In 1970, Joseph Novak, then at Cornell, developed software he called Concept Mapping. Now he's with a Florida research institute, making free software available that may help some kids learn. The Florida Institute for Human/Machine Cognition is allowing its CMap software to be downloaded for free. The Florida Institute for Education, for one, is using it to teach algebra to middle-schoolers. In Panama, the whole country is using it in the public schools.

It's catching on for business use too. A San Diego firm called Smart Draw is aiming for business use, but has a demo, probably aimed at families, which can be downloaded free. It allows users to drag and drop ready-made graphics easily. Graphs and clip art are aligned and arranged automatically. There are examples to help you get started; tutorials to help you learn; and free tech support.

Then there's Crystal Mapping from England. This one claims to actually help you think through planning to move, organizing a vacation, or producing a Life Goal Map -- yes! Like SmartDraw, it has a free demo. I haven't used it yet, but if it helps me think through any or all of the above, it's worth my time.

A visual winner is one called Inspiration, from Portland, Oregon. It's so friendly it's almost touchy-feely -- and I'm not a computer lover. Click on "For Parents" and try the Kidspiration interactive demo (for grades K-5) or the Inspiration interactive demo for grades 6-12. When I pretended to shop, I found many different formats available, and prices starting at $29.95.

There's no question that adding pattern and color enhances memory: it's the old idea that "a picture is worth a thousand words"; so I'm hooked: it may even improve my thinking.