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University of Saskatchewan, Department of Computer Science

2002-2003 Seminar Series

Learning Environments based on Inspectable Student Models

Juan Diego Zapata Rivera
Ph. D. Candidate
Department of Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

DEPARTMENT SEMINAR
DATE: Friday, September 6, 2002
TIME: 3:30pm
PLACE: Engineering 2C40
*** Everyone is welcome ***

Abstract

Student models try to represent and understand the student as an individual. Researchers have modelled many aspects of the student, most notably cognitive states and learning process, but also learning preferences, learning styles, current goals and tasks, emotions, and skills. Student models have been used in many areas, such as: intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive educational and training systems, help systems, recommender systems, etc.

Researchers in the area of student modelling have begun to explore the potential of externalizing the model to students and teachers. Several researchers have used inspectable student models, externalized in a variety of forms, to support reflection, student model accuracy, knowledge awareness, and collaborative and negotiated assessment.

Our research has led us to experiment with several inspectable student modelling tools, such as: a visualisation tool designed to support interaction with Bayesian student models (ViSMod) and an adaptive navigation tool that uses conceptual maps to represent the student (ConceptLab). Other tools include: a Bayesian student modelling server platform (SModel Server) and a system that provides knowledge engineering support for conditional probability tables in Bayesian networks (cbCPT).

A framework for learning environments based on inspectable student models has been proposed. This framework empowers students, teachers, and parents and/or other adults by offering a set of inspectable student modelling tools in an open student modelling platform. This talk describes the framework for learning environments based on inspectable student models and presents the tools: ViSMod, ConceptLab, SModel server, and cbCPT.

About the speaker

Diego received a Bachelors in Computer Science from EAFIT University in Colombia. He has worked at many technology related jobs, including the CONEXIONES project (an internationally recognised research project that uses new technologies to enhance learning in Colombian schools). Diego has been a member of the ARIES Laboratory for Advanced Research in Intelligent Educational Systems since 1998. Diego is interested in developing, implementing and evaluating learning environments that use computer technology to support learning, assessment and collaboration. He has published several papers in areas such as Artificial Intelligence in Education, Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, Student Modelling, and Visualization. [an error occurred while processing this directive]