LUCIDCHART
Homepage: https://www.lucidchart.com/
Tool Category/ies: Critical Thinking Problem Solving Collaboration
License Type: No Free Option
Overall Rating
4/5
This is a great tool for concept mapping and presenting complex ideas by creating flowcharts This tool also allows collaboration with peers for real-time feedback and brainstorming. Completed charts can be saved, presented or shared with others with edit or read only privileges. Charts created using this tool can be instantly integrated with Google Docs/Drive and other Google apps.
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Example using Lucidchart
1 of 3
Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Chirayu Shah on 04/01/2013
Description
LucidChart is an online web 2.0 tool to construct many different charts including flowcharts, network diagrams, organizational/hierarchy charts, mind maps, venn diagrams, and mockups (such as sample websites or iPhone/iPad applications). The website provides an online whiteboard with access to chart components in a sidebar using drag and drop features. Users can customize the appearance of the chart by changing fonts, font size, and colors. Other chart tools also use the drag and drop feature to illustrate relationships between the individual components. This website allows for collaboration simply by sending a link to someone else. When the chart is complete, you can export the file in many different formats including Visio and PDF. There are many different subscription levels which provide access to more tools, higher number of collaborators, and larger file storage space. Charts create using this tool can be instantly integrated with Google Docs/Drive and other Google apps.
Things to know before using Lucidchart
Skills needed to utilize this tool include basic internet skills and understanding of drag and drop features.
Resources required for using Lucidchart
Lucidchart has an app for iPad. So access to a computer or a tablet with internet connection is required.
How to use Lucidchart in a teaching environment
Multiple Internal Medicine societies publish general guidelines about specific patient care related topics for practicing physicians. An oversimplified example is shown in the chart above. I would ask each resident to create a flowchart related to a guideline that they would have to research. To utilize the collaboration tools with LucidChart, the residents could work in teams of up to 3. The chart would then be given randomly to another team to determine if any changes/updates need to be made. After all the flowcharts have been revised, the flowcharts could be printed on laminated cards and distributed within the residency program. This would provide quick access to important guideline information that is created by the residents.
Advantages of using Lucidchart
This tool allows either the students or the teacher to design a visually appealing flowchart. The ease of using the chart tool quickly allows the designer to show relationships and flows between important concepts. Another advantage is it's relatively easy to use. It can easily be integrated to Google Drive/Docs and other Google apps. After creating the chart, it is easy to save the chart to JPG or another format to allow for distribution. Changes to the chart would be difficult in JPG so the website saves a copy on your account if later modifications are needed.
Disadvantages of using Lucidchart
There are many chart tools available and can seem overwhelming at times and without the free option it becomes a disadvantage for this tool.
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