Ontea: Platform for Pattern Based Automated Semantic Annotation

Automated annotation of web documents is a key challenge of the Semantic Web effort. Semantic metadata can be created manually or using automated annotation or tagging tools. Automated semantic annotation tools with best results are built on various machine learning algorithms which require training sets. Other approach is to use pattern based semantic annotation solutions built on natural language processing, information retrieval or information extraction methods. The paper presents Ontea platform for automated semantic annotation or semantic tagging. Implementation based on regular expression patterns is presented with evaluation of results. Extensible architecture for integrating pattern based approaches is presented. Most of existing semi-automatic annotation solutions can not prove it real usage on large scale data such as web or email communication, but semantic web can be exploited only when computer understandable metadata will reach critical mass. Thus we also present approach to large scale pattern based annotation

The Semantic Student: Using Knowledge Modeling Activities to Enhance Enquiry-Based Group Learning in Engineering Education

This paper argues that training engineering students in basic knowledge modeling techniques, using linked data principles, and semantic Web tools – within an enquiry-based group learning environment – enables them to enhance their domain knowledge, and their meta-cognitive skills. Knowledge modeling skills are in keeping with the principles of Universal Design for instruction. Learners are empowered with the regulation of cognition as they become more aware of their own development. This semantic student approach was trialed with a group of 3rd year Computer Engineering Students taking a module on computer architecture. An enquiry-based group learning activity was developed to help learners meet selected module learning outcomes. Learners were required to use semantic feature analysis and linked data principles to create a visual model of their knowledge structure. Results show that overall student attainment was increased when knowledge modeling activities were included as part of the learning process. A recommendation for practice to incorporate knowledge modeling as a learning strategy within an overall engineering curriculum framework is described. This can be achieved using semantic Web technologies such as semantic wikis and linked data tools

Design and Development of an E-Learning Management System

The trend of e-learning technologies is expanding fast. Web-based learning environments are becoming very common in the higher education institutions. Nowadays e-learning management systems are very popular. Many universities throughout the world deliver educational programs via the Internet. Developments of e-learning systems are generating great impact in the field of education services to improve the teaching and learning process, and overcome geographical displace. In recent years, various kinds of Internet technologies have become available for developers to implement such e-learning system that provide an e-learning gateway on the Internet. The rapid advancements in information and communication technologies, especially the networking and multimedia, have led to the development of many advanced e-learning systems these days. A user-friendly interface and a sophisticated data model are the essential design consideration to make the e-learning system easy-to-use for the instructors and learners. The need for such architecture is critical for designing the system and standards development. The system is developed under Computer Supported Cooperative Work framework and web portal technology. The system integrates all the critical and valuable communication tools that effectively improve the collaboration in an e-learning environment

Global Teamwork: A Study of Design Learning in Collaborative Virtual Environments

With the recent developments in communication and information technologies, using Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) in design activity has experienced a remarkable increase. In this paper we present a collaborative learning activity between the University of Sydney (USYD), and the Istanbul Technical University (ITU). This paper shares our teaching experience and discusses the principles of collaborative design learning in virtual environments. Followed by a study on students’ perception on the courses and collaborative learning in both universities, this paper also suggests future refinements on the course structure and the main areas of collaborative design learning. Keywords: Collaborative Design; Collaborative Virtual Environments; Design Teaching And Learning</p

The future of technology enhanced active learning – a roadmap

The notion of active learning refers to the active involvement of learner in the learning process, capturing ideas of learning-by-doing and the fact that active participation and knowledge construction leads to deeper and more sustained learning. Interactivity, in particular learnercontent interaction, is a central aspect of technology-enhanced active learning. In this roadmap, the pedagogical background is discussed, the essential dimensions of technology-enhanced active learning systems are outlined and the factors that are expected to influence these systems currently and in the future are identified. A central aim is to address this promising field from a best practices perspective, clarifying central issues and formulating an agenda for future developments in the form of a roadmap

A GRID-BASED E-LEARNING MODEL FOR OPEN UNIVERSITIES

E-learning has grown to become a widely accepted method of learning all over the world. As a result, many e-learning platforms which have been developed based on varying technologies were faced with some limitations ranging from storage capability, computing power, to availability or access to the learning support infrastructures. This has brought about the need to develop ways to effectively manage and share the limited resources available in the e-learning platform. Grid computing technology has the capability to enhance the quality of pedagogy on the e-learning platform. In this paper we propose a Grid-based e-learning model for Open Universities. An attribute of such universities is the setting up of multiple remotely located campuses within a country. The grid-based e-learning model presented in this work possesses the attributes of an elegant architectural framework that will facilitate efficient use of available e-learning resources and cost reduction, leading to general improvement of the overall quality of the operations of open universities

A FRAMEWORK FOR INTELLIGENT VOICE-ENABLED E-EDUCATION SYSTEMS

Although the Internet has received significant attention in recent years, voice is still the most convenient and natural way of communicating between human to human or human to computer. In voice applications, users may have different needs which will require the ability of the system to reason, make decisions, be flexible and adapt to requests during interaction. These needs have placed new requirements in voice application development such as use of advanced models, techniques and methodologies which take into account the needs of different users and environments. The ability of a system to behave close to human reasoning is often mentioned as one of the major requirements for the development of voice applications. In this paper, we present a framework for an intelligent voice-enabled e-Education application and an adaptation of the framework for the development of a prototype Course Registration and Examination (CourseRegExamOnline) module. This study is a preliminary report of an ongoing e-Education project containing the following modules: enrollment, course registration and examination, enquiries/information, messaging/collaboration, e-Learning and library. The CourseRegExamOnline module was developed using VoiceXML for the voice user interface(VUI), PHP for the web user interface (WUI), Apache as the middle-ware and MySQL database as back-end. The system would offer dual access modes using the VUI and WUI. The framework would serve as a reference model for developing voice-based e-Education applications. The e-Education system when fully developed would meet the needs of students who are normal users and those with certain forms of disabilities such as visual impairment, repetitive strain injury (RSI), etc, that make reading and writing difficult

Symmetric Synchronous Collaborative Navigation

Synchronous collaborative navigation is a form of social navigation where users virtually share a web browser. In this paper, we present a symmetric, proxy-based architecture where each user can take the lead and guide others in visiting web sites, without the need for a special browser or other software. We show how we have applied this scheme to a problem-solving-oriented e-learning system

QuickSAT/Autonomy: A Framework of Autonomy APIs and System for Small Satellites to Support Tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Vehicle Health Management Functions

The QuickSAT/Autonomy is a framework of autonomy APIs and system with flight computer designed for cubesats to support Tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) functions plus generic autonomy related functions such as vehicle health management. The system allows the cubesat through a range of sensors such as a hyperspectral camera to collect data, “perceive” key select information, and alert to the ground what is “sensed”, relaying only the required critical data. Operators can later download larger data sets as needed. This will allow the streamlining what is communicated to the ground in a timely manner. Communications is a critical bottleneck in small satellites such as cubesats – on board autonomy can rapidly assist in ISR functions. Distributed systems using formation flying satellites can use synergy of autonomous payloads on-board of different satellites instead of a multiplying effect of constellations in order to enhance coverage. The open framework allows the QuickSAT/Autonomy System with our LinkStar avionics system is to provide a flexible vehicle management system, a range of autonomy tools, global communications, and accurate and rapid tracking of 1U and larger cubesats and small satellites, providing exceptional situational awareness and ISR support. QuickSAT/Autonomy provides a database architecture to support the knowledge base built on the ground and during flight, a Bayesian Network learning framework, and supporting Apache Airflow based tools to name a few of the on-board Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (ML) functions within QuickSAT/Autonomy. The heart of the LinkStar avionics system is provided by either the BeagleBone Black AI module for Cubesats and power constrained vehicles OR the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC chipbased FRNCS computer for larger Cubesats and Small Satellites, a system that combines a quad core ARM-53 processor and Zynq-7000 FPGA. LinkStar supports I2C, I2C multiplexer, Space Wire, serial, USB and CAN allowing for a range of sensors to be connected to the QuickSAT/Autonomy architecture; other data buses can be easily infused into the design. LinkStar also includes smart power management software set of APIs, software rad-hardening tools, and QuickSAT/Xen hypervisor to enable multiple, secure operating systems on the processor. The board design is a PC104 format with full support for the Cubesat bus. The integrated flight computer hosts the QuickSAT/VMS system providing vehicle control, communications, and instrument management functions. QuickSAT/VMS provides a web based interface for easy vehicle configuration, system testing, and management. Supporting APIs are provided with the system. For this presentation we will present the framework and the overall architecture