Designing a Knowledge Representation Tool for Subject Matter Structuring

Relying on pedagogical theories of subject matter structuring and presentation, this paper focuses on the design of a knowledge representation tool for the scheming and organization of educational materials. The idea originates from the Educational Concept Maps model - logical and abstract annotation system, developed with the aim of guaranteeing the reusability of both teaching materials and knowledge structures; in fact, the knowledge structure could be reused for design of different courses according to the learner target. A sequence of concepts characterizing the subject matter under design (lesson or entire course) define a teaching/learning path through the map. It represents the output of the design process of lesson plan, which could be imported in a text-editor, in a LCMS, or presented as web pages. The final goal is to develop a tool assisting the teacher in the daily design of lesson plans via a pliable structured model of domain knowledge.