Abstract:
A method for creating a knowledge map is revealed. The method includes several steps. Get a plurality of electronic chapters and arrange the electronic chapters in sequence to obtain a knowledge node sequence list. Then the knowledge node sequence list is stored in a memory and a plurality of knowledge nodes of the knowledge node sequence list is connected to the electronic chapters by hyperlinks. Next compile a list property of the knowledge node sequence list and a plurality of node properties of the knowledge nodes to create the knowledge map that shows connections and structure of knowledge. The knowledge connections are visualized and graphically organized in the knowledge map to promote thinking and learning.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a method for creating a knowledge map, especially to a method in which a plurality of electronic chapters obtained is sequenced to get a knowledge node sequence list. Then the electronic chapters are connected to a plurality of knowledge nodes of the knowledge node sequence list by hyperlinks so as to create a knowledge map. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Due to spread of printing and fast development of internet, human society has entered an era of knowledge explosion. Everyone needs to deal with a large amount of information. After being screened, a useful part of the information is left and transformed into knowledge. The knowledge is organized for efficient retrieval and applications. For persons or organizations, knowledge management is critical to decision making and project execution. 
         [0005]    The concept of knowledge map is proposed by Davenport and Prusak in 1998. Knowledge is divided into a plurality of meaningful units. Then use these units as different nodes to deliver a knowledge map. Thus abstract concepts are converted into concrete images to enhance comprehension and utilization. The knowledge map can be constructed to point to knowledge, like a directory, but does not contain it. It helps users quickly and easily locate the desired knowledge and indicates the relationships among the desired knowledge and other units for knowledge management. 
         [0006]    Thus the present invention provides a method for creating a knowledge map that introduces knowledge management concept and applies the concept to managing electronic content. The method includes a plurality of steps. Firstly get a plurality of electronic chapters and arrange the electronic chapters in a linear form or a network structure according to logic of the knowledge map going to be created. Thus a knowledge node sequence list is set up, showing relationships among knowledge nodes formed by concepts extracted from each electronic chapter. Through creation of the knowledge map, the intangible knowledge structure and logic are transformed into a solid knowledge node sequence list and the knowledge map reflects learning purpose and learning strategy the compiler recommended. The hidden message and concrete knowledge can also be distributed in a diagram. While audience in contact with the knowledge node sequence list, they make a contrast between a list sequence of the knowledge node sequence list and a plurality of node properties of the knowledge nodes so as to quickly get an overview of a plurality of electronic chapters connected to the knowledge nodes and logical relationships among the knowledge nodes. By connections of the knowledge nodes and reading of the electronic chapters, users get the knowledge. 
         [0007]    Moreover, the knowledge nodes are connected to at least one explanation information to assist the audience in learning the electronic chapters. The electronic chapters and the knowledge node sequence list are stored in a memory. Moreover, at least one mark information and at least one note information are set up in the memory. The mark information and the note information help the audience understand and memorize the knowledge or share marks or notes with others. At least one discussion information, at least one question information, and at least one answer information are set up in the memory for communication and information exchange related to the knowledge nodes. Furthermore, a permission property is contrasted with a permission information coming from a progress information so as to control the access the audience have to the knowledge node sequence list, the knowledge nodes, the electronic chapters connected to the knowledge nodes, and a plurality explanation information connected to the knowledge nodes. In addition, a frequency property is generated for reflecting frequency of use of the knowledge node sequence list. Due to visualization and graphic organization of the knowledge connections in the knowledge map as well as learning materials and learning aids distributed along with the knowledge map, thinking and learning are enhanced. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Therefore it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a plurality of electronic chapters are arranged in sequence to get a knowledge node sequence list for reflecting compiler&#39;s purpose and strategic logic of making the knowledge map. The content of the electronic chapters are compiled, sequenced and connected according to compilers&#39; thoughts so as to form the knowledge map. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a plurality of electronic books is divided to get a plurality of electronic chapters and use the electronic chapters to produce a knowledge map. The knowledge map is not restricted by the respective electronic book or the chapter order available now. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map which is applied to producing a plurality of electronic books of a plurality of electronic chapters. The method involves scanning of a plurality of physical books and conversion of printed words into digital content. Thus the knowledge map is not limited by the physical books, getting easier to be compiled and distributed. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a plurality of knowledge nodes is added with at least one explanation information in the form of text, audio or video for the expansion of or the supplement to at least one electronic chapter in the knowledge nodes. Thus the audience can learn the electronic chapters contained in knowledge nodes. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a plurality of knowledge nodes is added with at least one mark information or at least one note information so that the audience can make a mark or a note on the electronic chapters or the explanation information contained in the knowledge nodes conveniently. Moreover, the mark information and the note information help the audience understand and memorize the electronic chapters or the explanation information contained in the knowledge nodes, or help the audience share marks or notes with others. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a plurality of knowledge nodes is added with at least one discussion information or at least one question information, and at least one answer information corresponding to the discussion information/the question information for user&#39;s communication and information exchange related to the knowledge nodes. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a list property of a knowledge node sequence list contains a permission property for control of the access that the audience have to the knowledge node sequence list, the knowledge nodes contained in the knowledge node sequence list, the electronic chapters, the explanation information, the mark information, the note information, the discussion information, the question information, or the answer information connected to the knowledge nodes. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a progress information is generated in a memory according to the electronic chapters or the explanation information of the knowledge nodes the audience read. The progress information represents the audience&#39;s learning condition. Or the progress information is converted into a permission information that is in contrast with the permission property so that the access the audience have to the knowledge node sequence list is determined according to the progress of the audience. 
         [0016]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a frequency property is generated in a memory according to the electronic chapters or the explanation information of the knowledge nodes the audience read. Thus frequency of use of the knowledge map is learned and the content of the knowledge map is modified or deleted in response to the frequency of use. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a knowledge map in which a knowledge node is expanded into a sub-knowledge node sequence list so as to show knowledge structure and logical relationships in details. 
         [0018]    In order to achieve the above objects, a method for creating a knowledge map includes a plurality steps. Firstly, obtain a plurality of electronic chapters and sequence the electronic chapters freely so as to get a knowledge node sequence list. The knowledge node sequence list is stored in a memory and a plurality of knowledge nodes in the knowledge node sequence list is connected to the electronic chapters by hyperlinks. Next compile a list property of the knowledge node sequence list and a plurality of node properties of the knowledge nodes. Thus the knowledge node sequence list shows the knowledge structure, the purpose of creating the knowledge map and the learning strategy. 
         [0019]    The electronic chapters are obtained by dividing a plurality of electronic books. This breaks the limits of the chapters of the electronic books available now. A plurality of physical books is scanned by a scanner to get the electronic books. The printed words of the physical books are converted into digital format. Not like books in print that require storage space and having difficulties in compilation and replication, the electronic books are easy to copy and shelf space saved. The electronic chapters obtained are arranged in a linear form or a network structure to get a knowledge node sequence list. The knowledge node sequence list shows compiler&#39;s recognition of knowledge structure and preferred learning strategy. A plurality of knowledge nodes in the knowledge node sequence list is connected to the electronic chapters by hyperlinks to avoid repetitive copy of the electronic chapters in the same memory. The storage space is reduced and the compiler can use and connect the electronic chapters freely. A list property related to the knowledge node sequence list and a plurality of node properties related to the knowledge nodes are freely compiled to allow the audience to learn general content of the knowledge node sequence list and the knowledge nodes. 
         [0020]    Moreover, the knowledge nodes are connected to at least one explanation information in the form of text, audio or video by hyperlinks to help the audience understand the electronic chapters the knowledge nodes contain. Or the explanation information is used as a supplementary to the electronic chapters. At least one mark information or at least one note information is connected to the knowledge nodes by hyperlinks so that the audience can make marks or notes relates to the electronic chapters contained in the knowledge nodes or the explanation information for assistance in understanding, memorizing, or sharing the content with others. At least one discussion information, at least one question information, or at least one answer information is connected to the knowledge nodes by hyperlinks so that uses can discuss and exchange information about the knowledge nodes. A permission property is set in the knowledge node sequence list for control of the access that the audience have to the knowledge node sequence list and the related content. A progress information is stored in the memory and is for reflecting learning state of the audience. Or the progress information is converted to a permission information and then the permission information is in contrast to the permission property to determine whether the audience can read the knowledge node sequence list and the related content. A frequency property is generated according to the audience&#39;s reading of the electronic chapters or the explanation information of the knowledge nodes so that the audience, the compiler or the manager can grasp the use frequency of the knowledge node sequence list. They can also compile and modify the properties, the nodes, the electronic chapters or the explanation information, or delete the knowledge node sequence list according to the use frequency. In addition, the knowledge nodes can be further expanded into a sub-knowledge node sequence list having a plurality of sub-knowledge nodes and a plurality of electronic chapters hyperlinked to the sub-knowledge nodes for reflection of detailed knowledge structure and logical relationships in the knowledge map. In the knowledge map created by the method of the present invention, logical connections of the knowledge are visualized and graphically organized. Moreover, learning materials including the electronic chapters and explanation information and learning aids such as marks, notes, and discussion information are distributed along with the knowledge map. Therefore, the audience&#39;s thinking and learning are nurtured. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing steps of an embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing showing connection of an embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing steps of another embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing showing connection of another embodiment according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing showing sequence of knowledge nodes of a further embodiment according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    A method for creating a knowledge map features on that a plurality of electronic chapters are arranged in a linear form or a network structure according to compiler&#39;s thoughts so as to get a knowledge node sequence list. A plurality of knowledge nodes in the sequence list is hyperlinked to the electronic chapters. Thus compilation of the knowledge map is not limited by physical books or electronic books (e-books) available now. The knowledge map shows logical relationships among the plurality of knowledge nodes of the knowledge node sequence list. The intangible knowledge structure is transformed into a solid diagram so as to have some idea of compiler&#39;s purpose and the recommended learning strategy. Moreover, the knowledge nodes can also be connected to at least one explanation information, at least one mark information, at least one note information, at least one discussion information, at least one question information, or at least one answer information for expanding or supplementing the electronic chapters, making a mark or a note on the electronic chapters and the explanation information contained in the knowledge nodes, or carrying on a discussion about the knowledge nodes. The knowledge node sequence list is set to have a permission property. The permission property is in contrast to a permission information transformed from a progress information so as to control the access that the audience have to the knowledge node sequence list and the related content. When the audience read the electronic chapters and the explanation information hyperlinked to the knowledge nodes in the knowledge node sequence list, a frequency property that reflects frequency of use of the knowledge node sequence list is generated to facilitate management. Furthermore, the knowledge node can be expanded into a sub-knowledge node sequence list to express more detailed knowledge structure and logical relationships in the knowledge map. 
         [0028]    Refer to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of a method for creating a knowledge map according to the present invention includes following steps
       S 11 : obtain a plurality of electronic chapters.   S 12 : sequence the plurality of electronic chapters in a linear form or a network structure to get a knowledge node sequence list.   S 13 : connect a plurality of knowledge nodes in the knowledge node sequence list to the electronic chapters by hyperlinks.   S 14 : compile a list property of the knowledge node sequence list and a plurality of node properties of the knowledge nodes.       
 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a first electronic book (e-book)  30 , a second e-book  32 , a third e-book  34 , and a fourth e-book  36  are respectively divided into a  1 - 1  electronic chapter  301 , a  1 - 2  electronic chapter  302 , a  1 - 3  electronic chapter  303 , a  2 - 1  electronic chapter  321 , a  2 - 2  electronic chapter  322 , a  2 - 3  electronic chapter  323 , a  3 - 1  electronic chapter  341 , a  3 - 2  electronic chapter  342 , a  3 - 3  electronic chapter  343 , a  4 - 1  electronic chapter  361 , a  4 - 2  electronic chapter  362 , and a  4 - 3  electronic chapter  363 . Arrange these electronic chapters in sequence to get a knowledge node sequence list  1 . The knowledge node sequence list  1  includes six knowledge nodes that respectively are introduction to software testing  10 , software test planning  12 , software testing method  140 , software test design  142 , software test execution  16 , and software test summary  18 . The introduction to software testing  10  is connected to the software test planning  12  while the software test planning  12  is connected to both the software testing method  140  and the software test design  142 . The software testing method  140  and the software test design  142  are respectively connected to the software test execution  16 . The software test execution  16  is connected to the software test summary  18 . The introduction to software testing  10  is connected to the  3 - 1  electronic chapter  341  by a hyperlink. The software test planning  12  is hyperlinked to the  1 - 1  electronic chapter  301 , the  3 - 2  electronic chapter  342 , and the  4 - 1  electronic chapter  361 . The software testing method  140  is connected to the  1 - 2  electronic chapter  302  and the  2 - 1  electronic chapter  321  by hyperlinks while the software test design  142  is hyperlinked to the  4 - 2  electronic chapter  362 . As to the software test execution  16 , it is connected to the  3 - 3  electronic chapter  343  and the  4 - 3  electronic chapter  363  by hyperlinks. The software test summary  18  is hyperlinked to the  2 - 3  electronic chapter  323 . The knowledge node sequence list  1  includes a list property M 1 . The introduction to software testing  10  includes a first node property P 11  and the software test planning  12  includes a second node property P 12 . Similarly, the software testing method  140  is having a third node property P 13 , the software test design  142  is including a fourth node property P 14 , the software test execution  16  is with a fifth node property P 15 , and the software test summary  18  is having a sixth node property P 16 . The e-books, the electronic chapters, the knowledge node sequence list  1 , and the knowledge nodes are all stored in a memory  72 . 
         [0034]    The knowledge node sequence list  1  is created by dividing the four e-books  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  into twelve electronic chapters  301 ,  302 ,  303 ,  321 ,  322 ,  323 ,  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  361 ,  362 ,  363  and sequencing the twelve electronic chapters. Thus the creation of the knowledge map is not restricted by the e-books available now. The knowledge node sequence list  1  shows logical relationships among the knowledge nodes  10 ,  12 ,  140 ,  142 ,  16 , and  18 . The list property M 1  and the node properties P 11 , P 12 , P 13 , P 14 , P 15 , and P 16  help the audience to understand general contents of the knowledge node sequence list  1  and the knowledge nodes  10 ,  12 ,  140 ,  142 ,  16 , and  18 . 
         [0035]    Refer to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of the present invention showing steps and connection/relationship is revealed. As shown in the  FIG. 3 , a method for creating a knowledge map includes following steps:
       S 21 : scan a plurality of physical books by means of a scanner for getting a plurality of electronic books (e-books).   S 22 : divide the plurality of e-books into a plurality of electronic chapters.   S 23 : sequence the electronic chapters in a linear form or a network structure to obtain a knowledge node sequence list.   S 24 : hyperlink a plurality of knowledge nodes of the knowledge node sequence list to the electronic chapters.   S 25 : add at least one explanation information and hyperlink the explanation information to the knowledge nodes.   S 26 : compile a list property of the knowledge node sequence list and a plurality of node properties of the knowledge nodes.   S 27 : set a permission property contained in the list property;   S 31 : set up at least one mark information and hyperlink the mark information to the knowledge nodes.   S 32 : set up at least one note information and hyperlink the note information to the knowledge nodes.   S 33 : set up at least one question information and hyperlink the question information to the knowledge nodes.   S 34 : set up at least one discussion information and hyperlink the discussion information to the knowledge nodes.   S 28 : set up at least one answer information and hyperlink the answer information to the knowledge nodes   S 35 : set up at least one progress information and convert the progress information to a permission information for being in contrast to the permission property.       
 
         [0049]    The step S 21  to the step S 28  are performed by a first user A while the step S 31  to the step S 35  are run by a second user B. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a first physical book  50  and a second physical book  52  are respectively scanned and converted to a first electronic book  40  and a second electronic book  42  by a scanner  70 . The electronic books  40 ,  42  are divided into a plurality of electronic chapters including a  1 - 1  electronic chapter  401 , a  1 - 2  electronic chapter  402 , a  1 - 3  electronic chapter  403 , a  2 - 1  electronic chapter  421 , a  2 - 2  electronic chapter  422 , a  2 - 3  electronic chapter  423 , and a  2 - 4  electronic chapter  424 . The electronic chapters are compiled to get a knowledge node sequence list  2 . The knowledge node sequence list  2  includes six knowledge nodes that respectively are introduction to computer science  20 , assembly language  220 , data structure  222 , programming language  224 , computer organization  240 , and operating system  242 . The computer science  20  is connected to the assembly language  220 , the data structure  222  and the programming language  224  while the assembly language  220 , the data structure  222  and the programming language  224  are respectively connected to both the computer organization  240  and the operating system  242  so as to form a network structure. The computer science  20  is hyperlinked to the  1 - 1  electronic chapter  401  and the assembly language  220  is hyperlinked to the  1 - 3  electronic chapter  403  and the  2 - 2  electronic chapter  422 . The data structure  222  is hyperlinked to the  2 - 1  electronic chapter  421  while the programming language  224  is hyperlinked to the  1 - 2  electronic chapter  402 . The computer organization  240  is hyperlinked to the  2 - 3  electronic chapter  423  while the operating system  242  is hyperlinked to the  2 - 4  electronic chapter  424 . Three pieces of explanation information including an explanation text  60 , an explanation speech  62  and an explanation video  64  are set up. The explanation text  60  is hyperlinked to the assembly language  220 , the explanation speech  62  is hyperlinked to the programming language  224  and the explanation video  64  is hyperlinked to the computer organization  240 . The knowledge node sequence list  2  includes a list property M 2  while the list property M 2  consists of a permission property M 20  and a frequency property M 22 . The introduction to computer science  20  includes a first node property P 21 , the assembly language  220  includes a second node property P 22 , the data structure  222  includes a third node property P 23 , the programming language  224  includes a fourth node property P 24 , the computer organization  240  includes a fifth node property P 25 , and the operating system  242  includes a sixth node property P 26 . Furthermore, a first mark information  801 , a first note information  821 , a first discussion information  841  and a second discussion information  842  are set up and are hyperlinked to the introduction to computer science  20 . Similarly, a second mark information  802 , a second note information  822 , a question information  86  and an answer information  88  are set up and are hyperlinked to the programming language  224 . A progress information  90  is set up and is converted to a permission information  92  that is in contrast to the permission property M 20  for control of the access of the knowledge node sequence list  2  and the reading of the six knowledge nodes  20 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  240 , and  242 . Those e-books, the electronic chapters, the knowledge node sequence list  2 , the knowledge nodes, those mark information, those note information, those discussion information, the question information  86 , the answer information  88 , the progress information  90  and the permission information  92  are all stored in a memory  72 . 
         [0051]    By the scanner  70 , the physical books  50 ,  52  are converted into the electronic books  40 ,  42 . The paper/documents are converted into electronic format for convenient compilation and distribution. Then the electronic books  40 ,  42  are divided into the electronic chapters  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  421 ,  422 ,  423 , and  424  that are compiled in sequence to form a knowledge node sequence list  2 . Thus the creation of the knowledge map is not restricted by physical books and electronic books available now. The knowledge node sequence list  2  represents logical relationships among the knowledge nodes  20 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  240 ,  242 . The set-up of the explanation information  60 ,  62 ,  64  helps the audience to understand the electronic chapters  403 ,  422 ,  402 ,  423  connected to the same knowledge node  220 ,  224 ,  240 . The list property M 2  and the node properties P 21 , P 22 , P 23 , P 24 , P 25 , and P 26  help the audience to learn about the content of the knowledge node sequence list  2  and the knowledge nodes  20 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  240 ,  242 . As to the mark information  801 , 802  and the note information  821 ,  822  set up and connected to the knowledge nodes  20 ,  224 , they help the audience use marks and notes to understand and memorize the content of the knowledge nodes  20 ,  224 . The discussion information  841 ,  842 , the question information  86 , and the answer information are set up by different persons for being exchanged. The progress information  90  reminding the audience the reading progress can be converted to the permission information  92 . Then the permission information  92  is in contrast to the permission property M 20  to determine whether the audience can read the knowledge node sequence list or the knowledge nodes. In addition, the frequency property M 22  reflects the frequency of the knowledge node sequence list  2  being used. Thus the compiler or a manager can determine whether the list property M 2  and the node properties P 21 , P 22 , P 23 , P 24 , P 25 , P 26  are going to be compiled, whether the number of the knowledge nodes  20 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  240 ,  242  is increased or decreased, whether the electronic chapters  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  421 ,  422 ,  423 ,  424  and the explanation information  60 ,  62 ,  64  hyperlinked to the knowledge nodes  20 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  240 ,  242  are changed or not, or whether the permission property M 20  is modified to turn off the knowledge node sequence list  2  and allow the knowledge node sequence list  2  unable to be read and to be deleted. 
         [0052]    Refer to  FIG. 5 , a further embodiment of the present invention is revealed. As shown in figure, the difference between a knowledge node sequence list  2000  of this embodiment and the above one shown in  FIG. 4  is in that this embodiment includes a sub-knowledge node sequence list  2200  instead of the knowledge node  220  in the  FIG. 4 . That means the knowledge node  220  is expanded into the sub-knowledge node sequence list  2200 . The sub-knowledge node sequence list  2200  includes five sub-knowledge nodes having assembly language principle  2201 , assembly language command  2202 , subprogram  2203 , macro  2204 , and assembly language example  2205 . The assembly language principle  2201  is connected to the assembly language command  2202  while the assembly language command  2202  is connected to both the subprogram  2203  and the macro  2204 . The subprogram  2203  and the macro  2204  are connected to the assembly language example  2205 . Thus a network connection is set up. The sub-knowledge node sequence list  2200  includes a sub-list property M 220 . The assembly language principle  2201  includes a first subnode property P 221 . Similarly, the assembly language command  2202  includes a second subnode property P 222 , the subprogram  2203  includes a third subnode property P 223 , the macro  2204  includes a fourth subnode property P 224 , and the assembly language example  2205  includes a fifth subnode property P 225 . These sub-knowledge nodes  2201 ,  2202 ,  2203 ,  2204 , and  2205  can be hyperlinked to the related electronic chapters or explanation information (not shown in figure). 
         [0053]    By expansion of the knowledge node  220  into the sub-knowledge node sequence list  2200 , the sub-knowledge nodes of the assembly language  220  including the assembly language principle  2201 , the assembly language command  2202 , the subprogram  2203 , the macro  2204 , and the assembly language example  2205  are introduced so as to reflect details of knowledge structure and logical relationships in the knowledge node sequence list  2 . 
         [0054]    In summary, a method for creating a knowledge map of the present invention includes a plurality of steps. Firstly get a plurality of electronic books and divide the electronic books into a plurality of electronic chapters. Then the electronic chapters are sequenced freely to get a knowledge node sequence list. A plurality of knowledge nodes of the knowledge node sequence list is connected to the electronic chapters by hyperlinks. Thus documents printed on paper are converted to electronic forms for compilation and distribution. The compilation and distribution is not limited to physical books or electronic books. The knowledge map reflects compiler&#39;s purpose of creating the map, the recognition of the knowledge nodes of the knowledge map, and the preferred/recommended learning strategy. Compiling the list property of the knowledge node and the node properties of helps the audience get an overview of the knowledge node sequence list and the knowledge nodes. Moreover, explanation information is added so that the audience can understand the contents of the electronic chapters. The set-up of the mark information and the note information facilitates user&#39;s comprehension and memorization or their sharing of marks or notes with others. 
         [0055]    The discussion information, the question information, and the answer information are set up for user&#39;s communication and information exchange. As to the progress information, it reflects learning state of users. And the progress information is able to be converted to the permission information for control of the access the users have to the knowledge node sequence list or the knowledge nodes. The frequency property reflects frequency of use of the knowledge node sequence list so as to modify or turn off the knowledge map. Furthermore, the knowledge node can be expanded into a sub-knowledge map by introduction of sub-knowledge nodes, the related electronic chapters and the explanation information so as to reflect detailed structure of the knowledge map. The audience can quickly get the knowledge node sequence list, the knowledge node, the electronic chapter, the explanation information, the mark information, the note information, the discussion information, the question information or the answer information they need by compilation of the list property, the node property or increasing/decreasing the knowledge nodes and the hyperlinked electronic chapters and explanation information together with search engines. At last, the knowledge map is ever evolving to meet needs and requirements of the audience through production, compilation, expansion, deletion and application of the knowledge map of the present invention. 
         [0056]    Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and representative devices shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalent.