Presents an experimental verification of a hypothetical construct explaining the basic mechanism behind the behavior of an intelligent agent implemented in the Solution, Mapping, Intelligent, Learning Environment (SMILE) performance supported system. Explains the SMILE concept mapping method and its role as a problem-solving tool. (Author/LRW)

Collaborative concept mapping engages two or more students in coordinated and sustained efforts in the creation of one or more concept maps in order to learn and construct knowledge. It is a potentially powerful instructional strategy in that it fosters meaningful learning and group knowledge construction and helps the building of common ground…

The purpose of this article is to provide five empirically-derived guidelines for knowledge map construction tools that facilitate problem solving. First, the combinational representation principle proposes that conceptual and corresponding procedural knowledge should be represented together (rather than separately) within the knowledge map.…

Discusses agent technology within educational settings and describes two information systems, SMILE (Solution, Mapping, Intelligent, Learning, Environment) and AIMS (Agent based Information Management System) that use concept mapping to address issues including adaptive learner support, problem solving, information navigation, information…

Presents a conceptual foundation for using concept mapping as a cognitive learning strategy and as a method for assessing structural knowledge; reviews the growing body of research related to both applications. Describes some of the conceptual and empirical limitations of concept mapping. (Author/AEF)

Presents an experimental study conducted at the University of Twente (Netherlands) that investigated the learning effectiveness of concept mapping for computer-supported collaborative problem solving. Highlights include group interaction; shared cognition; knowledge acquisition; learning effectiveness; retention; creativity; and distributed…

Provides theoretical evidence supporting the assumption that cognitive mapping is an effective learning method for students' hypermedia design activities. Checks the effects of student hypermedia design assignments in an ill-structured environment against the uniqueness of cognitive mapping, mapping styles, and cognitive mapping as a creative…