The Use of Electronic Mind Maps In Teaching Industrial Localization And Its Effect on Information Retention Among University Students

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the use of electronic mind maps in teaching industrial localization and its impact on information retention among university students. The two hypotheses are: 1. There is no statistically significant difference at the (0.05) level of significance between the mean scores of the experimental group, which studied using electronic mind maps, and the control group, which studied using the traditional method, on the post-test. 2. There is no statistically significant difference at the (0.05) level of significance between the mean scores of the experimental group, which studied using electronic mind maps, and the control group, which studied using the traditional method, on the information retention test. The researchers adopted the experimental method with a two-group equivalent design (experimental and control). The research sample consisted of (60) male and female students from the College of Education/Al-Mustansiriya University, who were divided equally into two groups. The experimental group studied using digital mind mapping software, while the control group studied using the traditional method. (Lecture). To test the research hypotheses, the researchers developed an achievement test consisting of (40) multiple-choice items, the validity, reliability, and psychometric properties of which were verified. After administering the experiment, the post-test, and then the delayed (retention) test after (21) days, the results showed a statistically significant difference at the (0.05) level in favor of the experimental group in both post-test achievement and information retention. These results are attributed to the ability of electronic mind maps to organize the cognitive structure of complex geographical concepts and visually link them, thus reducing the rate of information loss. The researchers recommended the necessity of adopting digital visual technologies in university education and training academics on mind mapping software