Cmap tools allows and encourages users to work collaboratively, remotely, and asynchronously or synchronously. 
-  When maps are stored in a server on the Internet, users can edit shared concept maps at the same time (synchronously) or at their convenience (asynchronously)
- Users can also make comments on concept maps or during map construction
-  The high degree of explicitness of concept maps makes them an ideal vehicle for exchange of ideas or for the collaborative construction of new knowledge. 
- Having learners comment on each other’s concept maps is an effective form of peer-review and collaboration.

Syracuse University

Cmap tools is a computer software program designed to create concept maps. 
-  Allows the user to move concepts together with linking statements and to move groups of concepts and links to restructure the map. 
- It is especially useful since you can save your progress and return later to make improvements 
- CmapTools provides for the linking of any kind of digital resource to a concept or linking phrase to create a knowledge portfolio or a knowledge model
- Users can customize the map and select the size and font style, and add colors to “dress up” the concept map

Cmap Tools 

- Students often comment that it is hard to add linking words onto the “lines” of their concept map. 
   - This is because they poorly understand the relationship between the concepts, or the meanings of the concepts, and it is the linking words that specify this relationship.
- Once students begin to focus on good linking words and on the identification of good cross links, they can see that every concept could be related to every other concept.
- This also produces some frustration, and they must choose to identify the most prominent and most useful cross links.
- This process involves what Bloom identified as high levels of cognitive performance, namely evaluation and synthesis of knowledge. 
   - Concept mapping is an easy way to encourage very high levels of cognitive performance when the process is done well. This is one reason concept mapping can also be a very powerful evaluation tool

Students Creating Concept Maps

Novak, Joseph & Cañas, Alberto. (2007). Theoretical origins of concept maps, how to construct them, and uses in education. Reflecting Education. 3. 

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