Learning Tools

Mind Mapping with Whiteboard

Mind mapping is a visual way of capturing and organising ideas, from a central topic or idea. Branches are used to connect ideas, and colour and visual to spark creativity.
This guide shows you how to create a mind map with Microsoft Whiteboard.

Create a new whiteboard

• Access Whiteboard:
  • VU Collaborate: on the main menu select Tools > Microsoft Whiteboard (New) 
  • Web browser: navigate to Whiteboard (external link) and login with your VU username and password.
  • Teams meeting: in a meeting, select Share, then Whiteboard, see Share a whiteboard in Microsoft Teams (external link).
• Select New Whiteboard and name your new board.

Create your mind map

• Start in the centre: from the tool bar, choose a shape (e.g. circle), then click in the middle of the canvas to add.
• Add main topic: double-click on the shape, to add your main topic.
• Add keywords: add additional shapes and text, to brainstorm topics.
• Connect ideas: Use the line tool, to connect topics with the main topic, then branch out to add sub-topics.
• Use Colour: to group topics themes.
• Add visual: add images, video or links to visually explore ideas.

Watch: Diagramming in Microsoft Whiteboard

Time: 1:01 mins
Watch this short video, to see how to add content on a whiteboard.

Export your mind map for assignment submission

• On the top right from the setting cog (below your name), select Export to save your mind map as an image.
• Add your image to a document or PPT presentation, and submit as instructed.