Using Concept Maps in Instructional Planning: An Innovative Approach to Teaching Pre-service Academic Article uri icon

Abstract

  • The article reports the use of the Inspiration software developed by Inspiration Corporation Inc, as a tool to help preservice education students develop concept maps and visual graphic organizers for instructional planning in K-12 curriculum. The pre-service students were enrolled in an introductory instructional design and evaluation course at a university in southeastern North Carolina. This case study examines the influence of using the software on the quality of students’ concept maps, students’ perception of effectiveness of the software, and overall enjoyment of the task. Data gathered from surveys and analysis of students’ concept maps showed that students’ skills in planning instructional activities were enhanced, and overall, students demonstrated positive attitudes towards using the Inspiration software for planning instruction.

Publication Date

  • 2009-04-01