Speakers
Maha Malik
Company
Kialo
Speaker Brief
I serve as a Partnerships Coordinator at Kialo, a free, research-based argument-mapping platform designed to transform the way discussions take place in learning environments. In this role, I collaborate with educators and institutions across Southeast Asia and the Middle East to address challenges of inclusivity in classroom dialogue and to support the integration of Kialo into a wide range of curricula and teaching practices.
My focus is on advancing critical thinking, collaboration, and engagement by bridging technology with pedagogy. Through structured digital discussions, Kialo empowers students to engage more deeply with complex topics, while giving educators a clear view of students’ reasoning and critical thinking processes. By lowering barriers to participation, Kialo ensures that every learner has a voice, making discussions more equitable and impactful.
At MoodleMoot Malaysia 2025, I will deliver a hands-on demonstration of how Kialo—especially when paired with the certified Moodle plugin—can elevate online discussions. Participants will experience firsthand how argument mapping can transform traditional forums into more dynamic, inclusive, and reflective spaces, fostering 21st-century learning skills and boosting student engagement in meaningful ways.
Presentation Title
Beyond the Forum: Reimagining Online Discussions with Digital Argument Mapping
Presentation Description
This presentation examines how educators can move beyond standard online forums to create deeper, more structured engagement in digital learning environments. It will highlight common challenges with traditional forums such as superficial exchanges, low social presence, and unstructured dialogue while showcasing the advantages of using argument mapping as a teaching approach.
With Kialo’s digital argument mapping platform, students can build, analyze, and assess arguments while lowering barriers to participation. Educators benefit from clearer insights into the logical structure of debates and students’ critical thinking, adding both structure and value to classroom discussions.
The session will also share practical methods for applying argument maps in teaching, including class-wide and group discussions, essay planning, and seminar activities. Participants will learn how to scaffold student contributions, frame effective discussion prompts, and make use of Moodle’s certified Kialo plugin for smooth integration into their digital learning environments.
