Concept Map

1. A concept map is a graphic organizer that helps organize information on a topic or idea in order to develop the concept fully and linked by lines.

1.1. Concept maps can function as effective intentional planning tools as well as analysis tools.

2. Concept maps are also known as semantic networks or cognitive maps.

2.1. Computer-based concept maps provide visual and verbal screen tools to develop the map.

2.1.1. These tools allow users to identify important concepts or ideas in a knowledge domain and connect those ideas in multidimensional networks by labeling the relationships between ideas.

2.2. Concept maps are made up of nodes (concepts or ideas) and links (statements of relationships) connecting them.

2.2.1. Nodes are represented as information blocks.

2.2.2. Links are labeled or marked lines identifying the relationship between the nodes.

3. Concept maps are used to identify important concepts...

3.1. by arranging those concepts spatially...

3.1.1. identifying relationships among those concepts...

3.1.1.1. labeling the nature of the relationships among those concepts.

4. Concept maps can be hand drawn or computer-based.

4.1. Computer-based semantic networking software enables much easier production of concept maps.

4.1.1. Examples of computer-based concept maps are C-Map, Inspiration/Kidspiration, MindMeister, Visual Thesaurus, and bubbl.us.