FACILITATING LEARNING OF CMAPTOOLS SOFTWARE USING A LEARNING OBJECT

Abstract. As the use of concept maps becomes more prevalent in educational programs, instructors begin to explore ways to utilize them more effectively to facilitate student learning. However, when initially introduced to concept map tools users have not always had a positive experience because concept map strategies may require users to organize information in a way that is outside their comfort zone or they may feel uneasy with the use of technology tools. Concept map tools are software programs used to facilitate manipulation of concept maps. Concept map strategies are used to develop a concept map. The purpose of this paper is to present the development process used for creating a CmapTools learning object, how this learning object can be used as an instructional aid to learn the CmapTools software, and implications for student use of the CmapTools Software.