Journal 6 Computer-Based Concept Mapping

Anderson-Inman and Ditson describe how concept mapping may be used as both an effective learning tool and teaching tool. Concept mapping is simply organizing concepts and their relationships in graphical form. They spoke of how students who are categorized as visual learners benefit from seeing concept maps in their learning. Creating visual and "symbol-rich maps" may promote long-term retention of material. The authors then describe how the software program Inspiration can be used to create concept maps for brainstorming, curriculum planning and concept formation tracking. In all three cases the idea is to start with big picture ideas, refine the ideas and then expand upon them. The beauty of the concept map is that this is easily done with a program such as Inspiration.

Question 1?

How else might the students progress be tracked by a concept map?

As noted in class the background colors of the various symbols can be changed quite easily. I could see a scenario where after a lesson or at a given time interval you could ask the students to color the background green for concepts they are comfortable with and color the background red for areas that are unclear. I also think the visual representation given as a big-picture idea at the beginning of a major unit would be extremely helpful. For instance, I created a concept map for the generalized process of photosynthesis in class. I tried to think of the main ideas that I would hope the students would get from studying photosynthesis. Clearly, the main ideas would be elaborated upon and much more info delivered, but providing a guideline as to what the take-home message should be, may lower the anxiety of students when you get into the intricate and more complicated issues involving photosynthesis.

Question 2?

What type of student might a concept map approach best serve?

The concept map would be an approach used with students who have not typically responded well to text-centered approaches. As mentioned above, concept maps would also be appreciated by learners that are often labeled visual learners.