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Adaptive Learning Environments with Knowledge Representation and Social Interaction

Abstract

 

The main topics of this research study are learning Web environment with collaborative support and semantic social networks. In concrete, is develop a software learning web place with structuring content, based on visual representation which enables users online interaction among the teacher and their peers. I plan to use AJAX and PHP, to achieve this goal.

My research has been evolving and has led to the writing of my state of Art report. This report is divided in three parts, firstly deals with the motivation factors, namely: the phenomena description, the learning paradigm, the participation, the evolvement and empowerment. Then presents my thesis statement, and after that, it describes the state of the art in a learning and technology perspective. Finally, it describes the PhD research proposal, the work plan and the proposed learning tool.

Recently a came across with the theory of connectivism, which asserts the learning of knowledge in a distributive manner, based on a network of connections formed from experience and interactions with a knowing community.

 

After being constructed, a class of high school students will validate the proposed tool.

I believe that by combining trees of knowledge with semantic social networks, we are in fact trying to perform a true collaborative learning environment, where students and teachers will actively interact towards wisdom.

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Hypothesis and Research Question

Schools should get closer to the society grid and cultural environment that surround them , making bridges between formal knowledge and informal learning that occur outside the classroom context.

 

How social networks with learning environments should effectively improve the learning processes?

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Short description:

The focus of my research is related with using the web as a platform for reinforcing learning. Specially now, with the emergence of new technologies, the so called web 2.0, the Internet will have an increasing importance in our lives.
But the technology by itself won't change the learning paradigm. It might empower students and teachers in new learning environments. However these actors will undoubtly have to change their attitudes and improve their connections.
We live in a connected world and since the advent of communications we cannot consider learning without this concept. One might consider it very close to collaboration, where students, co-working among themselves can break some barriers and minimise their learning difficulties.
These three mentioned aspects: web technologies, connecting people and collaborative learning, give way to knowledge representation, which is the core issue of my research.
I decided to develop a platform, L-Tree, where students can meet together, even outside the classroom walls, having an informal learning place. The teacher will have a coaching responsibility, but only to guide the students through the trails of knowledge. I expect this web based learning place will bring an increased proposal of value by increasing the level interaction among users. I am sure that the joining efforts of the users in a collaborative environment will have best results on learning in an integrating manner.

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