Title: Semantic web technologies anchored in learning styles as catalysts towards personalising the learning process

Authors: Tania Kerkiri, Dimitris Konetas, Angela-M. Paleologou, Ioannis Mavridis

Addresses: Applied Informatics Department, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Str, Thessaloniki, Greece. ' ICT and Distance Education Laboratory, University of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, 45110, Campus, Ioannina, Greece. ' Psychology Section of the University of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, 45110, Campus, Ioannina, Greece. ' Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Str, 54006, Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: The evolution of telecommunications, information and multimedia technologies compel for the design of platforms that support the e-learning processes in a multimodal variety. These platforms benefit from the web resources to enhance their courses. However, the structure of the web is labyrinthine and the facilitation of the learner to the personalised content retrieval in these complex information environments is of great significance. This paper submits a method emerging from the semantic web technologies, such as metadata and ontologies, which is embedded in a constructivist socio-psycho-pedagogical model. The method personalises material based on the alignment of properties of the learning resources and the profile of the e-learners, as derived from their learning style in conjunction with other personality and demographic characteristics. An application is described using an experimental case that exemplifies the proposal. The initial findings justify an optimistic view for future precision in information retrieval and efficient matching of the learners| requirements with the educational content.

Keywords: personalisation; semantic web; ontologies; learning styles; ontology; technology enhanced learning; blended learning; social constructivism; online learning; e-learning; electronic learning; internet; world wide web; web technologies; learning processes; telecommunications; multimedia technologies; ICT; information technology; communications technology; platform design; multimodal varieties; course enhancement; personalised content; content retrieval; complex environments; metadata; constructivist models; socio-psycho-pedagogical models; properties alignment; learning resources; student profiles; electronic learners; e-learners; personality; demographic characteristics; learner requirements; educational content; technological education; Epirus; Greece; learning innovation; intellectual capital; management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2011.039446

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2011 Vol.8 No.2, pp.179 - 205

Published online: 27 Nov 2014 *

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