Concept mapping

From Wikiversity

Contents 1 Theory 1.1 Definition 1.2 Pros & cons 1.2.1 Pros 1.2.2 Cons 1.3 Concept mapping vs. mind mapping 1.4 Modes 1.5 Styles 2 Examples 3 Practice 3.1 Software 3.1.1 Offline 3.1.2 Online 3.2 File formats 3.2.1 Master 3.2.2 Exported 4 References 5 See also 5.1 Subpages 6 External links

Information about the generation and usage of concept mapping in life, teaching, and research.

[edit] Theory

[edit] Definition

"Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts. We define concept as a perceived regularity in events or objects, or records of events or objects, designated by a label.

– Novak & Canas, 2008, p. 1^[1]

[edit] Pros & cons

[edit] Pros

1. Visual (e.g., a picture can say a 1000 words)

[edit] Cons

1. More difficult to edit than text or tables

[edit] Concept mapping vs. mind mapping

Although concept mapping and mind mapping are often treated as synonymous, the following distinctions are suggested:

Mind mapping	Concept mapping
Earlier stage	Later stage
Knowledge-development	Knowledge-share
Gathers ideas	Synthesizes ideas
Internal audience	External audience
Brainstorms	Explains

[edit] Modes

1. Draw in the sand with a stick
2. Paper and pencil
3. Blackboard/Whiteboard
4. Post-it stickers
5. Computer software

[edit] Styles

There is no limit to the ways in which concept maps might be constructed, however here are some common approaches:

1. Place the key concept at the centre, with all other concepts radiating outwards from the centre.
2. Hierarchical (e.g., top-down / bottom-up) in which concepts cascade into sub-concepts, and so on.
3. Consider labelling the connections/paths - this generally creates a richer, more meaningful map.

[edit] Examples

1. Introduction to concept mapping (Slideshare)
2. Gallery

[edit] Practice

[edit] Software

1. List of concept mapping software
2. List of mind mapping software

[edit] Offline

• Open Office Portable - Download and install (so we can use OO Draw)

[edit] Online

• MindMeister

[edit] File formats

[edit] Master

• odg
• svg

[edit] Exported

• gif
• png
• svg

[edit] References

[edit] See also

Find more information on Concept mapping by searching Wikiversity's sister projects
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[edit] Subpages

1. Tasks
2. Gallery
3. Workshop

[edit] External links

1. Concept mapping and mind mapping resources (Google Groups - TALO)
2. Introduction to concept mapping (Slideshow - mostly examples of concept maps)