Title: Towards an open framework for adaptive, agent-supported e-learning

Authors: Peter Van Rosmalen, Francis Brouns, Colin Tattersall, Hubert Vogten, Jan Van Bruggen, Peter Sloep, Rob Koper

Addresses: Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands. ' Educational Technology Expertise Centre (ETEC), Open University of The Netherlands P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands

Abstract: E-learners require activities and content based on their preferences and prior knowledge, not merely fully static, page-turning sequences. In this paper, we present a framework that integrates and supports two approaches towards adaptation to the learner needs – design and runtime adaptation. The framework is based on IMS Learning Design (IMS LD). IMS LD offers a semantic notation to describe an educational scenario in a formal way. At design time, a teacher or a design team can create or inspect a learning design model and use it in multiple courses. At runtime, a tutor or agent, an autonomous piece of software, can interpret a learning design and students| progress and subsequently take action while a course is in progress, e.g. make suggestions to learners. We will discuss the study that lead to the framework, and explain the role of IMS LD and the promising role of agents in adaptive e-learning.

Keywords: adaptive e-learning; active e-learning; learning technology standards; IMS learning design; agent technology; agent-based systems; agents.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2005.007715

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2005 Vol.15 No.3/4/5/6, pp.261 - 275

Published online: 03 Sep 2005 *

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