TheBrain: An Efficient Mindtool to Foster Learning

Catharina Grbe
February 1, 2014

















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TheBrain software program allows users to connect digital information, such as digital files or
websites, together to create visual representations of their ideas. This program refers to these
pieces of information as Thoughts. Users design Thoughts by importing files or typing notes into
TheBrain interface. When using this software, a person can create links between the data
contained in their Thoughts in an unlimited number of ways (TheBrain Technologies LP, 2012).
There are two versions of this program (TheBrain Technologies LP, 2012). TheBrain Free does
not cost anything and can be downloaded online (Download, 2014). TheBrain Pro must be
purchased (TheBrain store, 2014). TheBrain Pro is quite expensive, so it will not be discussed
any further. This essay describes the software used in TheBrain Free since this product fulfills all
the requirements for an efficient Mindtool.
TheBrain software accomplishes several of the purposes of Mindtools as described by
David Jonassen (2000) in his book Computers as Mindtools for Schools. Primarily, the software
fulfills the purposes of Knowledge Construction and Cognitive Partnership Tools. This program
allows people to organize and interpret their ideas. Through this software, people can create new
knowledge by building thought maps to connect their ideas together in logical ways. In addition,
TheBrain is a valuable cognitive technology. This software allows individuals to be more
productive. The software does the work of illustration and storage so that people can focus on
creating new knowledge. TheBrain allows people to create visually appealing mind maps by
using different images, colors, styles, and fonts. Users can easily locate their Thoughts by
utilizing the search option. Through an application called TheBrain Cloud, individuals can store
and synchronize their thought maps when switching from one computer to another.
TheBrain meets each criterion of an effective Mindtool as described by David Jonassen
(2000) in his book Computers as Mindtools for Schools (pp. 18-19). This software program is
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computer-based and has a wide range of applications. Through this program, individuals can
utilize their thought maps in a variety of settings. They can insert screenshots of their mind maps
into different files . In addition, by following a simple copy and paste procedure, users can
import their thought maps into Microsoft Word or Excel documents.
TheBrain software satisfies the criterion of affordability because a free version of the
software is available online. This program exemplifies the concept of knowledge construction as
it helps people to form new ideas as they link individual thoughts together. This software is also
very generalizable as it can illustrate thoughts regarding any subject. TheBrain provides users
with different templates based on the subjects of their mind maps. For example, different
templates that individuals can use for business, educational, information technology, and
brainstorming purposes are available.
TheBrain software encourages people to build connections between their ideas. Thus, this
software helps people to think critically as they are forming their own interpretations about ideas.
The program also facilitates transferable learning by allowing users to connect thoughts
regarding different subjects together. TheBrain meets the criterion of simple, powerful formalism
as it uses basic, easy to use software to accomplish a wide variety of meaningful purposes.
TheBrain Technologies LP (2012) asserts, TheBrain currently runs on Windows, Mac OS X,
Linux, and Unix (p. 2). The software is also easily learnable. TheBrain Technologies LP (2012)
posted The Brain 7 User Guide online. This manual provides clear, stepwise instructions about
using the software.
Educators could utilize TheBrain to facilitate learning in their classes. This program
allows students to create and share knowledge. Students can share their thought maps with others
through email by using a feature of the software called BrainZip (TheBrain Technologies LP,
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2012). Students can also create web pages that depict their thought maps through a software
program called SiteBrain (TheBrain Technologies LP, 2012). The calendar feature built into this
tool can also help students to document important events and organize their thoughts according
to important deadlines. Overall, TheBrain is an exceptionally valuable tool for facilitating
learning.


















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References
Download TheBrain. (2014). TheBrain Technologies LP. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from
http://www.thebrain.com/products/thebrain/download/
Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Computers as Mindtools for schools. Ohio: Prentice Hall.
TheBrain store. (2014). TheBrain Technologies LP. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from
http://www.thebrain.com/store
TheBrain Technologies LP. (2012). TheBrain 7 user guide. Retrieved February 1, 2014, from
http://assets.thebrain.com/documents/TheBrain-UserGuide.pdf