Case Study: Gannon University achieves engaging, collaborative learning with MindMeister

How to facilitate collaborative learning in higher education with MindMeister and G Suite

Gannon University lecturer Nancy Morris faced the common higher-education challenge of passive, lecture-driven classes where students disengage and merely transcribe slides. To foster collaborative, visual learning she adopted MindMeister alongside G Suite (Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drive), using mind maps to replace linear PowerPoint note-taking and encourage real-time student interaction.

Using MindMeister, Morris prepares mind maps with pre-populated videos, links and headings that students edit live in small groups, then links map topics to Google Docs and Slides and exports maps to Drive for revision. The MindMeister + G Suite workflow increased student engagement, supported collaborative presentations and more meaningful, memorable note-taking—consistent with cited studies that mind mapping can improve long-term memory by about 10%—and has become central to improving instructional practice at Gannon University.

Gannon University

Nancy Morris

Instructor and Teacher Trainer