Bubbl.us
Module developed by Shannon Thiessen Burton
Embedded Files
What is Bubbl.us?
What is Bubbl.us?
Bubbl.us is a free, online tool that allows users to easily and quickly create mind maps.
Click on the image for an introduction to Bubbl.us
Click on the image for an introduction to Bubbl.us
Mind map created in Bubbl.us. Screencast recorded using Screencast-o-matic.
Why use it?
Why use it?
Bubbl.us is quick and easy to figure out, because there are not a lot of complicated options. Auto-change all the colours easily, rearrange spacing automatically, and don't mess about with unnecessary pretty features.
Bubbl.us is great from a teacher's perspective, since the focus is more on the content and connections, and students do not have heaps of templates and options to sift through and try out before digging in.
Where does it fit?
Where does it fit?
Bubbl.us is simple enough to use in elementary classes, but useful for secondary classes or professional purposes.
Click on the image for classroom ideas.
Click on the image for classroom ideas.
Mind map created using Mindmeister.
A help video for getting started with Bubbl.us, introducing its layout.
A help video for getting started with Bubbl.us, introducing its layout.
Created by Bubbl.us
How do I start?
How do I start?
To get started with Bubbl.us, simply:
- Click on the SIGN UP button, and then click SIGN UP under the Free Forever account option. (Also, check out the screencast at the top of this page for help!)
- Sign up with an email address, or use the Facebook or Google sign in shortcuts at the bottom. (This is great for schools like ours where students are all assigned gmail accounts!)
- Click New Mind Map to get started!
Additional information?
Additional information?
- Click HERE to check out an external review by Common Sense Education and to see how other teachers rank Bubbl.us
- For further ideas and examples of options for mind maps in an educational setting, see Bubbl.us in the Classroom
A help video with some handy shortcuts for formatting text.
A help video with some handy shortcuts for formatting text.
Created by Bubbl.us
Hints, tips and ideas for using free mind mapping tools in the classroom:
Hints, tips and ideas for using free mind mapping tools in the classroom:
- Have students screenshot or print their finished mind maps for submission, to free up space with the limited number of mind maps available with free accounts.
- Allow some choice of mind mapping tools across several activities, then have students evaluate the usability of the tools themselves, encouraging specific critiques as critical thinkers and web 2.0 users. This could be an informal discussion, or formal written application reviews after looking at some strong industry examples of reviews.
- Allow yourself, and your students, some time to play with and become familiar with the features available. The more complex the application, the more time needed. This is not lost educational time, since students need to become confident explorers of new web 2.0 tools.
- Mind maps can also be used for a quick formative assessment or as an alternative to a test as a summative assessment, allowing students to display their knowledge of a topic and their connections. In these cases, students should already be comfortable with the tool.
- Be conscious of sharing settings and issues of student privacy online, as always!
Where next?
Where next?
Want something with more options?
Want something with more options?
Alternatives to Bubbl.us which also have FREE basic plans.
Mind map created using Bubbl.us, but an example of Mindmeister shown above in the "Where does it fit?" section.
If you want to look further, here are some lists of recommended mind map tools, with some discussions of pros and cons, and their costs:
Google Sites
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