If you've filmed movies on your iPhone you'll know how tricky it is to keep the shot steady. So we came up with our own DIY iPhone tripod. We used a type of a C-Clamp, mini tripod & our iPhone.
Here's the final image.
C-Clamp
Tighten screw to hold phone firmly, but not too tight
Screw clamp onto mini tripod
& voilà!
You can either take an eraser to the blueprints or a pickax to the foundation.
-Frank Lloyd Wright
I cannot emphasize enough the importance and value of planning. PERIOD. Step one for me begins with brain storming and idea generation. If we're planning a documentary, sometimes the questions are provided for you up front. We map it out first. We draw up the plans up front. You wouldn't give equipment or building materials to your builder without plans, would you?
Thanks to tools like Inspiration (by Inspiration), I can organize my product and process goals, ideas, and roles on paper (or screen) first. I can share it and make adjustments. Its more organic this way, too. I can change ideas as I go and make the changes to the mind-map. As a teacher, I can see all of the mind-maps posted online or on a wall. I can even make recommendations to their maps. Color coordinating categories of the map heps assess its content, direction, and even process decisions. The alternative, linear outline forces the composer, producer to work in a one way structure. Our brains don't work this way. They are non-linear, therefore, if we have a tol that can help us in our thinking-- then why aren't we doing it (NOW)?
What are tools available for you now:
Freemind
Nova-mind
ConceptDraw MindMap 5
Xmind 2008
Mindmono (online mind-mapping tool)
Inspiration
All of these offer something special and, in some cases, something unique. I like the simplicity of Inspiration. Since its a planning tool for me, I don't use it as an "end of project" product. Its a blueprint for me and that's all. It does have "bells and whistles" but, for me its the simplicity and diagram to outline switching that does it for me.
I wish Inspiration can change how its marketed to secondary schools, university, and even the business community. Using primary colors to box its product (online, too)-- I think pushes this constituency away. I wish they can make an online version for real-time collaboration. Also, a smart move would be to allow users to export as an interactive Java/Flash web page to their sites (maybe a .Mac option, too). For the web feature-- they should have some cool, "pro-ish" looking templates.
My favorite, favorite tool for mind-mapping is my Moleskine notebook (the grid one, baby), a blue and black fine tip pen. I wish LeapFrong made a Fly Fusion for adults.
This way Ican transfer what I write, design, and/or draw on paper onto my Macbook. Once I draw my mind-map on my Moleskine, I transfer the info onto Inspiration. I wish I can eliminate the middleman in this equation, but can't. PC Tablet users, don't start. I've had 3 and none of them did what I needed. LeapFrog's Fly did a much better job and its $80.
Here is how we use it in the classroom.
