Mind Map: Step-by-Step Instructions for Brightspace

A mind map activity in Brightspace can enhance student engagement and creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create and manage a mind-map assignment within Brightspace:

1. Create a New Assignment
   • Navigate to the Assignments Tool:
     • Log in to Brightspace and go to the course where you want to set up the activity.
     • In the course navigation bar, select Assessments > Assignments.
   • Create a New Assignment:
     • Click New Assignment to start creating the mind-map activity.
   • Name and Describe the Assignment:
     • Title the assignment something like “Mind Map Activity.”
     • In the Instructions section, provide clear guidance on how students should create their mind maps. You can use the rationale and instructions from the previous answer to explain the activity. Be sure to include:
       • The topic or theme students should focus on.
       • The expected structure (e.g., central idea, subtopics, connections).
       • Recommended mind-mapping tools (MindMeister, Coggle, etc.).
       • Submission instructions (e.g., submit as a PDF, image, or link).
2. Set Assignment Details
   • Set a Due Date:
     • Under Due Date, select the submission deadline for the mind-map activity.
   • Assign Point Value:
     • In the Grade Out Of section, assign points or a percentage to the mind map activity based on its importance in the course.
   • Attach Rubric (Optional):
     • If you are grading the assignment based on specific criteria, attach a rubric by clicking Add Rubric. This will help students understand how their mind maps will be evaluated (e.g., creativity, completeness, accuracy, clarity of connections).
3. Choose Submission Type
   • Submission Type:
     • Choose how students will submit their mind maps. Select File Submission if they will upload PDFs or images of their mind maps, or Text Submission if they will paste links to their online mind maps.
   • Allowed File Extensions:
     • If students are submitting files, specify which types (e.g., PDF, PNG, JPG) in the Submission & Completion section.
4. Enable Collaboration (Optional)
   • Group Work:
     • If you want to make this a collaborative activity where students work on a group mind map, you can set the assignment as a group activity.
       • Under **Group Assignment**, select **Group Assignment** and choose an existing group set or create a new one.
       • This way, students can submit their mind maps as part of a group, and only one submission will be required for the entire group.
5. Provide Additional Resources and Support
   • Link to Mind-Mapping Tools:
     • Under the Instructions or as a separate Content item, provide links to recommended mind-mapping tools (e.g., MindMeister, Coggle, or XMind). You may also provide tutorial videos or guides for these tools to help students get started.
   • Embed Examples:
     • If possible, embed example mind maps directly into the assignment or the course content area. You can either upload images or link to interactive online mind maps.
6. Publish and Communicate with Students
   • Save and Publish:
     • Once all the assignment details are set up, click Save and Close or Save and Publish to make the assignment available to students.
   • Communicate the Activity: 
     • Announce the mind-map activity in Brightspace’s Announcements or via Email so that students are aware of the upcoming task. Provide them with a quick overview of the assignment, the purpose, and deadlines.
7. Grade and Provide Feedback
   • Grading Submissions:
     • Once students have submitted their mind maps, review them through the Assignments section.
     • You can open each submission, assess it based on your rubric or grading criteria, and provide feedback directly in Brightspace.
   • Provide Feedback: 
     • Offer constructive feedback on both the content of the mind maps and the students' creativity, ensuring they understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Key Tips for Success

Encourage Creativity: Emphasize that mind maps are a flexible, creative exercise. There are no rigid rules as long as the key concepts are well-organized and connected.

Offer Tutorials: Since students may be unfamiliar with online mind-mapping tools, consider including short tutorials or tips for using the suggested software.

Check for Accessibility: Ensure that students who may have different learning preferences or accessibility needs can use the tools and complete the assignment in a way that works for them (e.g., allow text-based alternatives).

By following these steps, you can effectively set up a mind map activity in Brightspace that promotes active learning, critical thinking, and creativity.