A different way to obtain and assimilate knowledge
Knowledge Snapshots
About the Learning Maps already posted on the site
About the Site's Creator/Author
Site's Purpose
The site is dedicated to enhancing the public's knowledge in areas of popular interest, serving as something between a dictionary and an encyclopedia. It uses a tool pioneered by Prof. Novak at Cornell University, namely "concept mapping" - - sometimes referred to as "knowledge mapping." For the purposes of this site, the maps generated will be referred to as Learning Maps. Each Learning Map will attempt to provide a succinct summary of the key elements associated with the topic in question, as well as the interrelationships between those elements. It will thus facilitate a faster understanding of the topic and serve as a convenient reference in the future, if the topic needs to be revisited. Except on rare occasions, the primary source(s) of information utilized for generating the map will be listed on the latter. It is important to keep in mind that the map is a simple extension of the article used as information source, and it is not meant to be a thorough exposition on the titled subject. In other words, the map is as good as the information source used, and nothing more. It is the site owner's goal to add at least one new topic to the site each month on an on-going basis.
A. L. Dendramis is a scientist by training (Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry/Michigan State University) who worked for 28 years in R&D as part of a Fortune 20 company. It was during those years he came across the technique of concept-mapping (knowledge-mapping), and actually had the opportunity to work with the pioneer of this learning approach, Professor Novak, utilizing it to help solve real problems in the R&D setting. The author has utilized this tool ever since for his personal use, whenever complicated (or simply voluminous) topics of interest have come to his attention, as a way of simplifying the learning/retention process. He became more and more convinced of the need for a site of this kind as he watched on numerous occasions the difficulty various TV network hosts had in grasping the essence of certain (at times admittedly complicated) topics of popular interest. It is the author's belief and hope that this site will serve the purpose of helping the general public get a better understanding of important topics of interest, and it will help popularize the concept-mapping (knowledge-mapping) approach as a learning tool for all ages and settings.
The maps already posted on the site simply reflect the author's interests, and are not meant to be part of a specific long-term plan with regard to the site's organization and/or overall aim (there is no such thing planned at this time). The topic covered has been either of on-going interest to the author or it appeared in an article that came to the author's attention and piqued his interest enough to proceed with "mapping" it. At times, the information in the "main" article may be supplemented by utilizing additional information sources. When this occurs, these sources are referenced on the map. Certain topics can be controversial, particularly in cases where the existing data are subject to multiple interpretations. In such cases, it is possible that only one side is represented by the map. It all depends on the article used for constructing the map. Under such circumstances, the author would be glad to map the other "side's" position, if an appropriate article accompanied such a request. The site's mission is to educate, and not to take positions one way or another on topics that are conrtroversial.
NOTE: The author will consider mapping a particular topic of interest to the reader, if the topic is of broad public interest and the information source/content is provided electronically. Requests may be submitted to the following e-mail address: alma.gnosis@gmail.com.
Learning Map Under Construction
