I've been looking in vain for a multi-platform open-source app for my students to draw diagrams of networks, not necessarily restricted to tree-type networks, and just realized that this is the beauty of a Wiki, i.e. it readily allows hyperlinks between any of its pages. Yet the SiteMap tool renders Wiki pages (as it perhaps should) in a tree-type text hierarchy, showing only parents/children/siblings. It is possible to go to any Wiki page and see links from and to each page, but what would be really cool would be to call up a Java-type app similar to e.g. FreeMind (though this too is restricted to tree-type networks) that could render all Wiki pages into a chart showing all connections between all pages, ideally with each chart object clickable to go to the Wiki page for that object. Has this idea been explored by Wiki developers in or outside of the Moodle community? What it would allow for is some very interesting generation of concept charts with full explanation of each concept provided on each Wiki page, and I think this could be a very powerful learning tool to add to Moodle's many fantastic features. Would appreciate the thoughts of Wiki veterans on this graphical interface idea.
Thanks,
Jim P.
Hi James!
I do not know if this will be helpful, but, after you described the SiteMap concept it sounded very similar to something another Moodler [Cormac McClean] was trying to do approximately 10 months ago. Check out the following links and code. I think it may accomplish or help you accomplish what you want. A note of caution. I do not think the code was ever finalized so I suggest you do not try it on a production site. Also, if I remember correctly, it was tested on an older code [before v1.5 and maybe even v1.4]. Therefore, you may need a copy of older Moodle code to check it out. Unfortunately Cormac McClean is no longer a member of the "Using Moodle" course. That does not mean that he is not a member of the other courses. Martin D or other Moodlers may be able to help you with that info if you want to contact him.
Brainstorm Activity Module: Version 2
http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=11523
Also, this new Moodle relationship with LAMS may also accomplish what you want.
Moodle and LAMS announce integration plan
http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=24955
and check out their site and demos at,
LAMS
http://www.lamsinternational.com/
http://www.lamsinternational.com/resource/
WP1
Thanks. I've found, having searched the links you noted, a very useful open-source solution called CmapTools; see
http://cmap.ihmc.us/
It runs as standalone client versions on multiple OS's, or via a server one may share and collaborate. A quick summary is below; I think I'll go for this for now.
***
The CmapTools program empowers users to construct, navigate, share and criticize knowledge models represented as concept maps. It allows users to, among many other features, construct their Cmaps in their personal computer, share them on servers (CmapServers) anywhere on the Internet, link their Cmaps to other Cmaps on servers, automatically create web pages of their concept maps on servers, edit their maps synchronously (at the same time) with other users on the Internet, and search the web for information relevant to a concept map.
http://cmap.ihmc.us/
It runs as standalone client versions on multiple OS's, or via a server one may share and collaborate. A quick summary is below; I think I'll go for this for now.
***
The CmapTools program empowers users to construct, navigate, share and criticize knowledge models represented as concept maps. It allows users to, among many other features, construct their Cmaps in their personal computer, share them on servers (CmapServers) anywhere on the Internet, link their Cmaps to other Cmaps on servers, automatically create web pages of their concept maps on servers, edit their maps synchronously (at the same time) with other users on the Internet, and search the web for information relevant to a concept map.
Hi!
Does CMap need a Java server to run?? Can it run on the same server as Moodle??
WP1
Hi WP1
Yes, CMap uses own instance of Jigsaw - a web server written in Java. This server is installed during CMap setup. I had no problems with installation and running at the same machine together with Moodle.
David
Yes, CMap uses own instance of Jigsaw - a web server written in Java. This server is installed during CMap setup. I had no problems with installation and running at the same machine together with Moodle.
David