http://www.wikimindmap.org
The basics
Wikimindmap simply searches the content of Wikipedia (including choice of languages), and returns a mindmap-style tree diagram of sub-topics and links back into Wikipedia. It is, essentially, a structural interface to Wikipedia. Note that the maps can be downloaded and edited using Freemind.
E-learning mapped from Wikipedia
What is intriguing
The legitimacy of Wikipedia is of course a source of much debate. This tool, limited to Wikipedia, therefore will only work if one accepts the benefits and risks of using Wikipedia. However it is intriguing to consider how this tool might provide insights, for its users, into the relational structure of knowledge. The very act of ‘mapping’ a domain in a tree-like fashion can bring insights about categories and topics within a broad domain that are otherwise implicit.
Pedagogic Challenge
The challenge here would be for students to use this tool as part of a more general use / development of Wikipedia. Ultimately, the problem with Wikipedia for students is that they see it as a ‘source’ of information rather than as a developing screen of information which needs to be edited and changed. If students are reoriented towards the idea that they can make Wikipedia better, it not only provides them with an outlet for their knowledge and creativity but also reminds them not to rely on Wikipedia. Wikimindmap could be a useful part of an assignment which involves revising and improving Wikipedia entries, giving students an overview of the domain of knowledge in which they are working.
Why this tool is not ‘top 10′
Too limited to Wikipedia, this tool points the direction for applications that are needed. More generally, there is insufficient identity, customisation and sharing (which, to be fair, is not needed for the ostensive purpose of the site). What we see here is that Wikimindmap, like several other intriguing tools, doesn’t combine sufficient features to make it usable extensively within higher education.
Alternatives
