ICMAP: An interactive tool for concept map generation to facilitate learning process

Abstract Human-computer interaction could play an essential role in learning. In distance learning, interactive tools can facilitate the learning process for teachers and students. In this article, the design and implementation of software will be introduced which helps users to learn more with the help of interactive instructions and concept map (Cmap) generation. Cmaps are graphical visualisations of knowledge about a topic, in which the concepts of a subject are meaningfully related to each other. Cmaps are widely used in E-learning and proved to be helpful to learners and informative to teachers. The step-by-step process of making a Cmap by means of specific tools with specific interfaces will result in a better learning process. Therefore, with this tool, a learner can make Cmaps stage by stage with necessary textual or graphical instructions. Other interactive features such as colours and message boxes are utilised to instruct, assure or warn the user when making a Cmap. Some other attributes of the tool help teachers receive a report about studentsˆˆe2ˆˆ80ˆˆ99 frequent mistakes in order to understand which part of the course should be developed.