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Learning Dependency Network

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Description

This interactive visualization demonstrates how vis-network can visualize learning dependencies between educational concepts. The hierarchical graph shows how prerequisite knowledge flows upward toward target learning objectives, with advanced extensions building upon mastered concepts.

Node Types

Shape Color Type Description
Circle Gray (#e0e0e0) Foundation Base concepts that form the starting point
Rectangle Blue (#4facfe) Prerequisite Required concepts that must be learned first
Hexagon Green (#4caf50) Target The main learning objective
Diamond Purple (#9c27b0) Advanced Extensions beyond the target concept

Edge Types

Style Name Meaning
Solid arrow PREREQUISITE_OF Points from prerequisite to dependent concept
Dashed arrow EXTENDS Points from concept to advanced application

Interactive Features

  • Click on any concept to highlight all its prerequisites
  • Hover over nodes to see concept definitions
  • Orange highlighting shows the selected concept
  • Dimmed nodes indicate concepts not in the prerequisite chain

Sample Learning Path

The visualization shows a mathematics learning path:

  1. Basic Arithmetic (Foundation) - The starting point
  2. Variables and Functions (Prerequisites) - Build on arithmetic
  3. Algebra (Prerequisite) - Requires both variables and functions
  4. Calculus (Target) - The main learning goal, requires algebra
  5. Differential Equations (Advanced) - Extends calculus knowledge

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

By exploring this visualization, students will be able to:

  1. Understand how learning dependencies form a directed graph structure
  2. Analyze prerequisite chains to identify required knowledge
  3. Distinguish between different types of concepts (foundation, prerequisite, target, advanced)
  4. Apply dependency analysis to plan their own learning paths

Suggested Activities

Activity 1: Prerequisite Exploration (5 minutes) : Click on "Calculus" to see all prerequisites highlighted. Discuss why each concept is necessary for learning calculus.

Activity 2: Learning Path Planning (10 minutes) : Starting from a target concept in your own domain, work backward to identify all prerequisites. Create a similar dependency graph.

Activity 3: Gap Analysis (10 minutes) : If a student struggles with calculus, use the dependency graph to identify which prerequisite concepts might need review.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why is it important to learn concepts in a specific order?
  2. What happens if you skip a prerequisite concept?
  3. How can dependency graphs help with curriculum design?
  4. What other domains could benefit from learning dependency visualization?

Use Cases

This visualization pattern is valuable for:

  • Curriculum Design - Planning the sequence of topics in a course
  • Student Assessment - Identifying knowledge gaps based on dependencies
  • Adaptive Learning - Recommending what to study next
  • Course Prerequisites - Visualizing required prior knowledge
  • Competency Frameworks - Mapping skill dependencies in professional development

Technical Details

  • Built with vis-network library
  • Hierarchical layout with foundation concepts at bottom, target concepts near top
  • Fixed node positions for consistent visualization
  • Recursive traversal for prerequisite highlighting
  • Zoom/drag disabled for iframe embedding
  • Navigation buttons enabled for accessibility