Mind mapping apps like SpiderScribe can be an effective tool to help students organize content, make connections, and combine both visuals and text-based information to help them remember. However, there are options that might be much better than SpiderScribe for most students. SpiderScribe is one of the simpler tools with basic features that only allow for adding text, pictures and location. The limited features can be less distracting and help students focus on the task without getting distracted. However, one of the key components of a good mind map is making the connections between the information. The tutorial does not explain how to make connecter arrows and it is not at all intuitive. In addition, once a user adds a connection arrow it is not clear how to remove or change it. While mind maps can be a great organizational and learning tool for students, there are better options available.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Subject matter and problems are relevant, interesting and authentic to students
• Visually appealing to children in the target age range
• Provides virtual rewards or incentives after meeting specified goals or objectives
• Provides a "break activity" between academic problem sets
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Has a free or trial version
• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Provides an age-appropriate tutorial/first time users can work independently
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Has a multi-player option to foster in-person collaboration or cooperation
• Multiple users can save a profile
• Student graduates to the next level or topic only after meeting a benchmark
• Can play without sound and not distract others
• Students can save work between sessions
• Can effectively understand and monitor student's progress (email report or in product)
• Provides options to play in languages other than English/Good for ELL
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

• Abstract Reasoning
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Flexible Thinking
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Organization
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Verbal Reasoning
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently

SpiderScribe Junior is a mind mapping and brainstorming tool. It lets you organize your ideas by connecting notes, images and geographic locations in free-form maps.

You can use it offline - it does not require internet connection, unless you need to email your map to someone.