Practical Evaluation of Concept Mapping Software to Reconstruct Learning Processes in Elementary Science Learning

Abstract

We developed concept mapping software to reconstruct learning processes. The functional features of the software are that a learner can (a) play back all the creation processes of his/her concept map and (b) improve his/her concept map anytime. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability and usefulness of the software through designing 5th grade science lessons. These lessons were designed to teach how matter dissolves in water. First, in the questionnaire, 39 students of two classes were asked to evaluate the convenience of the software's user interface, the effectiveness of its functions, and its usability in lessons. Most students gave positive evaluations of the software for various reasons. Second, two teachers of the classes were asked in individual interviews to evaluate the software for students and teachers. The teachers noted the convenience of the user interface for students and the effectiveness of the playback function for both students and teachers. Third, we applied interaction analysis with video technology to the learning processes of one group of students using the playback function of the software, and we found that it contributed to the student's understanding of the solution. After consideration of these results, we discuss evaluation of the software and future work on the project.