Thinking with Pictures

This review by Tim Rylands first appeared in 'ICT Reviews' in September 2005 published by SCHOLASTIC LIMITED. www.scholastic.co.uk

I could have done with this program when I first started writing reviews for Junior Education. Thinking with Pictures (from £49) is an easy-to-use and incredibly powerful mind-modelling environment. With the friendliest interface that I have seen yet, for such a package, this software has incredible potential for both whole-class teaching, and individual learning.

The program allows the user to lay down and organise thoughts for any subject, in an entirely non-linear way, connecting ideas manually, or asking the software to make automatic connections, to enhance and clarify the thinking process.

A vast library of clipart allowed my children to make their thinking maps more visual; 'text to speech' and concept symbols made mind-mapping accessible to all. My class quickly added hyperlinks and notes; and even exported their mind model in to Word or PowerPoint. The configurable print-out function makes this an ideal medium for introducing and working through a scheme of work, or a project in a classroom environment.

With Thinking Skills now having a prominent place within all areas of the curriculum – across all age groups – Thinking with Pictures is one program everyone should plan to use. To find out more call 01223 425 558 or visit www.logo.com.