Tool # 5

XMind is a brainstorming, visualizing, and mind mapping tool that has gained popularity over the last 15 years since it was first developed in 2006. It has won many awards including the best in productivity software from PC Magazine and is also rated as the "Most Popular Mind Mapping Software" on life Lifehacker. It was designed for personal and professional use as a productive way of displaying data and enhancing memorization techniques. The company promoters explain that XMind can be used for everything such as grocery lists, deadlines, to-do lists, study notes, meeting minutes and project planning.

The paid version of the tool is needed to unlock all the features, such as downloading to a PowerPoint presentation; however, the 'Evaluation Mode' is free for an unlimited time. his 'Evaluation Mode' is a desktop version of the software and can be put on any platform, see below:

Using XMind as a Teacher

I chose to create an ice breaker activity in XMind and demonstrate how it can be flipped into a drop-down list and then presented to the class, all in the free desktop version. I was impressed by how seamless it was to begin creating a mind map and how easily I was able to navigate through the widgets without referring to the help section. I found that this mind map was so versatile with an extensive range of features. I began with a central topic outline that I added my question themes for the activity. After, I added subtopics as questions. I hit the tab at the bottom and switched my mind map into a sequential list to verify my work. This feature makes editing work easy because the points are clearly displayed and it is easy to focus on the outline without being distracted by fonts and colours. In order to complete my activity, I added a note to the title to act as instructions for the students and attached a short video on how to get started.

Another fun feature I discovered was adding a new mind map as a tab. This feature resembled an Excel file layout and when exporting the file, the option is given for either the current page or the entire notebook. For the second tab, I added a list of functional language that could be used for the activity. I loved how professional my mind map looked and how I could change the font or theme to make it more appealing for younger students.

The Advantage of Using XMind (Its Strengths)

There are many advantages to using XMind including what I have listed below.

• The free Evaluation Mode' has all the necessary features to design and create an unlimited number of mind maps and it is possible to work offline once the software has been downloaded.

• The quick conversation to the 'Pitch Mode' or 'Zen Mode' for an interactive presentation can save a teacher the time of having to create a PowerPoint presentation.

• The export to a PDF and the share option with a link. The file can be presented in class or easily downloaded by students to edit.

• A multitude of features and constant updates makes this tool versatile with endless possibilities for its use: See the

• The File attachment option and link attachment option

• Easy upload to the online option to present a file from OneDrive makes it easy for teachers to quickly turn a simple PDF file into an interactive lesson with pre-made prompts.

• The dashboard is user-friendly with a visually easy-to-navigate user interface.

• The pre-designed templates facilitate starting a mind map. In addition, everything from text to colours can be customized.

• A mind map can be switched into a drop-down list with a button.

• The share feature is easy to generate and share with students.

• Teachers can attach files and links (including videos) to

• Even in the free version, mind maps can be kept private or made public on the XMind blog.

• XMind has a 'Gallery', a place where users share their work with the public, and there are hundreds of different creations. These mind maps have all been made for public access and use, the mind maps can be viewed and downloaded making it easy for either teachers or students to get creative and build a mind map.

The Limitations of Using XMind (Its Weaknesses)

To access the free version of XMind, it needs to be downloaded onto a device, and then to share the file, an online account needs to be created. Although the interface is fairly intuitive for a user who is accustomed to 'playing around' with new applications, this tool could be challenging for Grade 1-3 primary students, as there are many features and template, font, and colour choices. Students may be prone to go off-topic or simply have difficulty using the tool with this number of options. To unlock all of the features, the application does have a fee of $59.99 per year. On the online application, maps can only be shared, downloaded, made private or deleted; however, the map can not be edited,

Xmind is another versatile application that teachers can use solely for pre or post activities, a complete lesson, or as an activity to be completed by students. Once the application is installed on students' devices, the link could be shared through their learning platform, for example, Google Classroom, and they could download the template and complete the ice-breaker activity. The other option is to present work and assignments in teacher-led activities. Hiding the sub-topics makes it useful when trying to elicit answers from students. Furthermore, turning the mind map into a presentation adds variety to the way information is conveyed to students.

Below, I have enumerated several ESL classroom uses that highlight this application's potential.

Activity Examples for Primary and Secondary Students Using XMind

1. Collaborative Pair or Group Activities: Mind maps could be used within groups for cooperative learning activities such as Within Teams Jigsaw, Think Square Share or even information gap exercises. Students complete their section and go in their groups to share and record the missing information. activities, in which students fill out their section.

2. Brainstorming for a Writing Project: Collaboratively or individually a mind map can be used as an outline for a writing project.

3. Pre and Post Activities: Adding a mind map to introduce a topic, using links, adding a video, and having students summarize information on what they liked or didn't like or learned about a topic. Students could work in teams or individually.

4. Ice Breaker Activities: Using the example I provide, this is a fun way to do mini ice breaker routines and have an accompanying visual to present to a group or to the class. The website Star Teaching Training explains how mind maps can be used for these activities.

5. Learning New Vocabulary Visually: New vocabulary can be presented in the text with an accompanying illustration or link. and practiced, individually or in pairs. Students have to illustrate the meaning and interactively explain the definition.

6. Debates and Discussion: Teachers can present a topic to students and teams can map out both sides of the argument.

In addition, research has been completed on how mind maps help English second language learners connect vocabulary in contexts. In the article, Using Mind Mapping as a Method to Help ESL/EFL Students Connect Vocabulary and Concepts in Different Contexts the authors explore how mind maps can help students connect concepts when learning new vocabulary, taking notes, and completing extension activities. The researchers conducted their study using whole-class, group, and individual activities. They suggest that mind mapping tools help students organize and structure their thoughts and offer more alternatives for ways in which lessons can be taught to students.