ETEC 522 – May 2012

CMAP Reflections

The use of concept maps in the MET has helped me to not only understand concepts learned throughout the program but has also help me to develop my personal theory of learning.  The knowledge that I have built throughout the program has been made meaningful through connections to previous knowledge, previous experiences, and within the context of the MET program itself. Concept maps have helped me do this by enabling me to represent concepts within a meaningful framework that is adaptable and that facilitates personalization and sharing.  Concept maps help me  to create conceptual relationships, especially among the different learning theories, in a way that allows me to structure and restructure my knowledge and make connections to ways of learning that work for me and my learners.

Networked concept map learning technologies such as Cacoo foster a constructivist approach to learning.  The social nature of these programs allows learners to critically reflect on their experiences, knowledge and beliefs through shared inquiry.  They also facilitate reflection which is an important part of building knowledge and constructing meaning. By making the learning process more meaningful for our learners, the better their chances are of remembering and applying what they have learned.

It is my hope that these concept sites and downloads remain open source for individuals and for education.  I think that the future of concept map learning technologies is in software tools that generate revenue from other products or services enabling them to earn a profit but at the same time remain free for students and teachers –  a business model that entrepreneurs, software designers, educators, and learners can mutually benefit from!