Lucidchart: What is it?
Lucidchart is a versatile online mind-mapping tool for creating various digital diagram formats.
Lucidchart can support multiple learning activities such as comparing and contrasting, individual and collaborative brainstorming, and collaborative notetaking. Its mind-mapping capabilities can both support and assess student learning, with possibilities including using the tool as a study aid and for formative and authentic assessments.
In alignment with the TL Commons strategic plan toward flexible, inclusive, engaging, student-centered learning environments, Lucidchart provides multiple ways for students to organize and express their thoughts and ideas. This tool allows for non-linear thinking and personal learning pathways, making it easier for students to connect ideas and demonstrate their learning more meaningfully.
Lucidchart houses an extensive template and shape repository to convey complex information and processes, making it an invaluable tool for KPU faculty.
This resource provides KPU faculty with guidelines for acceptable use and some practical use case examples of how the free version of Lucidchart can be used.
Lucidchart: Mind Mapping Tool Guidelines and Acceptable Use
KPU Faculty and instructional staff, using a Lucid chart with students, need to explain that the students are not required to register for the service. Faculty will use their account to invite students to participate. By engaging through a faculty account, student users would be accessing content without having to log in and would not require personal information
Recommendations Regarding the Use of Lucid charts at KPU
- Faculty using Lucid Charts must create their own individual account and are encouraged to use the free version, use of a paid version may not be covered by KPU and all expense and procurement policies will be in effect
- Faculty should ensure the use of strong unique passwords for their account.
- Avoid requiring students to identify themselves on a faculty’s Lucid chart and encourage using fun and appropriate nicknames that will allow them to remain anonymous.
- Users must respect the privacy of others. Do not create diagrams or charts containing personal information about individuals
- Lucid Chart allows collaboration among users. When sharing diagrams, avoid sharing sensitive information in public spaces.
- Instructors should review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy with the class, provide time for a meaningful discussion, and allow students to ask questions and discuss their concerns.
- Instructors should familiarize themselves with KPU’s IM8 Privacy Policy and review it with their students. In addition to understanding their privacy obligations, readers may find it helpful to see examples of what counts as Personal Information, which is included in the Procedure under Definitions.
- If you need support discussing privacy matters with your students or how to manage compliance with FIPPA. Contact privacy@kpu.ca for support.
- As best practice, KPU faculty and staff should download Lucidchart artifacts and output and retain them for one year. This may be needed in the event of an investigation. For example, if any grades are based on the Lucidchart activities, they should be retained (under FIPPA). KPU may be unable to rely on the vendor to maintain or provide the records that KPU may need.
Use Cases for Lucidchart (free version)
Mind Mapping
Description
Use Lucidchart Mind Mapping tools to engage students in organizing complex information, identifying patterns, and problem-solving. Mind Mapping can be used across a variety of topics and course areas.
Three examples in context
Philosophy - explore complex ethical dilemmas to consider different perspectives
Nursing - analyze patient cases and map out symptoms, history, diagnosis, etc. to determine a care plan
Marketing - plan a marketing campaign and map out key strategic elements (target audience, budget, timelines, etc.)
Free LucidChart Template(s) to Utilize
Various available (sample image)
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Shape Library: Create your own Mind Maps using shapes that suit your needs
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How to access a Mind Mapping Template in Lucidchart
Navigate to the "Insert" tab
Select "Template" under "Standard" templates
Select "Mind Maps" from the drop-down list
How to access the shape library in Lucidchart
- Open a Lucidchart document
- Click More Shapes at the bottom of the Shape menu
- In the “Shapes” tab, check the boxes next to shape libraries you want to use
Tips for successfully implementing Mind Mapping activities
- Start off by adding a central idea or topic to launch from so students have some guidance
- Moderate when needed to keep the map simple and to avoid clutter and confusion
- Encourage reflection by hosting a discussion after completion on how the process helped them understand the process or concepts better
Compare and Contrast (Venn Diagram)
Description
Use Lucidchart Venn Diagrams to engage students in comparing and contrasting learning activities. Venn diagrams can be used across a variety of topics and course areas.
Three examples in context
- History - comparing different political ideologies or historical periods
- English – comparing characters from literature or authors’ points of view
- Science – classifying organisms into groups based on similar characteristics
Free Lucidchart Template(s) to Utilize
- Venn diagram template (two-set)
2. Shape library: Create your own Venn diagram using shapes that suit your needs
How to access a Venn Diagram Template in Lucidchart
- Navigate to the "Insert" tab
- Select "Template” under "Standard" templates
- Scroll down to "Brainstorm ideas"
- Select "Venn diagrams" from the drop-down list
How to access the shape library in Lucidchart
- Open a Lucidchart document
- Click More Shapes at the bottom of the Shape menu
- In the “Shapes” tab, check the boxes next to shape libraries you want to use
Tips for successfully implementing Venn diagram activities
- Provide examples to explain the concept of Venn diagrams using items students are familiar with such as fruits, animals, or shapes before engaging in the real activity
- Encourage collaboration in small groups and then discuss in larger groups to promote discussion and deeper understanding of the concepts being presented
- After engaging in the activity, ask open-ended questions which prompt students to think about the relationships - “Why do you think the items in the overlapping section belong there?”
Brainstorming
Description
Use brainstorming activities to help students organize their thoughts, and visually structure information for projects, essays, or research papers. Brainstorming can be used across a variety of topics and course areas.
Three examples in context
- Business – explore the needs of a target market or conceptualize a vision statement
- Automotive repair – list the mechanical, electrical and computer diagnostic skills needed to service modern vehicles
- Creative writing – storyboard a scene or sequence of events in a plot
Free Lucidchart Template(s) to Utilize
- Brainstorming board template
How to access a Brainstorming Board Template in Lucidchart
- Navigate to the "Insert" tab
- Select "Template” under "Standard" templates
- Scroll down to "Brainstorm ideas"
- Select "Brainstorming board" from the drop-down list
Tips for successfully implementing Brainstorming activities
- Provide guidelines for etiquette, such as “never criticize an idea” or “contributions are accepted without criticism or judgement” and post the guidelines on the brainstorming board where students can see them.
- Define the problem to be brainstormed. Make sure students are clear on the topic or idea being explored.
- Set clear timeframe for contributing and “lock” your Lucidchart when the time has concluded
Collaborative Notetaking
Description
Collaborative notetaking activities can help students clarify concepts in real-time and consider diverse perspectives. This approach can also support accessibility as collaborative notes support those who may have missed class or find it difficult to make useable notes. Collaborative notetaking can be used across a variety of topics and course areas.
Three examples in context
- Sustainable horticulture – explore complex issues together such as climate change
- Anthropology – conduct ethnographic research in cultural Anthropology and collaboratively present the respective results
- Language courses – Improve students’ knowledge of the target language, grammar and vocabulary and common understandings of aspects of culture
Free Lucidchart Template(s) to Utilize
- Team meeting notes template
How to access a Team Meeting Notes Template in Lucidchart
- Navigate to the "Insert" tab
- Select "Template” under "Standard" templates
- Scroll down to "Brainstorm ideas"
- Select "Team Meeting Notes" from the drop-down list
Tips for successfully implementing Collaborative Notetaking activities
- Set clear expectations and be clear about the expected outcomes of the activity.
- Before starting the activity, give instructions for effective notetaking techniques like how to summarize and use bullet points.
- Monitor the notes regularly for accuracy and completeness. Provide feedback and adjust as needed.