Title: Constructing a virtual training laboratory using intelligent agents

Authors: Timothy J. Norman, Nicholas R. Jennings

Addresses: Department of Computing Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, Scotland, UK. Department of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

Abstract: This paper reports on the results and experiences of the Trilogy project, a collaborative project concerned with the development of a virtual research laboratory using intelligent agents. This laboratory is designed to support the training of research students in telecommunications traffic engineering. Training research students involves a number of basic activities. They may seek guidance from, or exchange ideas with, more experienced colleagues. High quality academic papers, books and research reports provide a sound basis for developing and maintaining a good understanding of an area of research. Experimental tools enable new ideas to be evaluated and hypotheses tested These three components - collaboration, information and experimentation - are central to any research activity and a good training environment for research should integrate them all in a seamless fashion. To this end, we describe the design and implementation of such a virtual laboratory.

Keywords: intelligent agents; virtual laboratory; telecommunications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2002.000429

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2002 Vol.12 No.1/2/3/4, pp.201-213

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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