Edtech Tutorial: How To Use Bubbl.Us To Create Amazing Mind-Maps

Bubbl.us is a fantastic website in which mind-maps can be created, shared and collaborated on.  I have used it many times with my class and they have always found it easy to use and visually effective.

Here is an example of a mind-map, a student in my class made, to start off our topic about World War 2:

How Do You Create A Mind-Map?

First open the website and either click ‘start brainstorming’ or sign up for an account (doing this allows you to get a few extra features and collaborative work, but is not necessary).  

Next you can instantly start mind-mapping.  Click on the primary bubble and type in your title:

To change the bubble’s appearance just hover the mouse over it.

When you are happy with the colour and size it is time to add another bubble.  Just click on the tab under the bubble that says, ‘New Child Bubble’.  This makes another bubble under the primary one and has a link.

It really is as easy as that.  You can move bubbles around and you can make multiple joins just by clicking on the appropriate bubbles.

When saving work, if you need to carry on over multiple lessons, then an account will need to be created.  If the work can be completed in a single session then there is no need for an account.  After the mind-map is complete, ask your students to either print directly or export their mind-map as an image.  These can then be shared on a class management tool i.e. Google Classroom.

Can Student’s Collaborate on Bubbl.us?

The students can add each other to edit a mind-map but unfortunately they cannot do so simultaneously.  For collaborative mind-mapping, it is best to set it as a homework so the student’s can work together but at different times.

It’s really simple to set up collaborative mind-maps.  First add a contact (just type in the email or username).

Then click sharing and the menu below pops up.  Click on the mind-map you wish to share and then the contact.  Choose from allowing them to edit or read only.  As soon as this is done, both students (or more) can work on the mind-map.

Take a look at my video tutorial to see Bubbl.us in action:

How did you get on with Bubbl.us ?  Let me know my leaving a comment.