Getting Help

Accessing the C-TOOLS System

Building a Concept Map

Basically, a concept map is built by connecting "Concept Words" to one another, using "Linking Words" and "Connecting Lines". Let's build a simple concept map. To start, follow an example: the Earth revolves around the Sun. This is called a "proposition", in which the two the concepts, "the Earth" and "the Sun", are connected by the linking words "revolves around". First add the words. To do so:

• Click on the "ADD" button and choose "Concept Words". An orange box will appear to your left, with a text field. Type "Earth" into the field and click on "add to map". See a small orange box appear on the map, with the text "Earth" in it.
• Now type "Sun" into the box and click on "add to map". Now you have two concepts: Earth and Sun. Next, you need the link.
• Click on "ADD", then choose "Linking Word". Type "revolves around" into the field and click"add to map". Now you can move the terms.
• Click on the "MOVE" button and drag your concepts into their logical order and position on the page.
• Next, click on the "ADD" button and choose "Connecting Line". Click on the first word, Earth, then click on the second word, revolves around. This will link Earth to revolves around. Now double click on the third word, Sun, to create a link from the most recent linking term (revolves around), to Sun.

Now that you've constructed one proposition, practice moving, deleting, adding words until you're familiar with the interface. Once you feel comfortable manipulating C-TOOLS, click on the Assignment button and choose your professor's Assignment.

Working on an Assignment

Once you have read the instructions regarding your professor's assignment, begin working on a map. Depending on the assignment, you may add your own linking words. In this case, add linking words to connect two concept words into a proposition. Other assignments may provide linked concept words as well as linking words and ask that you arrange the words into correct propositions. In this case, you can simply choose the "Move" command and drag the linking word to the pink box around the arrow between the desired concept words. If you have done this correctly, the arrow should split into two arrows. As is always important with computers, save frequently. Also, your old versions are saved on the server, so if you save and later want to return to your work, you can grab an older version of your map and continue to work on it.

Retrieving a Saved Assignment

If you wish to continue working on an assignment that you have saved, access the "Gallery" page by choosing "Map Gallery" from the navigation menu in the top right corner of the screen. The Gallery shows the most recent version of your maps. Click on "Edit" to continue to work on your map. If you would prefer to work with an earlier version of your map, you can choose "History" to see previous saves (C-TOOLS won't delete older versions of concept maps). If you never want to see your map again, "Delete" the map.

Tips for using Robograder^TM

Robograder^TM is an automatic grading utility that matches your linking words to a list of linking words supplied by your professor. It automatically marks you map when you have correct or incorrect propositions. Here are a few tips about Robograder^TM:

1. Robograder requires you to structure your map with valid concept-linking word-concept propositions. If you directly link two concept words together without an intermediate linking word, robograder will mark this as incorrect.
2. Try to make your linking words as short as possible. One or two words is probably enough. Try to reduce phrases into the most critical points, usually a verb and perhaps a preposition.
3. Make sure that your linking words are actually linked. Just because an arrow passes through a word does not mean that the word is connected to the arrow. You can quickly check by moving the linking word around your screen. if the arrows move with the word, you've done it right.
4. If you want to check your work, click on the "GRADE" button and click on "SHOW ROBOGRADER^TM". In general, green means accurate, red means inaccurate, and yellow means Robograder^TM doesn't know. Change your red links first; this is done by editing the linking word. Then, try to make your yellow links more precise. Consult a reference book or ask another student. It is entirely possible that you have supplied a correct answer, but Robograder^TM has not seen that word before.

Submitting an Assignment

When you have finished your map, and are ready to turn it in, you may print it out and hand in a hard copy, or, if your professor requests, you can submit it electronically. To print, generate a "PRINT PREVIEW" by using the "VIEW" button. Click on "PRINT PREVIEW" and wait a few seconds. Use your browser's print feature to print out the map that opens up as a static graphic. You can print it from your internet browser or open it in another application. To submit your map electronically, click on "GRADE" and then click on "SUBMIT" to attempt to send in your assignment. If all goes well, your instructor should receive the file in her or his folder.

In order to conserve the ink on your printer, it is recommended that you first toggle the color to GRAYMODE (using the "Toggle Color" option available from the VIEW button). After that, print preview your concept map and you can then print the graymode concept map image.

Further Information on Concept Maps in Education