Brainstorm on the Web!

I came across a web 2.0 brainstorming tool from this web site bubbl.us.  Instead of brainstorming on paper and pen, people can brainstorm on their laptop, or any apple handheld device. This is an upgrade from the brainstorming that we were taught to do in school because of the extra tools given to users when they create a "mind map" on this site. When people create a mind map on bubbl.us, they are able to change the bubble colors, change the text size, save their work, share their work with collaborators, add different files and images (which are pretty cool), print, export/import, and save a mind map. So, if they may ever need to come back to a mind map for what reasons, it would be there for them. 

I think it would be a great idea to integrate bubbl.us mind maps into the classroom. I think it would work well for students when they may need to brainstorm ideas for essay/research assignments, projects, and group assignments/projects. I think being able to build a concept map on bubbl.us could work well with any subject in school. 

However, to make the most out of this site, I think one would have to sign up for a payment plan. See, signing up for a free account would only allow a user up to three mind maps, the ability to save images, share their mind maps, and email support. If one was to sign up for a monthly or annual payment plan, they would be allowed unlimited mind maps, the ability to attach images, and files, no bubbl.us branding, priority support, the ability to create backups, and a 30 day free trial. Is it really worth signing up for a monthly or annual plan, just to brainstorm? Maybe, it depends on the person, and their purpose.