USE OF COLLABORATIVE WEB BASED MIND MAPPING TOOLS BY TRAINEE TEACHERS IN MAURITIUS

This paper describes the use of collaborative web based mind mapping tools by trainee teachers attending full-time course in a Mauritian Teacher training institution. Mind maps have been used widely in education and lot of research already exists about its use as a teaching and learning tool. Now with the advent of web-based mind mapping tools it has become possible to build mind maps collaboratively. This study explores how trainee teachers engage in reflection when collaborating online to build mind maps.

Data for this case study was obtained through online questionnaire, analysis of mind maps, and semi-structured interviews of 16 participants, following pre-service teacher training courses. Analysis of the data was carried out using a web-based qualitative data analysis tool.
The results show that collaborative we based mind maps allow trainee teachers to engage in reflection, generate and share ideas. Trainee teachers are also more enthusiastic to use mind maps than written reports as they found it less time consuming, easier to present information, easier to understand, and allows easier flow of ideas