Abstract:

This paper has three main divisions that generally cover understanding and sing concept mapping tools for either learning purposes or for building knowledge infrastructures like in archives. Enriching perspectives are drawn from cognitive neuroscience, software engineering, and creative innovation research.

1) The first division explores the historical development of concept maps and reviews key tools currently available. An emphasis is put on tools that are useable both in the classroom and the library, like the CMAPTools software from the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition.
2) Next, principles for effectively managing and using concept structures and concept systems are outlined, specifically targeting the way that maps are communicable, can inherently correspond with people's experience, and offer a valuable range of depth and complexity.
3) Finally, in the last division, a review of societal trajectories regarding concept mapping and human-information interfacing act as the keystone of the paper.

The paper attempts to persuade educators to consider the construction of local and interconnected concept structures as a feature in their school systems.

Keywords:

Concept Mapping, Education, Learning, Archives, CMAPTools.