Augmented Conversation and Cognitive Apprenticeship Metamodel Based Intelligent Learning Activity Builder System

This research focused on a formal (theory based) approach to designing Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) authoring tool involving two specific conventional pedagogical theories—Conversation Theory (CT) and Cognitive Apprenticeship (CA). The research conceptualised an Augmented Conversation and Cognitive Apprenticeship Metamodel (ACCAM) based on apriori theoretical knowledge and assumptions of its underlying theories. ACCAM was implemented in an Intelligent Learning Activity Builder System (ILABS)—an ITS authoring tool. ACCAM’s implementation aims to facilitate formally designed tutoring systems, hence, ILABS―the practical implementation of ACCAM― constructs metamodels for Intelligent Learning Activity Tools (ILATs) in a numerical problem-solving context (focusing on the construction of procedural knowledge in applied numerical disciplines). Also, an Intelligent Learning Activity Management System (ILAMS), although not the focus of this research, was developed as a launchpad for ILATs constructed and to administer learning activities. Hence, ACCAM and ILABS constitute the conceptual and practical contributions that respectively flow from this research. ACCAM’s implementation was tested through the evaluation of ILABS and ILATs within an applied numerical domain―the accounting domain. The evaluation focused on the key constructs of ACCAM―cognitive visibility and conversation, implemented through a tutoring strategy employing Process Monitoring (PM). PM augments conversation within a cognitive apprenticeship framework; it aims to improve the visibility of the cognitive process of a learner and infers intelligence in tutoring systems. PM was implemented via an interface that attempts to bring learner’s thought process to the surface. This approach contrasted with previous studies that adopted standard Artificial Intelligence (AI) based inference techniques. The interface-based PM extends the existing CT and CA work. The strategy (i.e. interface-based PM) makes available a new tutoring approach that aimed fine-grain (or step-wise) feedbacks, unlike the goal-oriented feedbacks of model-tracing. The impact of PM—as a preventive strategy (or intervention) and to aid diagnosis of learners’ cognitive process—was investigated in relation to other constructs from the literature (such as detection of misconception, feedback generation and perceived learning effectiveness). Thus, the conceptualisation and implementation of PM via an interface also contributes to knowledge and practice. The evaluation of the ACCAM-based design approach and investigation of the above mentioned constructs were undertaken through users’ reaction/perception to ILABS and ILAT. This involved, principally, quantitative approach. However, a qualitative approach was also utilised to gain deeper insight. Findings from the evaluation supports the formal (theory based) design approach—the design of ILABS through interaction with ACCAM. Empirical data revealed the presence of conversation and cognitive visibility constructs in ILATs, which were determined through its behaviour during the learning process. This research identified some other theoretical elements (e.g. motivation, reflection, remediation, evaluation, etc.) that possibly play out in a learning process. This clarifies key conceptual variables that should be considered when constructing tutoring systems for applied numerical disciplines (e.g. accounting, engineering). Also, the research revealed that PM enhances the detection of a learner’s misconception and feedback generation. Nevertheless, qualitative data revealed that frequent feedbacks due to the implementation of PM could be obstructive to thought process at advance stage of learning. Thus, PM implementations should also include delayed diagnosis, especially for advance learners who prefer to have it on request. Despite that, current implementation allows users to turn PM off, thereby using alternative learning route. Overall, the research revealed that the implementation of interface-based PM (i.e. conversation and cognitive visibility) improved the visibility of learner’s cognitive process, and this in turn enhanced learning—as perceived

Investigation into Rain Attenuation Prediction Models at Locations in Lagos Using Remote Sensing

This paper investigated the performances of some rain attenuation prediction models at some GSM network locations in Lagos, Nigeria, using remote sensing at Ku band. Remote sensing is a collection and interpretation of information about an object without physical contact with the object being measured. Three popular terrestrial prediction models were considered in this work. These are ITU-R P.530-17, Lin and Silva Mello Models. Ten years (2010-2019) annual rainfall data with hourly integration time were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and link budgets for three microwave links (Tarzan Yard, Kofo Abayomi and GLO Shop) in Victoria Island at 18 GHz were obtained from Global Communications Limited (GLO), Nigeria. Data analysis and comparison of the microwave links rainfall estimates were carried out to identify the most suitable of the three models at the selected locations of interest. Measurement data obtained from both NIMET and GLO were used to validate the predicted attenuation data from the three selected models. The ITU-R P.530-17 prediction model overestimated the measurement at Tarzan Yard; closely followed by Silva Mello, while Lin underestimated the measured data. Again, at Kofo Abayomi station, the ITU-R model overestimated the measurement, while both Silva Mello and Lin models underestimated the measurement. At the GLO Shop, the Silva Mello overestimated the measured value, while ITU-R and Lin underestimated the measurement. At 0.01% of time exceeded, NIMET measurement was higher (at 48.2 dB) than that of Tarzan Yard, Kofo Abayomi and GLO shop (43.1, 46.3 and 37.0 dB respectively). These results will provide useful information in mitigating signal outages due to rain for mobile communication systems

A Metamodel for Designing an Intelligent Tutoring Systems Authoring Tool

Previous intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) and ITS authoring studies predominantly simulated and evaluated artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and cognitive architectures/notions in educational domains. Current research focuses on software design that is priori driven by educational theories; it concerns the conception of Augmented Conversation and Cognitive Apprenticeship Metamodel (ACCAM). The pedagogy driven metamodel―ACCAM―forms the basis for a formal (theory based) approach to designing ITS authoring tools for numerical aspect of numerical disciplines. This research, therefore, showcases the convergence of two theoretical perspectives—the Conversation Theory (CT) and Cognitive Apprenticeship (CA)—which were never considered together before now. The novel conceptual platform―the ACCAM—flows and benefited from the synergistic effect of the stated theories through the introduction of the concept of ‘augmented conversation’ within the resulting integrated framework. Thus, current work draws on the pedagogical import of the mentioned educational theories, elicits new meanings, and lays the foundation as well as opens future evaluation of a pedagogical engineering methodology that flows therefrom