Using Mind Mapping software to create a StoryBoard for e-Learning content

Today I completed some research to try and find a MindMapping desktop software that is compatible with my iThoughts HD app that works on my iPhone, iPad and iPad mini.

I also wanted to find a way to allow both myself and others to collaborate and add to these MindMaps and to have the content sync back to a cloud service.

The following is what I found.

Freemind Mind Mapping software

Freemind is open source MindMapping software that is available from the following location:

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download#Step-by-step_overview

If you are familiar with Mind Mapping software you will find this program easy to use. And free is just fantastic, especially when comparing to other programs that are approximately USD $199 per user licence. The shot below shows a very quick MindMap that I started to play with.

If you are using a Mac on OSX 10.8 you may receive an error message when trying to run the DMG installer files. Instructions to fix this is noted below.

OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) reports that the FreeMind download is damaged.

We found out the problem is rather security related (checksum or certificate could not be verified). Here is the solution:

• System preferences > Security & Privacy > Allow applications from anywhere.
• Open Freemind.
• Change the security & privacy back to its original setting.
• Freemind will always open once you've approved it the first time. 

To add Mind Maps created in iThoughts HD to sync to Freemind 

I followed the instructions available at the following website:

http://www.ithoughts.co.uk/iThoughtsHD/TransferCloud.html

There is a video on how to do this also. Please watch the following video:

To add Mind Maps from FreeMind to iThoughts HD to sync

1. In FreeMind choose File>Save As and save the file to your chosen Dropbox folder. (I suggest using the folder created in the previous steps). Allow your Dropbox files the time to Sync.
2. On you mobile device open your Dropbox account via the app or the web. Locate the file that you saved to your chosen folder and select it. Right click the file and choose to either download or open with. Choose iThoughts HD to open the file.

Now that I have synced the MindMaps to my Dropbox account, we will utilise the MindMaps to create the concepts, tasks and storyboard ideas relevant to creating course and unit specific content.