Bubbl.us

What: An online mind mapping tool

Ease of use: Simple.

Writing application:

It's suggested that students be given a 'free' creative writing exercise with this tool initially. In our experience, too much direction in students first experience of this tool can cause some confusion.

Encourage students to build their story in their own way - but provide some clues to how they might leverage the features to their advantage. Colors can be be used to express emotions, adding external links or multiple boxes of text may provide for a more flexible narrative - multiple endings for example.

It's interesting to note - that results often appear to denote student learning styles. Linear boxed creations, spiderweb shapes, complicated multiple linked box patterns, spirals ... student story shapes will be many and varied.

After exploring the tool with students, share their work and discuss as a group how the colors and shapes might affect a readers experience of the text.

Suited: Late primary onward should be able to manage this tool easily.

Teaching with an existing text:

Exploring the structure of an existing narrative is perfectly suited to this exercise - as is exploring a characters motivations - wants and needs.

Addition to this page: Alternatives to Bubbl.us to consider are Mindmeister or Mind42. Both are a little more sophisticated and have the benefit not only of additional features, but collaborative options. I love Bubbl.us for its simplicity - and this can be a huge advantage, especially if you're building stories with a class that hasn't had much experience with this type of writing. Keep in mind that while free, both Mindmeister and Mind42 require registration as well, where Bubbl.us does not. Not a huge imposition, but it does mean more passwords etc to keep a track of.

If you're after something a little more challenging however, particularly with older students, then these two alternatives may be what you're looking for.