MindNode – Mind Map
By Mieke VanderBorght,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
With practice, mind-mapper lets kids visualize ideas.

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MindNode – Mind Map
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What’s It About?
After a short and very basic tutorial, dive right in to using MINDNODE - MIND MAP to organize an idea. Tap on a node to give it a title -- this is the central idea or topic. Then create "child" nodes that branch out from the main idea as you start to include details. Kids can tap and drag nodes to move, group them in different ways, and create cross connections. There are lots of ways to enhance the mind map. Include stickers or images to the text. Type up notes or include URL links for the nodes to flesh out the basic text. Add tasks to create a checklist of things to do. Change the overall style so it looks exactly how you want it to. Export mind maps to view as read only in a variety of different file formats, or share through the device's sharing options.
Is It Any Good?
This digital mind mapping tool can be a versatile way for kids to organize their ideas -- that is, if they can figure out how to use it. MindNode – Mind Map has a clean interface. And if kids stick to the most basic functions, it's also relatively easy to use. As kids branch out and look to the various icons, menus and submenus to create more complex maps, things can get more complicated. The developers have lots of support, including a massive user guide, but not all kids will have the patience to learn all the nuances. The free version helps keep kids to the basic features since those are the only ones available. But that also keeps the maps quite simple, and limits the ways that kids can personalize their visuals. In general, for kids who want to use a mind map to guide brainstorming and organize thoughts, MindNode – Mind Map can be a good start though it may have a learning curve.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to use MindNode - Mind Map can help them organize their ideas. What kinds of ideas would make sense to represent with a mind map?
Help your kids explore other kinds of techniques for organizing brainstorming sessions or encouraging creativity.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: making conclusions, part-whole relationships, Creativity: brainstorming, combining knowledge, developing novel solutions, Self-Direction: academic development, initiative, motivation, personal growth, work to achieve goals, working efficiently, Communication: multiple forms of expression, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free to try (14-day free trial, then subscribe for full access: $2.49/month or $19.99/year)
- Release date: February 3, 2021
- Category: Productivity
- Publisher: IdeasOnCanvas GmbH
- Version: 2021.1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 13.4 or later; macOS 10.15 or later
- Last updated: March 10, 2021
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