03/August/21
Tool 1: VUE : Visual Understanding Environment https://vue.tufts.edu/
In Class: VUE tool was introduced, with instructions and a demonstration of how to do it.
Assignment: To create a concept or mind map using VUE tool
Observations: The Visual understanding environment tool enabled me to draw a systematic and neat concept map on my thesis idea just like I intended to. Having used Cmap tools in my ET 601, I couldn't help but continuously compare the structure and usability of both the tools for constructing concept/mind maps.
Winning points :
Both the tools have a well-structured system to choose your nodes, linking arrows but VUE had better control over doing the same.
As my thoughts were developing while building the concept map, I had to go to change the organization and change linking verbs which I remember was very clumsy while doing with Cmap tools but was easily done with VUE.
I could formulate my thoughts smoothly and quickly.
Losing points :
Although it was easy to download in windows, this tool had issues being directly downloaded into the Apple interface, which made it less reliable for other students to use.
To-do: Refine the concept maps after reading literature for areas where I was stuck when building the map
Other inferences: Although I found the tool helpful, I found this assignment redundant as we had spent sufficient time on a concept map building tool and concept maps in our ET 601 course last year. Nevertheless, we learned and revised few errors