Collaboration Tools
Mindjet's mind mapping software, MindManager 8, is developed as a collaboration tool allowing individuals to order and structure their thoughts through diagrams representing concepts, ideas, words or tasks that are arranged around centralized themes. As a visual collaboration tool, mind maps facilitate workplace communication and team work.
Mind mapping collaboration tools found in MindManager 8 are complemented by Mindjet Catalyst. Mindjet Catalyst is a collaboration tool allowing mind mapping and file sharing in an online workspace. Mindjet Catalyst includes many desirable features.
Mindjet Catalyst is a web-based collaboration tool helping others to create mind maps online, with full compatibility between MindManager for Windows, and vice-versa. Mindjet Catalyst is a collaboration tool allowing you to work with colleagues simultaneously on mind maps. You can work together in a secure workspace as Mindjet Catalyst is a collaboration tool allowing storage of mind maps and other files. When the time is best, you can start, schedule, or join a web conference using Mindjet Catalyst that also serves as a web conferencing collaboration tool. Mindjet Catalyst includes an integrated online chat collaboration tool allowing multiple individuals to communicate immediately.
Mindjet products possess many of the characteristics of collaborations tools as described by the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) in its August 2008 article. The article provided a good overview of collaboration tools including a classification based upon the activities and opportunities they provide.
Immediacy of Collaboration Tools
ELI explains that collaboration tools with immediacy are those that have communication without pause or delay. Instant messaging (or IM) tools are an example of collaboration tools with immediacy as two or more individuals send synchronous text communications.
MindMindjet Catalyst's integrated online chat is a collaboration tool providing immediacy like that described by ELI.
Collaboration Tools for Enhanced Voice Communications
ELI explains that collaboration tools are enhanced voice communications because they are no longer limited to a single audio channel, but allow for many channels and voices for communicating, sharing, and documenting. Sometimes collaboration tools will include abilities to record conversations or chat.
Mindjet Connect includes web conferencing collaboration tool services for online meetings. Accordingly, many participants can take part in scheduled meetings from various locations. Anyone with an email address can join an unlimited number of web conferences.
Collaboration Tools for Ambient Communications
ELI explains that collaboration tools providing ambient communications allow individuals to connect with individuals regardless of location. As a result, individuals are able to connect with a greater number of people including experts in a particular field. Interactions are either synchronous or asynchronous and short in length.
Mindjet Catalyst is a collaboration tool allowing either synchronous or asynchronous communications from a variety of locations. Mindjet Catalyst's online mind mapping capabilities are fully compatible with MindManager for Windows and vice versa. Accordingly, mind map editing can be done in any number of locations using online collaborative tool services. Likewise, access to the shared workspace is online, so files can be stored or meetings scheduled from various locations.
Collaboration Tools for Image Sharing
ELI explains that image sharing is a popular way for individuals to collaborate around a social object. These sorts of communication and collaboration tools allow individuals to share photos and then add comments or notes.
Mindjet Catalyst allows images and graphics to be added to mind maps or the workspace as desired.
Collaboration Tools for Document Construction
ELI explains that "today's electronic documents allow collaborators to work in a synchronous environment on a single document, essentially peering over each other's shoulders as they type." Using such collaborative tools for writing and editing promotes effective brainstorming. No longer is it necessary to pass a printed or electronic document between authors.
Mindjet Catalyst allows for synchronous editing of documents or projects as participants in an online meeting can synchronously work together making changes on documents in a shared workspace. Mind maps can effectively be used as collaboration tools to plan projects, take notes, or assign priorities and roles.
Collaboration Tools for Social Interaction
ELI explains that many collaboration tools take advantage of the motivation of individuals to socially interact with others. Individuals desire to develop relationships with others based on common interests, networks, and affinity groups.
Mindjet Catalyst is a collaboration tool allowing groups and related workspaces to be created. Within these groups, mind maps or other files can be shared, online meetings can be scheduled, and participants can instantly chat as desired.
Collaboration Tools for Geographic Richness
ELI explains that "geographic and mapping tools use the power of location to create spatial connections between users, adding a layer of information for users to share and contribute to."
Mindjet Catalyst does not provide geographic information, but is a flexible collaboration tool for creating and sharing visual mind maps. Mind mapping allows individuals to visually and spatially order and structure their thoughts through diagrams representing concepts, ideas, words or tasks that are arranged around centralized themes.
ELI's overview provides a good reference for showing how Mindjet Catalyst possesses many of the desirable characteristics of collaborations tools. Derived from MindMapping products, Mindjet Catalyst has brought together desired features of web conferencing with the benefits of mind mapping. The collaborative tools available are not found elsewhere together.
To learn more, please watch a demo explaining how Mindjet's collaboration tools can assist you to manage tasks, share files, communicate with others, and achieve success. You can also try Mindjet's collaborative tools for 30 days. The trial is free. Mindjet's collaborative tools are also available for immediate purchase.
