ICT tools: use of conceptual and mental maps to enhance learning in subjects applied to the Communication Career

Abstract

This article is a preliminary approximation of an incomplete research, related to ICT tools and the use of conceptual and mind maps to enhance learning in the subject staught to students of the Major of Communication at the State University Peninsula of Santa Elena, Ecuador. The study allowed the interpretation of the feeling sand meanings, from the voices and experiences of the professors of the subject, in order to determine whether they applied didactic strategies related to these tools in their disciplinary area. Revealing the meaning of the teachers’ actions in the scope of the daily experiences, and in full intersubjectivity with the academic peers, it leads the researcherto assume an intersubjective and conversational position; thus, to reveal the verbal ties and interpret a reality connected to knowledge and pedagogical making in the interaction process. The phenomenological –hermeneutic method was applied. Five professors from the disciplinary area were selected; to gather the data, participant observation and in-depth interview were applied. Afterwards, the initial information was categorized, codified, triangulated and interpreted. Among the findings, it includes lack of training in the pedagogical process involving the ICT, little valuation of the use of ICT tools; thus, these factors limit the use of conceptual and mind maps in this area. The reflections in this aspect are offered to future researchers in order to continue investigating and venturing in this area