Mind Map™ IT.

USERS VIEWS
When Sheila Buchanan developed symptoms including auditory memory difficulties, she felt her ability to control her life was slipping away. However, as an IT specialist with a creative streak, she discovered the power of computer based Mind Maps as an organisational tool and for emotional and practical support. This is her story...
ver the last 30 years I have had major difficulties, attributed to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (figure 1). In spite of this, I have been able to maintain some control of my life thanks to Mind Maps and my computer. I would like to think that the ideas represented here might stimulate possibilities for others, as I cannot emphasise enough the benefits that I have gained.
Figure 1 Background information on Sheila
Sheila (55) attends a Multiple Sclerosis Therapy centre in Glasgow. She lives alone, has a degree in biochemistry and has been employed as an information technology (IT) lecturer in a Further Education College, working until 2002. She has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, although this diagnosis is under review. Sheilas initial symptoms appeared in 1972. Currently, sensory and balance difficulties, headaches, fatigue and cognitive-linguistic problems are her predominant symptoms. Auditory comprehension is restricted due to memory difficulties, although visual processing is less severely affected. Word finding difficulty is exacerbated by fatigue. While language processing has been considerably affected, her IT skills remain otherwise intact. Her hobbies include creative writing, and she regularly processes her emotions and coping strategies by writing poetry. Thanks to Speakeasier (a charity that provides communication aids for those with multiple sclerosis), Sheila acquired the equipment that she discusses in the article. She is able to combine her knowledge of mind mapping with her recorder and software to tape and analyse our speech and language therapy sessions, provide printouts to medical staff and process meetings with officialdom. Lyn Steven, speech and language therapist
Mind Map IT
IF YOUR CLIENT IS STRONGER VISUALLY THAN AUDITORILY NEEDS ASSISTANCE TO ORGANISE THEIR THOUGHTS WANTS TO BE MORE IN CONTROL OF THEIR LIFE
Mind mapping is a graphical technique that mirrors the way the brain works. The subject of interest is represented in a central image and then the main themes radiate out from the central image on branches (figure 2). Each branch holds a key image, or key words, printed on the line. Details are added to the main branches and radiate out. If required, colours and images can be used to enhance the map.
Sheila Buchanan
Figure 2 Mind mapping
10
SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY IN PRACTICE WINTER 2004
USERS VIEWS
The introduction of mind mapping techniques is of benefit to those with memory and speech difficulties as it is a visual tool. Using software such as MindManagerprovides an easy link with Microsoft Office and allows the user to display ideas graphically, and also to expand them by creating documents which can then be printed out or saved. It thereby reduces the need to rely on memory. How do I Mind Map? Buzan & Buzan (2003) suggest you: Start at the centre of the page. Be creative. Creativity aids memory. Use just key words or, wherever possible, images. Make the centre a clear and strong visual image that depicts the general theme of the map. Think of the points or ideas within each of these. Put key words on lines. This reinforces the structure of notes. Use lower case as it is more visually distinctive - and better remembered than upper case. Use colour to depict themes, associations and to make things stand out. Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind. Use arrows, icons or other visual aids to show links between different elements. Dont get stuck in one area. If you dry up in one area, go to another branch. Put ideas down as they occur, wherever they fit. Dont judge or hold back. Break boundaries. If you run out of space, dont start a new sheet; paste more paper onto the map. What are the advantages? Memory is naturally associative, not linear. Mind Maps work the way the brain works and reflect the way your own brain organises ideas by recording key words and images and salient points. The main idea is at the centre and clearly defined. The relative importance of ideas is shown - more important concepts are near the centre. The connections between key ideas are obvious. Recall and review is faster and more efficient. Addition of new information is straightforward. The creative nature of the map makes it easier for the brain to think of new connections. Time is not wasted writing down unnecessary words or sentences. Mind Maps act as a permanent record; unlike memory, this record is always available (figure 3).
How do I use the technology? The Mind Map in figure 4 shows the technology I use. The concept of mind mapping is valuable, but linking the paper-based technique to the technology is applicable to me and marries my IT skills to my cognitive needs. I use mind mapping for a variety of purposes: a) Support PowerPoint presentations are prepared easily in advance. I am able to do presentations in public, prepared directly from the mind map, which are professional and give confidence to me. b) Note making Whenever information is being taken in, Mind Maps help organise it into a form that is easily assimilated by the brain and easily recorded. c) Planning and problem solving I can consider all the possibilities in an ad hoc manner - the reality of not having good memory - but I am then able to record and reorganise into a logical plan. d) Recording Mind mapping allows random thoughts to be well presented in a way that is easily communicated and familiar to me. It permits the trapping of thoughts - captured visually - and replaces the need for memory. The map can be returned to often. The visual format is easier to recall and acts as a prompt to the memory. Meetings can be recorded and / or summarised and stored. The map can then be updated as events take place. What particular benefits have I had? I. Recall II. Accessibility of information visually III. Tangible resources created and recorded in pictures IV. Aids memory and organisation V. Easy, intuitive interface of software (figure 5) VI. Documentation and presentations VII. Removes the need for explanations in meetings by presenting a visual presentation of thoughts or fears (figure 6, p.12) VIII. Aids return to work (in some form). Evaluates the pros and cons of work / rehabilitation process IX. Meetings with medical staff are short - and therefore a map of history is invaluable X. Maintains diary of events or weekly tasks XI. Records symptoms and feelings to present as a summary each time I deal with officialdom XII. Maps save energy in having to recall and repeat things in interview situations XIII. Restores self-worth and allows me to value my skills XIV. Recording maps and thoughts on paper often has a calming influence and feeling of productivity, control and efficiency otherwise missing from my life.
Figure 3 Advantages of Mind Maps
Figure 4 Technology
Figure 5 MindManager and the integration into Microsoft Office applications
11
USERS VIEWS
When people write their deep thoughts and feelings about traumatic events, their heart rates slow, their bodies are better able to fight infection, and people feel a general sense of well-being (Bolton, 1999). Similarly, if an impairment which prevents easy communication can be minimised by useful strategies such as mind mapping, then a level of apparent control can be returned. This removes frustration, and the benefits are untold (figure 9).
Figure 6 Efficient meeting organisation with mind mapping
My attempt to collate ideas for this paper was first created as a Mind Map (figure 7). Notes were added as required and ordered and then the map was exported into Microsoft Word to easily produce a document using the original map text which could then be formatted into the final report format. This means that not only were the thoughts and text organised, but duplication of effort was prevented. Thoughts were stimulated and, despite not having looked at the content for a few weeks, I was able to produce the paper to draft very simply.
Figure 9 Mind mapping as a strategy to increase control
Sheila Buchanan (e-mail sheila_buchanan@hotmail.com) is a former information technology lecturer and a client of speech and language therapist Lyn Steven (email lynsteven@hotmail.com).
Acknowledgement
Thanks to Speakeasier, Registered Charity number 1087208, P.O.Box 410, Cheltenham GL52 9GH.
References
Bolton, G. (1999) The Therapeutic Potential of Creative Writing: Writing Myself. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Buzan, T. & Buzan, B. (2003) The Mind Map Book: Radiant Thinking - Major Evolution in Human Thought. BBC Consumer Publishing (Books).
Figure 7 Ideas for this article
Resources
* MindManager X5 Pro is the latest version of the mind mapping software Sheila uses, and is available for a 21 day free trial on www.mindmanuals.com. * ScanSofts Dragon NaturallySpeaking is software to turn speech into text (see www.scansoft.co.uk).
Mind mapping which is paper based (figure 8) can achieve some of the same results, but not so integrated and streamlined as by using technology.
DO I ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO RECORD THEIR THOUGHTS IN WHATEVER WAY THEY CAN? DO I LOOK INTO THE POTENTIAL OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE BUSINESS TOOLS FOR MY CLIENTS? DO I EXPLOIT THE POSSIBILITIES OF TECHNOLOGY AS WELL
Figure 8 Paper based mind mapping techniques
AS THOSE OF PAPER?
12

Mind Map™ IT.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mind Map™ IT.

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mind Map™ IT.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

USERS VIEWS

Figure 2 Mind mapping

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY IN PRACTICE WINTER 2004

Figure 3 Advantages of Mind Maps

Figure 5 MindManager and the integration into Microsoft Office applications

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY IN PRACTICE WINTER 2004

Figure 6 Efficient meeting organisation with mind mapping

Figure 9 Mind mapping as a strategy to increase control

Figure 7 Ideas for this article

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY IN PRACTICE WINTER 2004

You might also like