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 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 triplet form. 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 technology to mine, analyze, construct, and display knowledge resources and their interconnections.
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.
Knowledge graphs present complex knowledge systems in an intuitive manner through various graphical means, such as network diagrams and tree charts, making it easier for users to understand and grasp.
2. The Role of Knowledge Graphs
Knowledge graphs have multiple roles in education, including but not limited to the following aspects:
Knowledge graphs can enhance the intelligence of search engines, improving user search experience through smart recommendations and AI-generated content (AIGC).
As a means of integrating teaching resources, knowledge graphs can organize teaching materials such as textbooks, literature, and case studies in a knowledge context, making them easier for teachers and students to use.
Knowledge graphs help teachers clarify course knowledge contexts, form instructional ideas, and enhance the quality of instructional design.
Knowledge graphs support the design of personalized learning paths to meet the learning needs of different students.
3. How Knowledge Graphs Assist Instructional Design
The assistance of knowledge graphs in instructional design is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
In constructing a course knowledge system, 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 course content.
[Case Analysis]
Taking the course “Computer Science and Technology” as an example, teachers can create a knowledge graph that includes core knowledge points such as 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 points for algorithms, while operating systems can support knowledge points for software engineering. This way, students can clearly see the connections between various knowledge points, allowing them to systematically master the course 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 understand comprehensively and master knowledge in depth.
[Case Analysis]
Taking the course “History” as an example, teachers can utilize knowledge graphs to interconnect historical events, figures, cultures, etc. For instance, connecting “Renaissance” as a central node to figures like “Dante” and “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 gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance and historical impact.
The application of knowledge graphs can also inspire innovation in teaching methods. Teachers can use knowledge graphs to explore new teaching methods such as case teaching and problem-based learning, enhancing the interactivity and effectiveness of teaching.
[Case Analysis]
In the course “Economics,” teachers can create a knowledge graph that includes different economic theories, economic models, and real-world cases. Using this graph, teachers can design problem-based learning activities, allowing students to solve practical problems by exploring the nodes and connections in the knowledge graph. For example, students can analyze the connections 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 issues, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
4. Digital Course Construction Methods 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 digital course construction methods based on knowledge graphs mainly include the following steps:
During the course positioning and value analysis phase, teachers need to clarify the educational objectives, learning outcomes, and expected student capability improvements. This step is fundamental to ensuring that course content is closely aligned with student needs, disciplinary development, and the job market.
[Example]
Taking the course “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 application of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, as well as cultivating students’ innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Constructing a knowledge graph is the process of systematically organizing course content, clearly displaying knowledge points and their interrelationships, and providing a structured framework for teaching.
[Example]
In the course “Modern Biotechnology,” 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 connecting to specific techniques, experimental processes, ethical and legal issues, forming a comprehensive knowledge network.
The teaching resource integration phase requires teachers to combine knowledge graphs with various teaching resources to form a rich and diverse teaching materials library.
[Example]
For the course “Modern Biotechnology,” teachers can integrate resources including MOOCs, interactive simulation experiments, expert interview videos, and academic papers. For instance, as a 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.
In the instructional design implementation phase, teachers need to develop specific teaching plans and methods based on the knowledge graph to ensure the effectiveness of teaching activities.
[Example]
In the course “Modern Biotechnology,” teachers can design knowledge graph-based teaching activities, such as case studies, role-playing, and experimental operations. For instance, in the biopharmaceuticals unit, teachers can arrange for students to discuss scientific, ethical, and legal issues in the new drug development process through role-playing activities.
The application of virtualization technology can provide students with a more vivid and interactive learning experience, enhancing the attractiveness and effectiveness of learning.
[Example]
In the course “Modern Biotechnology,” 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 allowing students to see three-dimensional cell structures or gene sequence animations by scanning images in textbooks, thereby deepening their understanding of biotechnology concepts.
As an emerging teaching assistance tool, knowledge graphs provide university teachers with a new instructional design concept and method. Through knowledge graphs, teachers can organize teaching content more effectively, innovate teaching methods, and enhance teaching effectiveness. Meanwhile, combined with digital technology, the application of knowledge graphs in digital course construction provides broad space for innovative development in higher education.