Title: Personalised time-dependent learning

Authors: R. Benlamri, Y. Atif, J. Berri

Addresses: Department of Software Engineering, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada. ' College of Information Technology, UAE University, P.O. Box 17555, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. ' Department of Computer Engineering, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, P.O. Box 980, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: Time-dependent instruction appears to shape next-generation learning systems, where the value of instruction is as important as the time it takes to learn. The ability to grasp the exact knowledge required to accomplish a specific task, in the allotted time, is a key factor for organisations to remain economically competitive in the new knowledge society era. Time-constrained learning is a new concept which requires a multilevel cognitive organisation of knowledge to suit various learning profiles. This paper proposes an ontology-based authoring tool capable of mapping concepts to learning resources to different granularity levels, hence customising learning-delivery to time-constrained learners. The proposed framework in this paper distils knowledge to meet timeliness using a judicious application of real-time systems principles. This interdisciplinary learning design advocates progressive levels of learning which trade learning granularity with allocated instruction time. The paper provides performance and experimental studies using an evaluation model and a validation approach through use cases. The results show interesting performance tradeoffs in analysing the cognitive perception of time-dependent learning.

Keywords: ontology; knowledge management; time-dependent learning; semantic web; adaptive learning; learning objects; learning web; personalised learning; learning technology; time constraints; authoring tools; learning resources; timeliness; learning granularity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2009.024715

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2009 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.24 - 52

Published online: 16 Apr 2009 *

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