In recent years, a number of models concerning question-answering (QA) systems have been put forward. But many of them stress technology and neglect the research of QA itself. In this paper, we analyse the essence of QA and discuss the relationship between technology and QA. On that basis, we propose that when designing web-based QA systems, more attention should be paid to the learning mechanism involved in the QA process than to technology. Some new ideas on the design of QA systems are also put forward in order to promote the rapid development of web-based QA systems.
IntroductionWith the rapid development of network technology, instructional network systems have been designed to satisfy the learning needs of learners. As a key element of those systems, question-answering (QA) systems are attracting more and more attention. Web-based QA systems not only play an important role in learning online, but they also become a helpful complement to traditional learning in class.