A framework for integrating concept maps into higher-order learning units in IT education

Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. In this paper, we outline how concept maps are being integrated into the summative assessment tasks of a Human-centered Computing unit called ‘Mobile Application Development’. Our work looks at the possible benefits that this integration of a higher-order learning tool can provide to students (e.g. for organizing their thoughts throughout the semester and staying on top of their workload) and to teachers (for teaching and assessment purposes). This is extended upon with a proposed generic framework for integrating concept maps into higher-order learning units throughout Information Technology (IT) education.