Online Concept Mapping goes beyond the surface
Having located an article highlighting the benefits of concept mapping, my initial thoughts have been confirmed. I believe that concept maps, particularly those developed online by the students assist in developing greater knowledge and understanding of a topic. Concept mapping is a learning activity where students interpret and build on their knowledge in a visual form.
Image: ‘YouTube: It not making sense.‘
www.flickr.com/photos/70285332@N00/2748141461
When learning students may either have a surface appraoch to learning or a deep approach. Surface learning often covers the bare essentials, yet deep learning requires a thorough understanding of a concept. It is difficult to develop a valid concept map without taking a deep approach to learning. Students need to understand the various definitions of a concept and be able to identify their similarities or differences to other related concepts. Overall it was found that students using an online concept mapping application achieved higher academic results in comparison to those who did not. Furthermore students were also encouraged to take a deep learning approach to their study. Not that I needed any convincing of the benefits!
Source: Chang, Shujen L.; Chang, Yegmin. (2008). Using concept mapping with peer learning to enhance concept application. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, Vol. 9 Issue 1, p17-27. Retrieved November 1st 2008, from Academic Search premier, full text database.
