With the rapid development of information technology, knowledge graphs, as an emerging knowledge management and teaching assistance tool, are playing an increasingly important role in higher education. This article aims to explore the role of knowledge graphs and how they can assist university teachers in instructional design, summarizing some methods for digital course construction based on knowledge graphs and virtualization technology.
1. What is a Knowledge Graph
A knowledge graph is a technology that expresses knowledge and its relationships in a graphical manner. It constructs a complex networked knowledge structure through nodes and edges in a triple format. In a knowledge graph, nodes represent knowledge entities, edges represent the relationships between entities, and knowledge is the collection of entities and their connotations. Knowledge graphs not only visualize knowledge systems but also utilize visualization techniques to mine, analyze, construct, and display knowledge resources and their interconnections.
1. Basic Components of Knowledge Graphs
Nodes: Represent specific knowledge points or concepts.
Edges: Indicate the connections or relationships between knowledge points.
Knowledge: Composed of concepts and their connotations and relationships.
1. Visualization of Knowledge Graphs
Knowledge graphs present complex knowledge systems in an intuitive way through different graphical means, such as network diagrams and tree diagrams, making it easier for users to understand and grasp.
2. The Role of Knowledge Graphs
Knowledge graphs have multiple roles in the field of education, including but not limited to the following aspects:
1. Search Engine Optimization
Knowledge graphs can enhance the intelligence level of search engines by improving user search experiences through intelligent recommendations and AI-generated content (AIGC).
2. Integration of Teaching Resources
As a means of integrating teaching resources, knowledge graphs can organize teaching materials such as textbooks, literature, and case studies in a knowledge framework, making it convenient for teachers and students to use.
3. Assistance in Instructional Design
Knowledge graphs help teachers organize course knowledge frameworks, form instructional ideas, and enhance the quality of instructional design.
4. Personalized Learning Pathways
Knowledge graphs support the design of personalized learning pathways to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
3. How Knowledge Graphs Assist Instructional Design
The assistance of knowledge graphs in instructional design is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. Construction of Course Knowledge Systems
In constructing course knowledge systems, knowledge graphs serve as a powerful tool to help teachers clarify the knowledge points of the course and their logical relationships. By constructing a knowledge graph, teachers can concretize abstract knowledge points, forming a visual knowledge structure that helps students better understand the course content.
[Case Analysis]
Taking the course of “Computer Science and Technology” as an example, teachers can create a knowledge graph containing core knowledge points like algorithms, data structures, and operating systems. In this graph, each knowledge point is a node, and the connections between nodes represent their logical relationships. For example, data structures can serve as prerequisite knowledge for algorithms, while operating systems can support knowledge points in software engineering. This way, students can clearly see the connections between various knowledge points, allowing them to systematically grasp the course content.
2. In-depth Exploration of Teaching Content
Knowledge graphs not only help teachers construct course knowledge systems but also promote in-depth exploration of teaching content. Through knowledge graphs, teachers can present knowledge points from different angles and levels, enabling students to comprehensively understand and deeply master the knowledge.
[Case Analysis]
Taking the course of “History” as an example, teachers can use knowledge graphs to interconnect historical events, figures, cultures, etc. For instance, connecting “Renaissance” as a central node to figures like “Dante” and “Leonardo da Vinci”, as well as concept nodes like “Humanism” and “Scientific Revolution”. This way, students can not only understand the basic facts of the Renaissance but also deeply comprehend its cultural significance and historical impact.
3. Innovation in Teaching Methods
The application of knowledge graphs can also inspire innovation in teaching methods. Teachers can explore new teaching methods such as case-based teaching and problem-oriented learning using knowledge graphs, enhancing the interactivity and effectiveness of teaching.
[Case Analysis]
In the course of “Economics”, teachers can create a knowledge graph containing different economic theories, models, and real-world cases. Using this graph, teachers can design problem-oriented learning activities, allowing students to solve real-world problems by exploring the nodes and connections within the knowledge graph. For example, students can analyze the relationships between different economic theories to explain current economic phenomena or compare different economic models to predict future economic trends. This teaching method not only increases student engagement but also helps them connect theoretical knowledge with practical problems, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
4. Methods for Digital Course Construction Based on Knowledge Graphs and Virtualization Technology
With the development of virtualization technology, digital course construction has become an important direction for innovation in higher education. The methods for digital course construction based on knowledge graphs mainly include the following steps:
1. Course Positioning and Value Analysis
In the course positioning and value analysis stage, teachers need to clarify the educational goals, learning outcomes, and expected student competency improvements. This step is fundamental to ensuring that the course content is closely aligned with student needs, disciplinary development, and the job market.
[Example]
Taking the course of “Modern Biotechnology” as an example, teachers first need to determine that the course aims to cultivate students’ theoretical knowledge and experimental skills in biotechnology. The value of the course lies in emphasizing the applications of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, as well as cultivating students’ innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
2. Knowledge Graph Construction
Constructing a knowledge graph is the process of systematically organizing course content; through the graph, it can clearly display knowledge points and their interrelationships, providing a structured framework for teaching.
[Example]
In the “Modern Biotechnology” course, teachers can construct a knowledge graph that includes key areas such as gene editing, cell culture, and biopharmaceuticals. Each area serves as a main node, further connected to specific technical methods, experimental processes, ethical and legal issues, forming a comprehensive knowledge network.
3. Integration of Teaching Resources
The teaching resource integration phase requires teachers to combine knowledge graphs with various teaching resources to form a rich and diverse teaching material library.
[Example]
For the “Modern Biotechnology” course, teachers can integrate resources including online open courses (MOOCs), interactive simulation experiments, expert interview videos, and academic papers. For instance, as part of the teaching unit on gene editing technology, teachers can provide simulation software for CRISPR-Cas9 technology, allowing students to perform gene editing operations in a virtual environment.
4. Implementation of Instructional Design
During the implementation of instructional design, teachers need to develop specific teaching plans and methods based on the knowledge graph to ensure the effectiveness of teaching activities.
[Example]
In the “Modern Biotechnology” course, teachers can design teaching activities based on knowledge graphs, such as case studies, role-playing, and experimental operations. For instance, in the biopharmaceutical unit, teachers can arrange role-playing activities for students to discuss the scientific, ethical, and legal issues in the new drug development process.
5. Application of Virtualization Technology
The application of virtualization technology can provide students with a more vivid and interactive learning experience, enhancing the appeal and effectiveness of learning.
[Example]
In the “Modern Biotechnology” course, teachers can use virtual reality (VR) technology to create a virtual laboratory, allowing students to learn experimental operations such as cell culture and gene editing in an immersive environment. Through augmented reality (AR) technology, teachers can design interactive teaching materials, such as enabling students to see 3D cell structures or animations of gene sequences by scanning images in the textbooks, thereby deepening their understanding of biotechnology concepts.
Knowledge graphs, as an emerging teaching assistance tool, provide university teachers with a new instructional design concept and method. Through knowledge graphs, teachers can more effectively organize teaching content, innovate teaching methods, and enhance teaching effectiveness. At the same time, combined with digital technology, the application of knowledge graphs in digital course construction offers broad space for innovation and development in higher education.
Reprinted from Teacher Training Alliance
