If you could read my mind...it would be MindView!

Screenshot from MindView's PDF Manual

The software that I would like to consider for evaluation is MatchWare Education Software's MindView. Essentially, the software allows students to organize their ideas in a mind mapping technique so they can visualize, brainstorm and organize before they begin writing. Students export their visual representation as an outline to MS Word or a Rich Text Format (rtf). The software can also be used for storyboarding, presentations and timelines. As an educator who teaches English, Writing, Journalism and Media Studies, I can see various potential applications for this software. The software can be downloaded for a 20 day trial at the following link. It is available for Windows PCs (MindView 5) and Apple Macintosh computers (MindView 4).  You do have to register to download the software, but it does not ask for any financial information. For the purpose of this assignment, I will consider the use of this software within Language Arts activities/assignments and link it to the Atlantic Canada Language Arts Curriculum Outcomes:

• Students will be expected to interpret, select, and combine information, using a variety of strategies, resources and technologies. 
• Students will be expected to respond personally to a range of texts. 
• Students will be expected to respond critically to a range of texts, applying their understanding of language, form and genre.
• Students will be expected to use writing and other ways of representing to explore, clarify and reflect on their thoughts, feelings, experiences and learning; and to use their imagination. 
• Students will be expected to create texts collaboratively and independently, using a variety of forms for a range of audiences and purposes. 
• Students will be expected to use a range of strategies to develop effective writing and other ways of representing, and to enhance clarity, precision and effectiveness. 

Link to download a free trial of MindView (PC or Mac): http://www.matchware.com/en/downloads/default.htm