I am a student. I’m constantly evolving and I live online. I need an application that does the same.

When I read, mapping out my notes creates a visual outline of the book. Each chapter comes alive with characters, settings, plots and themes. I can filter the content by a certain character or specific theme and instantly I am shown where these appear in the book–my map of the book, that is. The process of mapping my notes helps me remember the content of the book better. And just as a refresher, when test time comes I can simply review my map. I won’t ever have to open the book itself. Ahhh…an “A” in English? Here I come!

When I study subjects or lessons, mapping out the terms, concepts, and timelines creates an instant set of visual flash cards. Each node title is a name, date, term or concept. In the node notes, I include the answer: a milestone, a description, an event, a definition. The notes collapse to stay hidden so I can quiz myself without seeing the answer. I can use colors and shapes to visually code my Spinscape-style study guide. I can color-code when I know the answers. I know I’m good to go when my whole map has gone green!

When I write, mapping out my thoughts and ideas creates an organic essay, report, or research masterpiece! The central node is my thesis or topic and I create a new node for each additional idea. In the notes section, I write my thoughts and my findings. Speaking of findings, I use the auto-discovery plugins to search google and wikipedia. When I find information or images I want, one click instantly puts it in my map. I even get a link back to the source that I can use for easy reference. You know I have to include my references! After editing and rearranging my information until it’s just right, I use the export feature to produce that final piece I need to turn in to my teacher. I just add my own cover sheet and smile at how easy that was.

Back to research, mapping out the web pages I find creates an online resource center. The auto-discovery plugins are these magical search tools that reach out to online sources and pull information right into my map! I have access to Google, wikipedia, and even an ESV Bible search, as well as access to my own files in google docs and amazon s3. Images and YouTube videos can be added and appear as the lid of the node–complete with a description and a link inside. I can add a node wherever I want to capture my own comments. This resource center can in turn become the base for my next big project or paper.

When I work on a team project or paper, mapping out the plan–and sharing it with the team–becomes a collaboration station that all of our classmates would envy. No more meeting after school in the library. No evening meetings at my house where everyone is forced to eat my mom’s meatloaf. We don’t need to coordinate our schedules and pick a location because Spinscape allows us all to get online, anytime, from wherever we’re at. We work in the same map. We add our ideas, link site sources, upload images. Our map can be rearranged and the report rewritten as we see fit. When our project is due, Spinscape can export our map into a report–complete with a table of contents, links, and images.

When I need to relax and rock out after a long day at school, mapping out my favorite music videos on YouTube creates a welcome escape from the lessons of the day. I click and they play and I drift away. Or I JAM and get that energy going that I need to study again.

I am a student. I have a lot to do and I found one resource to handle so many of my needs. I use Spinscape!