El uso de mapas conceptuales digitales para fomentar la comprensión de procesos históricos en estudios sociales

The manuscript titled "The Use of Digital Concept Maps to Foster Understanding of Historical Pro-cesses in Social Studies" explores how the integration of technological tools, particularly digital concept maps, supports the development of analytical and comprehension skills in the study of historical processes. In an educational environment that faces challenges related to motivation and meaningful learning in social studies disciplines, the implementation of innovative technologies emerges as a promising strategy to optimize academic performance and encourage active student participation. The research adopted a mixed methodology, integrating both quantitative and qualita-tive approaches. A total of 150 secondary-level students participated, divided into an experimental group that used digital concept maps generated through applications such as MindMeister, Lucid-chart, and Coggle, and a control group that employed traditional methods.Over the course of an academic semester, the experimental group performed tasks such as graphically representing histor-ical events, analyzing causes and consequences, and identifying correlations between fundamental historical processes. The findings indicated a significant improvement in the historical comprehen-sion skills of the experimental group, with an average increase of 35% in analysis and synthesis evaluations, compared to a 15% improvement in the control group. Additionally, surveys conduct-ed with the students revealed that 87% perceived digital concept maps as an effective tool for struc-turing ideas and systematically understanding historical events. From an academic perspective, the implementation of these tools facilitated the elucidation of complex topics and promoted a more cooperative learning process. Qualitative analysis highlighted that digital concept maps enhanced critical thinking, the ability to establish connections between events, and active participation in the educational environment. However, challenges were also identified, such as the need for pedagogi-cal training in the use of these tools and limitations in access to technological devices in less advan-taged contexts. In conclusion, the implementation of digital concept maps emerges as an effective strategy to enhance the instruction of historical processes, fostering deeper and more meaningful learning. It is recommended to expand their application and examine their suitability in other educa-tional contexts and disciplines.