What is this tool: Bubbl.us lets you create simple flowcharts and webs to diagram ideas, writing assignments, and projects.  Simply click on the Start Here bubble to start a branch.  Then click, the tiny button on the bottom of the bubble or hit Command+Enter to create a new bubble below it.  Hitting Tab or clicking the button to the side of the bubble creates a new bubble.  Bubbles and text can be custom-colored by clicking the pop-up menu.  Users can edit text size and connection arrows from the pop-up menu.

What can students learn: Students can share and collaborate with other bubbl.us users.  They can export charts as JPEGs or PNGs, or even as Web pages.  It is free to use; however, with an upgraded account, they can save and share unlimited charts, download or upload them to work on multiple computers as well as offline, and add users to work together through bubbl.us site.

Overview: The possibilities of using bubbl.us in the classroom are endless.  Teachers can use the program to plan and brainstorm for lessons.  They can create webs for students to print out or access online during class.  Classes can work collaboratively to make mind maps as part of a discussion or individual students can even add to the same map from different computers at the same time.  This tool can be used across many different subject areas for the organization of concepts, ideas, steps in a process and vocabulary.