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The concept map is a visually impressive graphical tool that is increasingly used to study and learn effectively. But what is the best way to create a concept map and what are the steps to follow? We will try to understand step by step why studying with concept maps is a valid method for studying, but above all, how to build them for effective learning!
In this article we will see:
When constructing a concept map, it is important to know where to start when designing its structure; therefore, it is necessary to remember the basic principle of concept mapping, which is the schematization of the main concepts. A concept map consists of two basic elements:
- Conceptual nodes;
- The hierarchical relationships between concepts.
Studying with concept maps is effective because it simplifies the source text by highlighting key concepts and allowing a clearer, albeit simplified, view of the topic of study.
Thanks also to the links between key concepts (by means of connectors such as arrows), it is possible to make a logical association of the transcribed elements, which makes it easier to memorise them. The main concepts are arranged hierarchically from the most central ones (often arranged at the top) to the most peripheral ones, which are arranged like the branches and leaves of an inverted tree. It is very common and important to use symbols, images or videos for their immediate visual impact.
Concept maps are particularly useful for learning, as they help to visualise the relationships between concepts and to better understand the material being studied. In addition, concept maps can be used as a review and summary tool to reinforce long-term memory.
What are the advantages of concept maps for studying? Creating a concept map has several advantages for studying, among them:
- It helps to organise information in a logical and coherent way.
- It facilitates the understanding of the material studied.
- It facilitates the memorisation of information.
- It allows you to visualise the relationships between concepts.
- It can be used as a review and summary tool or as a tool for oral presentations.
Choose the central theme or concept for the map. The central theme or concept is the main focus or idea that you want to represent in your concept map. It should be broad enough to allow for a thorough understanding of the topic, but specific enough to provide a clear focus.
Identify the key concepts and their relationships from your study source. Gather and review relevant information, such as notes, texts, and other resources, to identify the key concepts and their relationships to the central theme or concept.
Organize the concepts logically and hierarchically. Arrange the key concepts into a logical and hierarchical structure, with the central theme or concept at the top and the related concepts organized beneath it. This helps to show the relationships and connections between different concepts and to clarify the overall structure of the concept map.
Use keywords to represent concepts in the nodes. Use short, descriptive keywords or phrases to represent each concept in the nodes of the concept map. These keywords should be specific enough to accurately represent the concept, but general enough to be understood by a broad audience.
Use lines and arrows to represent relationships between concepts. Connect the nodes on the concept map with lines and arrows to show the relationships and connections between different concepts. These lines and arrows should be labeled with descriptive terms or phrases that explain the nature of the relationship.
Add details and additional information, such as examples, pictures, videos. Supplement the concept map with additional information and details, such as examples, pictures, and videos, to further clarify and explain the concepts and relationships.
Check that the map is clear and easy to understand. Review the concept map carefully to ensure that it is clear, accurate, and easy to understand. Make any necessary revisions or additions to improve the overall clarity and effectiveness of the map.
Use the map as a review tool during study or to present a topic. Once the concept map is complete, use it as a review tool during study or as a visual aid to present the topic to others. The concept map can help to organize and clarify complex information and make it easier to understand and remember.
Are you looking for a tool for simply and easily create concept maps online? You are in the right place.
Algor Education is a web application accessible from a browser on a PC or tablet that helps you create online concept maps, customise them in a convenient graphical environment and share them. As one of the best concept mapping apps, it is aimed at students, teachers or anyone who needs to learn, organise ideas, memorise concepts for study or speaking.
This are some of the features of Algor Education:
- Infinite workspace, the map editor has potentially infinite space and, above all, is easily navigable and zoomable by keyboard, touch or mouse;
Creating new map nodes and customising them is extremely simple, just a click away. Individual nodes or groups of map nodes can be quickly edited via the mobile menu. - Ability to create maps from your own documents or digital books, on Algor you can upload pdf or doc files to go with the map. Documents and map environment communicate with each other, transferring file content to map nodes takes just a few clicks.
- Inclusive interface and functionality, maps and documents can be organised in convenient folders distinguished by visually striking symbols and colours. In addition, the app integrates speech synthesis highlighted in different languages, voices and speeds and inclusive fonts such as LexieReadable or OpenDyslexia.
- Easy online sharing, with Algor Education you can share your maps with other users simply by sending them a link. On each map you can work collaboratively in real time and make changes together.
- Multi-device compatibility, on Algor you can work anywhere from PC, smartphone, tablet. All material is accessible anywhere from any device by logging in with the same account, all you need is an internet connection.
- Automatic text suggestions to stimulate creativity. Algor uses state-of-the-art technology to create concept maps automatically from text. The aim is to stimulate student creativity and help them synthesise the main concepts of a text.
Create concept maps in just a few clicks, customise them your maps in our editor, rearrange and edit them to your liking and according to your needs, collaborate in real time on the same map and share changes with friends and teachers, listen to the text and write with inclusive fonts, access your maps from anywhere, and retrieve your maps and materials anywhere, even from your mobile phone, all you need is an Internet connection.
Discover Algor Education by creating a free account at app.algoreducation.com. You can try all the paid features for 7 days for free.
