Using Concept Mapping for Needs Analysis for a Social Support System in Learning Network

Authors

  • Danish Nadeem Center for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Heerlen
  • Slavi Stoyanov Center for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Heerlen
  • Rob Koper Center for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Heerlen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v5i1.1520

Keywords:

concept mapping, learning network, social support system, software needs analysis

Abstract


This paper describes the needs analysis of tool for connecting people in a Learning Network using Group Concept Mapping method. We conducted an empirical study to identify the most relevant features of such a tool. There were 11 experts from 7 different countries with technical and non-technical background who participated in the study. Each of the participants were invited by email and given a brief description about the scenario for the need of a tool in an online Learning Network to find people for help (social support system). This tool can be developed on mobile devices to search for peer learners. The participants generated 153 unique ideas about the need for social support system in Learning Network. These ideas were sorted and rated, and further analysis with Concept Mapping produced ten relevant clusters of interest. These clusters (concepts) suggest the features which are relevant for a tool that would support learners in connecting with others in a Learning Network. The concept mapping methodology described in this paper has also been applied in other projects; one of them is about the â??investigation of pedagogic areas in which mobile learning is an appropriate solution

Author Biographies

Danish Nadeem, Center for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Heerlen

Danish Nadeem works at Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Open University of the Netherlands as researcher and technology developer. He obtained his M.Sc. in Cognitive Science from University of Osnabrueck, Germany. He has a solid background in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI) and computational linguistics. His research interests are in the fields of cognitive science, AI, human computer interaction (HCI) and semantic web/desktop technologies.

Slavi Stoyanov, Center for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Heerlen

Slavi Stoyanov is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, Open University of the Netherlands. He holds a PhD on Instructional Technology from the University of Twente, The Netherlands. His major research interests include technology-enhanced learning, individual differences in learning, learning to solve ill-structured problems and cognitive mapping.

Rob Koper, Center for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Heerlen

Rob Koper holds a PhD in Educational Technology from the OUNL. Since 1998 he has been a Full Professor in Educational Technology, specifically in e-learning technologies. He was responsible for the development of educational modelling language (the predecessor of IMS learning design). As the Director of RTD in learning technologies, he led the OUNLâ??s contribution to the IMSLD specification activities. His research focuses on self-organised distributed learning networks for lifelong learning, including RTD into software agents, educational semantic web, interoperability specifications and standards.

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Published

2010-12-21

How to Cite

Nadeem, D., Stoyanov, S., & Koper, R. (2010). Using Concept Mapping for Needs Analysis for a Social Support System in Learning Network. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 5(1), pp. 41–46. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v5i1.1520

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Papers