Integrating a Concept Mapping Tool into a Virtual Learning Environment: Pedagogical and Technological Challenges

Interoperability and integration of digital concept mapping tools has not been widely prioritized and supported by software developers. Digital alternatives to paper-based concept mapping (from simple digital whiteboard to dedicated concept mapping software) are increasingly popular among educators, but computer-based concept maps are still difficult to analyze, assess, expand or export to other software platforms. Lack of interoperability and poor integration of concept mapping tools with widely used Learning Management Systems increases workload of teachers, because of poor reusability and automation opportunities. This paper describes conceptual design and implementation of a concept mapping tool that has been integrated into an open-source virtual learning environment IVA. Despite this concept mapping tool has several unique pedagogical features, interoperability with other stand-alone concept mapping tools has been reached. For instance, concept maps can be exported from IVA to CmapTools or other tools that support XTM specification.