Concept mapping and semantic networking are two different approaches to spatial knowledge representation. Concept maps are typically two-dimensional and are shown on a single piece of paper or computer screen. Most maps range in size from 5-30 concepts although they can be larger. The units of construction are usually concepts and unidirectional relations. They are often hierarchical.
Semantic networks are n-dimensional with multiple views provided by the software.
Most semantic networks contain one to several hundred concepts, although they can be larger or smaller. A semantic network can contain multiple embedded hierarchies and temporal flows. Another way to use the software is for the instructor to construct nets and make them available to students to use as study tools . We will work collaboratively to construct a semantic network about cell structure, referring from the same Table 3.1 we used for concept mapping. Group net construction will allow us to identify differences we may have in our ways of thinking about cells, and hopefully to reach a consensus about one good way to represent these ideas.