Before any paper I have writen I brainstorm and it helps me look at what I am dealing with and how I can organize to make things more clear. My brainstorming technique is exactly like concept maps but way more boring. I really think students would enjoy using this kind of tool to help them understand something or it's just a neat way for student to get their hands on the computer and doing it for themself. Although it is not a hard task students will look at an assignment like that enjoy it rather than dread doing it.