Archive for the ‘Communication’ Category

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Mapping Concepts

November 2, 2007

“As indicated earlier, we defined concept as a perceived regularity (or pattern) in events or objects, or records of events or objects, designated by label. It is coming to be generally recognized now that the meaningful learning processes described above are the same processes used by scientists and mathematicians, or experts in any discipline, to construct new knowledge. In fact, Novak has argued that new knowledge creation is nothing more than a relatively high level of meaningful learning accomplished by individuals who have a well organized knowledge structure in the particular area of knowledge, and also a strong emotional commitment to persist in finding new meanings (Novak, 1977, 1993, 1998). Epistemology is that branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge and new knowledge creation. There is an important relationship between the psychology of learning, as we understand it today, and the growing consensus among philosophers and epistemologists that new knowledge creation is a constructive process involving both our knowledge and our emotions or the drive to create new meanings and new ways to represent these meanings” – Source

Concept maps are a fascinating alternative to mind-maps. I live in mind-maps, but am branching out into concept maps. What is interesting to me is that whilst mind-maps quite often become idiosyncratic to their creator, and are more an aid in personal thinking that in conveying data, concept maps play a surprisingly effective role in conveying information in educational settings. They have their theoretical roots in the work of Joseph D. Novak working at Cornell University in the 70’s. The paper sited above is a very interesting discussion on the research and theory behind concept maps, and how to effectively create them.

Here’s an example of one I just created. Seasoned concept-mappers may notice problems with my form here, but it’s a start. You read the map from top to bottom. A boxed item is a “concept”, and a boxed item with one or more named arrows is a “proposition”:

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The Power of Less Text

August 26, 2007

Writing has never been more powerful. The advent of new forms of media (digital video, audio, animation etc) has not diluted the raw power of text. On the contrary, text is king. Consider the billions of email flying around the world each day. The web is mostly text. Consider what media you use the most. How often do you edit a video, compared to dashing of an email? How often do you communicate in video at all? I depict concepts a lot. I embed these visual diagrams in many things I write. But despite being overtly visual, my picture quota pales in comparison to how much text I produce. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is a platitude that has been bulstered and amplified by Moore’s law.

I’m reading a book at the moment called “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser. A classic guide to writing non-fiction…up there in the New York Time’s opinion with “The Elements of Style.” Lesson number one, reduce clutter. Removing words adds clarity and power to what you write. Saying less delivers more.

  • “with the possible exception of” (except)
  • “due to the fact that” (because)
  • “he totally lacked the ability to” (he couldn’t)
  • “until such time as” (until)
  • “for the purpose of” (for)
  • “in order to” (to) – added by Rick Bond

I like this. It’s why Haiku so arresting.

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