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Featured Tech Tool: LucidChart
06/17/11
LucidChart is a web application used to create flowcharts, mind maps, and other diagrams. It is being offered free of charge in 2011 for teachers who wish to use it in their classrooms. On the page that explains the free trial, there are examples of how the application is being used in classroom settings in many disciplines. LucidChart can work in a class of 25 or a school of 2,000. The educational accounts are the equivalent of the Team accounts and come equipped with all the premium features.
The site is Web-based, so there is no software to download or install and it can be used from any computer. Its simple drag-and-drop functionality makes the learning curve very small for successful creation. Images can be uploaded and inserted in the diagrams as well. Created materials can be shared and published as images, PDF files, and on Web pages. It also works with both PCs and Macs.
One of the most attractive features for classroom use is the real-time collaboration function, in which students can simultaneously work on the same chart at the same time. A community library is also available to spark ideas or provide templates.