What is a DMap?
A Dialectical Map or DMap is a visualization of an argument. The DMap concept and tool was developed at Simon Fraser University in PhD research by Dr. Hui Niu (Niu, 2016) and has since been used in dozens of undergraduate and graduate courses at SFU, BCIT, and other postsecondary institutions.
The DMap tool is a web-based application that students use to construct and visualize arguments. An instructor creates a DMap assignment within their local learning management system (LMS). After constructing their DMaps, students submit them to the LMS for grading and feedback by the instructor.
The DMap tool communicates with the LMS via the LTI protocol (both version 1.1 and 1.3 are supported). Although the DMap tool automatically saves changes in real-time, students can save and restore versions of their DMap. The DMap tool is currently being used with the Canvas and D2L Learning Management Systems.
MEET OUR TEAM
- John Nesbit is a professor at Simon Fraser University who does research on argument mapping and guidance for scientific inquiry learning.
- Qingyan Deng is a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University specializing in quantitative research on assessment tools to enhance learning outcomes.
- Diana Cukierman is a university lecturer (comparable to professor “teaching stream”) at Simon Fraser University, doing research on Computing Science Education, focusing on implementing and evaluating course activities and tools that are of benefit to students’ learning in Computing Science.
- Bahareh Shahabi is a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University and Teaching Faculty at British Columbia Institute of Technology. She is a learning designer dedicated to incorporating learning technologies into skills-based training programs. Her research revolves around argument mapping and Structural Equation Modeling; analyzing the complex relationships between various factors and written argumentation skills in students.
- Qing Liu is an Associate Director of Assessment and Instructional Design in Student Services and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. Her research focuses on cognitive tools, individual differences, and argumentation-based learning.
- Kenny Teng is a software developer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Joan Sharp is a teaching professor emerita in Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University. She has been using the DMap in her teaching since 2015.
- Azar Pakdaman-Savoji teaches psychology at BCIT and other colleges and universities, and has been involved with the DMap group since 2016. She published a review article on cognitive tools for teaching and learning which featured the DMap as an example of a cognitive tool (Pakdaman-Savoji et al., 2019).
