Concept map

Draft

Definition

• The arrangement of major concepts from a text or lecture into a visual arrangement. Lines are drawn between associated concepts, and relationships between the connected concepts are named. These concept maps reveal the structural pattern in the material and provide the big picture. ( Diane Ehrlich retrieved 21:08, 3 July 2006 (MEST))

• Concept mapping is a technique for visualizing the relationships between different concepts. A concept map is a diagram showing the relationships in between concepts. Concepts are connected with labelled arrows, in a downward-branching hierarchical structure. The relationship between concepts is articulated in linking phrases, e.g., "gives rise to", "results in", "is required by," or "contributes to". ( Wikipedia - Concept Map retrieved 21:08, 3 July 2006 (MEST) )

Typology of concept maps

• Spider-like maps
• Hierarchical maps (like mind maps)
• Formal maps (like UML, Topic Maps, ...)
• Concept definition map [1]

Software

• IHMC CmapTools. Freeware, multi-platform, works nicely !
• PIViT
• Inspiration

Links

• Introduction to Concept Maps. Includes tips for learners.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concept_Map