Modeling Adaptation Patterns in the Context of Collaborative Learning: Case Studies of IMS-LD Based Implementation

Abstract

Abstract. Research on collaborative learning has emphasized the need for providing flexible yet supportive tools to teachers in order to design collaborative learning tasks. In our work we present a next step in our pattern-based approach demonstrating how educators' ideas can provide the basis for adaptation patterns which, in turn, can be expressed in IMS-LD modeling language. In this paper we present representative and selective design case studies exemplifying the implementation of the core specification of an Adaptation Pattern (Input, Rules, Model and Output) on the basis of using tools compliant to IMS-LD. We analyze what is necessary for implementing an adaptation pattern and discuss the benefits of the pattern-based approach. Finally, we highlight what issues would be important toward integrating the adaptation pattern capabilities in LD compliant tools for collaborative learning design.

Extending IMS-LD Capabilities: A Review, a Proposed Framework and Implementation Cases

“…Nevertheless, adjusting the script level of granularity and flexibility emerges as an important issue that affects the outcome of scripted collaboration (43). We have argued elsewhere (7,8,39,40) that a solution to the script flexibility issue could be the integration of adaptive characteristics to systems for scripted collaboration by means of integrating "Adaptation Patterns" (APs) to the design. An AP captures some core idea of pedagogical value on how to adapt the collaborative learning activity when specific conditions occur.…”

“…So far we have managed to implement simple adaptive interventions solely based on tools based on IMS-LD standard (see 7). But, when we came up with more complex adaptations like 'Group Heterogeneity' and 'Peer Interaction Scaffolding', we could not implement them simply because: a) in 'Group Heterogeneity' case the Rule part of IRMO methodology for these adaptation could not be implemented in IMS-LD, and b) in 'Peer Interaction Scaffolding' case bidirectional communication with external tools supporting peer interaction (whether synchronous or asynchronous) is necessary.…”

“…Despite promising evidence, however, it is a fact that the systems that adaptively support collaboration are at an early stage. One reason for this is the fact that the currently available interoperability standard IMS-LD is not capable of expressing the computationally complex and demanding constructs necessary for implementing adaptive techniques [7].…”

System Orchestration Support for a Collaborative Blended Learning Flow

“…Other initiatives that attempt to solve the integration problem in IMS LD have been described in the literature (e.g. [2,3,18]). However, a comprehensive review of the state of the art or the discussion bout the appropriateness of these solutions in the presented scenario is beyond the scope of this chapter.…”

“…One of the proposals to organize and computationally support these learning flows is the so-called collaboration "scripts" [9,12,17,18]. Scripts are based on the idea that free collaboration does not always produce learning.…”