Applying petri nets to model SCORM learning sequence specification in collaborative learning

[[abstract]]With the rapid development of Internet technology and Web-based education, distance learning provides a novel learning style, which is different from traditional education. In order to adapt different teaching strategies in accordance to individual students' abilities in a distance learning environment, system directed navigation of students was proposed in a distance learning standard called SCORM (sharable content object reference model). We introduce the distance-learning color Petri net (DCPN), applying the features of Petri nets, to decrease the complexity of the sequencing definition model in the SCORM 2004 specification. We thus construct a sequencing framework for various instructional strategies by piecing DPCN subnets together.[[notice]]補正完畢[[conferencetype]]國際[[conferencetkucampus]]淡水校園[[conferencedate]]20050328~20050330[[booktype]]紙本[[conferencelocation]]Taipei, Taiwa

Applying knowledge engineering methods to didactic knowledge: first steps towards an ultimate goal

Generally, learning systems suffer from a lack of an explicit and adaptable didactic design. Since E-Learning systems are digital by their very nature, their introduction rises the issue of modeling the didactic design in a way that implies the chance to apply Knowledge Engineering Techniques (like Machine Learning and Data Mining). A modeling approach called storyboarding, is outlined here. Storyboarding is setting the stage to apply Knowledge Engineering Technologies to verify and validate the didactics behind a learning process. Moreover, didactics can be refined according to revealed weaknesses and proven excellence and successful didactic patterns can be inductively inferred by analyzing the particular knowledge processing and its alleged contribution to learning success

Sequencing of learning activities oriented towards reuse and auto-organization for intelligent tutoring systems

Three have been the main contributions of this thesis. First, a platform for the deployment of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) with a modular architecture has been designed. This platform, called SIT, focuses on the adaptation of the sequencing of learning content, not adaptation of the content itself. This separation permits specialization of pedagogical experts and encourages reuse of learning resources. Second, a tool for the adaptation of the sequencing of learning units has been presented: Sequencing Graphs. It is a specialization of the finite automata paradigm, adapted for the specific needs of learning. Sequencing graphs focus on reuse, both of learning units and of adaptive sequencings definitions. They are hierarchical to prevent scalability problems. Two ITS have developed using sequencing graphs for SIT. Experimental results support the hypothesis that sequencing adaptation has a good influence on learning and that Sequencing Graphs are a useful tool to achieve this objective. Finally, the thesis analyzes the current initiatives in the emerging field of swarm intelligence techniques in education. Apart of the theoretical overview, three results are presented: an experimental study performed on the Paraschool system, a system of pedagogical alarms based on learning pheromones on the same system, and a swarm paths information module for SIT. This module synthesizes the best results from swarm-based adaptation sequencing and collaborative filtering for providing an additional level of adaptation to the content sequencing in SI

The Extended UTAUT Acceptance Model of Computer-Based Distance Training System Among Public Sector's Employees in Jordan

The utilization of advanced network technologies and modern computer applications in distance learning raises the importance of distance learning system in the delivery of learning materials and resources to remote trainees. This innovation offers the organizations and their employees an opportunity to solve the problems associated with traditional training methods. In this respect, the acceptance of computer based distance training system (CBDTS) is considered critical in determining the success of its implementation. However, the number of studies that have been conducted to examine the acceptance of distance training system by employees of public sector organizations in the Kingdom of Jordan is very limited. It is also questionable whether the information system acceptance models that have been previously developed can be used to examine the acceptance of CBDTS by public sector employees in Jordan. Questions are also raised to the idea that perhaps there may be other factors that play important roles in this context. The main objectives of this study therefore are to determine the factors that lead to the acceptance of public sector employees on computer-based distance training system and finally to propose a model of technology acceptance of computer-based distance training system by public sector employees. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed through a survey to public sector employees in Jordan. The study received about 386 responses, which represents 64.3% returned rate. Structural equation model (SEM) was used with AMOS version 16.0 to analyze the data. The findings indicate that six core determinants, namely, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, system flexibility, system enjoyment, social influence, and facilitating conditions significantly influenced employee intention to use distance training system. Five core determinants; system interactivity, system enjoyment, computer anxiety, computer self efficacy, and facilitating conditions significantly determine effort expectancy while only four of them including system interactivity, system enjoyment, computer anxiety, and effort expectancy significantly determine performance expectancy. Consequently, based on these findings, the final research model known as computer-based distance training acceptance model (CBDTAM) is proposed to explain and predict public sector employee’s intention in using computer-based distance training system. A comprehensive understanding of this model will assist decision makers to identify the reasons for the acceptance or resistance of computer based distance training system among public sector employees in the future and finally to support them to enhance the system’s acceptance and usage

Modelbased accounting and charging systems for digital products in the e-learning

In der Arbeit wurde ein Konzept entwickelt, das eine modellbasierte Betrachtung des Pricings digitaler Produkte ermöglicht

Learning Path Construction in e-Learning – What to Learn and How to Learn?

Whether in traditional or e learning, it is important to consider: what to learn, how to learn, and how well students have learned. Since there are various types of students with different learning preferences, learning styles, and learning abilities, it is not easy to provide the best learning approach for a specific student. Designing learning contents for different students is very time consuming and tedious for teachers. No matter how the learning process is carried out, both teachers and students must be satisfied with students’ learning performance. Therefore, it is important to provide helpful teaching and learning guidance for teachers and students. In order to achieve this, we proposed a fined-grained outcome-based learning path model, which allows teachers to explicitly formulate learning activities as the learning units of a learning path. This allows teachers to formulate the assessment criteria related to the subject-specific knowledge and skills as well as generic skills, so that the pedagogy could be defined and properly incorporated. Apart from defining the pedagogical approaches, we also need to provide tailored learning contents of the courses, so that different types of students can better learn the knowledge according to their own learning abilities, knowledge backgrounds, etc. On the other hand, those learning contents should be well-structured, so that students can understand them. To achieve this, we have proposed a learning path generation method based on Association Link Network to automatically identify the relationships among different Web resources. This method makes use of the Web resources that can be freely obtained from the Web to form well-structured learning resources with proper sequences for delivery. Although the learning path defines what to learn and how to learn, we still needed to monitor student learning progress in order to determine proper learning contents and learning activities in an e-Learning system. To address the problem, we proposed the use of student progress indicators based on Fuzzy Cognitive Map to analyze both performance and non-performance attributes and their causal relationships. The aim is to help teachers improve their teaching approaches and help students reflect their strengths and weaknesses in learning. . This research focuses on the intelligent tutoring e-Learning system, which provides an intelligent approach to design and delivery learning activities in a learning path. Many experiments and comparative studies on both teachers and students have been carried out in order to evaluate the research of this PhD thesis. The results show that our research can effectively help teachers generate high quality learning paths, help students improve their learning performance, and offer both teachers and students a better understanding on student learning progress

Paving the Way for Lifelong Learning:Facilitating competence development through a learning path specification

Janssen, J. (2010). Paving the Way for Lifelong Learning. Facilitating competence development through a learning path specification. September, 17, 2010, Heerlen, The Netherlands: Open University of the Netherlands, CELSTEC. SIKS Dissertation Series No. 2010-36. ISBN 978-90-79447-43-5Efficient and effective lifelong learning requires that learners can make well informed decisions regarding the selection of a learning path, i.e. a set of learning actions that help attain particular learning goals. In recent decades a strong emphasis on lifelong learning has led educational provision to expand and to become more varied and flexible. Besides, the role of informal learning has become increasingly acknowledged. In light of these developments this thesis addresses the question: How to support learners in finding their way through all available options and selecting a learning path that best fit their needs? The thesis describes two different approaches regarding the provision of way finding support, which can be considered complementary. The first, inductive approach proposes to provide recommendations based on indirect social interaction: analysing the paths followed by other learners and feeding this information back as advice to learners facing navigational decisions. The second, prescriptive approach proposes to use a learning path specification to describe both the contents and the structure of any learning path in a formal and uniform way. This facilitates comparison and selection of learning paths across institutions and systems, but also enables automated provision of way finding support for a chosen learning path. Moreover, it facilitates automated personalisation of a learning path, i.e. adapting the learning path to the needs of a particular learner. Following the first approach a recommender system was developed and tested in an experimental setting. Results showed use of the system significantly enhanced effectiveness of learning. In line with the second approach a learning path specification was developed and validated in three successive evaluations. Firstly, an investigation of lifelong learners’ information needs. Secondly, an evaluation of the specification through a reference (sample) implementation: a tool to describe learning paths according to the specification. Finally, an evaluation of the use and purpose of this tool involving prospective end-users: study advisors and learning designers. Following the various evaluations the Learning Path Specification underwent some changes over time. Results described in this thesis show that the proposed approach of the Learning Path Specification and the reference implementation were well received by end-users.The work on this publication has been sponsored by the TENCompetence Integrated Project that is funded by the European Commission's 6th Framework Programme, priority IST/Technology Enhanced Learning. Contract 027087 [http://www.tencompetence.org