Assisting Learners to Dynamically Adjust Learning Processes through Software Agents

Abstract

To make online learning more productive, software agent technology has been applied to provide services for learners in order to assist them to construct knowledge in constructivist ways. This paper is focused on the application of software agents in assisting learners to dynamically adjust learning processes. Unlike pedagogical agents, the agents in this application do not hold domain knowledge but simply assist learners to get through learning processes by a variety of supportive services. They assist learners to develop personalized preferred learning plans and to guide them to dynamically adjust learning toward their goals. In this article, the online learning process is first investigated, and an approach to assisting learners to dynamically adjust learning is outlined. Then, the structure of the UOL (unit of learning) database that provides links between a practical learning scenario and the required services is explored. A multi-agent architecture for realizing the services is configured, and the roles of the involved agents are described. After that, the related agent algorithms for guiding learners to dynamically adjust learning are described.

Evaluating Intelligent Search Agents in a Controlled Environment Using Complex Queries: An Empirical Study

“…A number of recent studies demonstrate the usefulness and viability of using agentbased technologies in various applications; for example, in manufacturing automation [6] [21][22], managing relational database [23] network payment security [24], e-business [8] [25], data mining and information retrieval [26], company knowledge management [27][28], fault diagnose system [29], warehouse control [30], 3G mobile system, education [31][32], agent-based intelligent manufacturing shop floor [33], radar systems [34], and web content filtering and information gathering [35][36][37].…”

An Engagement Model for Learning: Providing a Framework to Identify Technology Services

“…The current implementation is shown in Figure 7 based on our LiveNet system http://livenet4.it.uts.edu.au (Pan & Hawryszkiewycz, 2006). The system allows workspaces to be easily constructed by bringing artifacts, learners and services together in the one space.…”

“…One argument that can be made here is that these primarily support instructivist learning processes. Our approach (Pan & Hawryszkiewycz, 2006) here is to suggest the use of software agents that support the learning activity process, by suggesting and supporting various engagements. In that context they provide guidance rather than domain expertise.…”

“…System displays selected plan providing hints on how to participate in these engagements. The process here (Pan & Hawryszkiewycz, 2006) is illustrated briefly in Figure 8. Here a learner selects their learning goal.…”