A concept map is a visual tool that aids in information organisation and helps you determine the connections between various concepts. It’s a practical technique to generate concepts, organise a task, or prepare for an exam.
We will go over how to create a concept map in Google Slides in this guide.
How To Make A Concept Map In Google Slides
Step 1: Create a New Slide.
The New Slide symbol is located in the top left corner of the screen. Click it to add a new slide. You may then select the kind of slide you wish to include from a drop-down option that will appear. Choose the Blank option to display a blank slide.
Step 2: Insert a Shape
Select Shape from the drop-down menu under the Insert option on the top menu bar to add the first concept to your map. Select the shape you wish to use to represent your idea, such as a circle or a rectangle. To create the shape on the slide, click and drag the mouse.
Step 3: Insert Text
To add text to the shape, double-click on it. By doing so, the text box will open for you to type the concept’s name into. By selecting the Text Style button from the top menu bar, you may also change the font’s size, style, and colour.
Step 4: Make a copy of the shape
Duplicate the shape by right-clicking on it and choosing Duplicate from the drop-down menu to generate a new concept that is connected to the previous one. To add a new text box, move the duplicated shape to a different spot on the slide and double-click on it. Type the name of the novel idea here.
Step 5: Connect the Shapes
Choose Line from the drop-down menu under the Insert tab in the top menu bar to create a connection between the two forms. To create a line connecting the two shapes, click and drag the mouse. By selecting the Line Colour and Line Thickness buttons in the top menu bar, you can change the line’s colour and thickness.
Step Six: Add More Concepts
To expand the concept map, repeat steps 4 and 5. To distinguish between various types of notions, utilise various shapes and colours. Instead of using lines to show the relationship between the concepts, you could also use arrows.
Step 7: Make the map your own
Create a map that reflects your preferences and the presentation’s overall concept. By selecting the Text Style and Fill Colour buttons on the top menu bar, you may change the shapes and text’s colours, font size, and style. By choosing Image or ‘Icon’ from the drop-down menu when you click the Insert tab and then the Image or Icon option, you are able to add images or icons to the shapes.
Step 8: Group the shapes
You must group the shapes together in order to move or resize the complete concept map. To choose every shape on the slide, click and drag the mouse. With the help of the drop-down menu, right-click on one of the shapes and choose Group. The entire concept map is now a single object that can be moved or resized.
Step 9: Examine and Change the Map
To make sure all the concepts and relationships are appropriately portrayed, preview the concept map. To traverse the slides and look for any errors or difficulties with the map, use the arrow keys or the mouse. By double-clicking a shape or the Text Style and Fill Colour buttons on the top menu bar, you can change the text or the map settings.
Step 10: Distribute the Map
By selecting the Share option in the top right corner of the screen, you may show the concept map to your audience. Choose the access level you want to allow them and enter the email addresses of the individuals you want to share the map with. You have the right to allow them to edit the map or just allow them to view it. Also, you can create a link to the map and share it with anybody you desire.
Guidelines for Making a Successful Concept Map
- Start with a fundamental idea: Put the primary thought or topic you wish to investigate in the map’s centre after first identifying it. This will direct your thought process and assist you in giving your map structure.
- Utilise various hues and shapes: Use various hues and shapes to convey various types of ideas or relationships. This will make the map easier to interpret and assist you in visually differentiating between its various components.
- Ensure simplicity: Avoid packing the map with unnecessary details. Keep it straightforward and concentrate on the most crucial ideas and connections. Your audience will find it simpler to follow and comprehend as a result.
- Be succinct and clear when you speak: Be succinct and clear when you describe the relationships and concepts. Avoid confusing your readers with jargon or technical terms.
- Utilise a hierarchy: Arrange the ideas and connections using a hierarchy. Put the notions that are most crucial in the centre and the ones that are less crucial on the edges. You will be able to organise the content and direct the viewer’s focus if you follow through.
Conclusion
A wonderful method to arrange material and illustrate the connections between various concepts is to create a concept map in Google Slides. You may make a concept map that effectively and attractively conveys your ideas to your audience by following these steps. Keep it basic, utilise a variety of colours and forms, and indicate the ideas and connections with clear, short language.