Information technology allows the concept of mind maps to be extended, and this has uses both for students and lecturers. For example, Mindjet have produced two products that facilitate mind mapping using a computer. The first of these is eMindMaps , which was recently available as a full, free product on a CD-Rom from Computer Shopper magazine. Tony Buzan endorses this product. The interface is easy to use, and the product contains a basic tutorial that will get users creating mind maps very quickly.
Options allow diverse fonts, colour schemes, and graphics.
Whilst some word processing and desktop publishing packages would also facilitate aspects of the eMindMaps package, its beauty lies in the ease of creating, editing and manipulating the branches of the map. Each branch can be annotated. The graphics are somewhat basic and generally inappropriate for academic presentations, but personal image files could be imported for use with this package. In terms of note taking, eMindMaps is one method for students to create memory aids from lecture materials. Through eMindMaps, lecturers might wish to provide mind maps of their lectures to students.