Mindmanager tool for Instructional Websites

Mindmanager tool to create instructional design websites


Mindmanager is a visual tool developed by a company called mindjet. The author of this article uses Mindmanager at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The purpose of the article is to discuss the use of Mindmanager in the design and implementation of an instructional website. The author suggests a five steps model to create a website using Mindmanager.

Step 1: Schematic design of the course or unit
The author starts with clear objectives, content, resources, and interaction strategy.

Step 2: Conceptual map of the learning object
Mindmanager is utilized to document the various sections of the course, for instance, introduction, Objective 1, Objective 2 etc…
The training content is added to each of the sections.

Step 3: Write a detailed script of motion media
Provide detailed instruction for any multimedia feature you wish your developers to utilize. In this case, you may need to develop audio or short film to emphasize critical points.

Step 4: Compose the Webpage
Mindmanager has a feature that allows you to export your mindmap into a pre-defined template. Additional work on the html code may be required.

I have had the pleasure of using Mindmanager for several years now and although my use has always been centered on writing papers, project planning and creative log. The use of Mindmanager as a simple tool for non-technical Instructional designers seems to fit the need. M. David Merrill suggested that most of the current development tools usually require advanced skills that most instructional designer might lack (p.1). Mindmanager is a friendly tool that is easy to learn and has the potential of turning courses into a WebPages with minimal efforts.

Resource: Chac’on, F.Mind-Mapping for Web Instruction and Learning.