The Performance of Extended Scratch-Build Concept Mapping Tool in Blended Learning

Computer-based concept mapping tools have been widely used in several learning strategies, one of which is blended learning. Blended learning synthesizes face-to-face and online interaction in offering a synchronous and asynchronous activity. However, little effort has been made to utilize extended concept maps in blended learning. Extended concept mapping is a technique to connect existing concept maps with a new knowledge structure. Extending activities allow learners to review their prior knowledge, elicit missing ideas and relationships, and improve new experiences. This study sought to investigate the performance of the Extended Scratch-Build (ESB) concept mapping tool in a blended learning environment. A total of 54 university students participated and were divided into two groups, experimental and control. The students in the experimental group used the ESB technique, and those in the control group used the whole-class discussion and summarization method. The results reported that the experimental group outperformed the control group in terms of immediate-test scores attainment.