MIND MAPS ñ A CREATIVE THINKING TOOL IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Ewa Siwczuk · 2005
The paper presents the role of information technology (IT) in educational practice. In order to emphasize the significance of visualization of the knowledge-gaining process, particular attention was paid to one of the tools of creative thinking, namely mind map. The term mind map, coined by Tony Buzan, refers to a hierarchically organized map, enabling to scan large sets of information. The paper discusses the main assumptions of the associative memory model, the double coding theory, and the principles of Gestalt psychology that were used for mind mapping. Moreover, the paper focuses on developing skills considered indispensable in the information age, achieved through incorporating into the educational program a tool that stimulates mind creativity and facilitates performing operations on information, assuring individualization of styles in the learning process.