Using a Concept Map Network Based Constructivist Learning Environment to Design a Learning System

Abstract

Meaningful learning is the desired outcome of every learning system and many theories and learning paradigms aim at achieving this goal. Meaningful learning is best achieved if the approach is student centric. Constructivist theory of learning is one such theory that promotes student centric learning and advocates active participation of learner in the learning process rather than passive assimilation of knowledge. This paper discusses the design of one such tool that enables the educator to create a constructivist learning environment for teaching as well assessing the acquired knowledge. The tool uses concept maps as building blocks for creating the learning component as well as assessment component. The paper further discusses the design considerations for developing both of these components. A prototype of the tool was developed for teaching ‘C’ programming for the beginners and was tested with undergraduate students who were learning any programming language for the first time. Results indicate that there was a considerable difference in the scores obtained by the learners who were taught the subject using the tool as compared to the learners who were taught the same subject using traditional classroom method and the students taught using the tool performed much better as compared to the other group both in concept based assessments and skill assessments.