This work is devoted to the problem of using modern visual conceptual knowledge modeling in teaching of management and other socio-economic disciplines in business schools and universities. We consider two most popular visual modeling tools — mind maps and concept maps. These models are often called mental models or knowledge maps. The main stress is put on a didactic
maps development methodology and practical examples of their creation for different business oriented courses using modern software. Mind-maps are hierarchical diagrams used for visual representation of ideas, projects, and tasks, which are connected with the main concept and organized radially around it. They are used for generating, visualization, structuring and classification of ideas, as well as for facilitation of education and decision-making processes. Graphical representation, as a method for compact information organization, can be used as a powerful mind tool with regard to any intellectual professional activity domain, including education. The tool of visual maps can be used in teaching of any discipline. Maps are used also for student knowledge control, for preparation of presentations and other types of teaching materials. The problem of structuring and visual representation of knowledge is not a trivial issue, especially for distance learning forms.