A Knowledge Building Community Constructing a Knowledge Model Using Online Concept Maps

Abstract

Knowledge models are structured representations of knowledge using symbols to represent components of knowledge and relationships between them while a knowledge building community involves a collection of individuals sharing a mutual interest - the construction of knowledge. This study examines a knowledge building community involved in constructing a knowledge model through the process of concept mapping in academic instruction in a Web-based learning environment. The study aimed to explore students' usage, their attitudes and limitations in using concept maps as an online collaborative knowledge model. Results suggest that when using concept maps as a shared knowledge model in a Web-based learning environment, one should consider three limitations: the subjective nature of the concept maps, technological aspects and the scalability of the model.