart.com as the flowchart create tool over Gliffy Online Diagram Software because Flowchart.com is actually free (with the exception of Spam that will show up in my email inbox). Gliffy offers a free 30-day trial (they want your credit card number). I was sent an invitation to join the Flowchart.com site within a few minutes (they're in beta form currently). Next, I searched for different software located at Bubblus.com. There, I found SmartDraw which offered a free trial version download. SmartDraw allows you to make mind maps, flowcharts, visible personnel rosters, phone rosters (great for Parent Teacher Organizations). I read and agreed to the terms of the free trial (anything produced on the free trial software will print out with a watermark. Also, the free trial will cease to work after a one week period of time.) SmartDraw didn't ask me for my credit card information. That's always a plus. They only require payment if I choose to pay for and download the full licensed version of SmartDraw. After the trial version downloaded, I made a mind map out of a word play game. Then I printed out my mind map (after sending it to power point- I'm seeing a pattern here). As stated in the license terms, there was a watermark.
SmartDraw is a neat tool, but is highly unnecessary because power point does the exact same thing. Smart Draw isn't any easier than power point. I guess some people think they are too busy to work (or play around) with power point to figure it out. I think of it this way- (I mentioned before that I am a cheapscate)- I paid for my Microsoft Office suite 2007. Why would I pay AGAIN for a small program to create a mindmap or flowchart when Power Point does the same thing? I already own the technology! Busy or not, I'd rather spend time using the power point flowchart and mind map applications. That's just one of hundreds of reasons our economy is in disrepair. Some people will WASTE money on things they don't really need because they are too lazy to use what they already have. People and Businesses who own Microsoft Office Suite for PC or MAC - save your money, use what you already have.
How can these software options be used for education? If a school system does not have a Microsoft Office Suite for their networks, then these tools could be used to create mind maps and flowcharts for instructional purposes. I personally would not use them in my future classroom because (as I said before) I already have power point that creates the same tools.

This assignment was quite revealing. If I had not explored these flowchart and mind map softwares, I would not have come to the conclusion that they are frivolous. They promise ease of use, but do not really deliver. They require the user to export their creations to power point for printing. If I need power point to use SmartDraw, or FlowChart.com, then I'm paying twice for one application. If I ever become a school administrator, I would ensure that faculty and staff are fully educated on the most up to date technology. I would also ensure that new software purchases are based on actual need.