A Conceptual Framework for Collaborative Learning Systems Based on Agent Technologies

Elena Nardini, Matteo Casadei, Andrea Omicini, Pietro Gaffuri

Experimental studies concerning distance and blended learning have shown that forms of interaction, like those key for collaborative learning, lead to desirable cognitive activities. However, existing distance and blended learning systems provide collaboration tools (like forum, chat, Wiki, etc.) presenting some limits that reduce the effectiveness of such tools from the standpoint of collaborative learning. Accordingly, a conceptual framework is needed that bridges the gap between the interaction forms characterising collaborative learning and existing learning collaboration tools. In this context, Multi-Agent System (MAS) seems to be a suitable paradigm to engineer such systems as it promotes effective collaboration. This paper shows how the Agents and Artefacts (A&A) meta-model for MAS could be exploited to build a conceptual framework for collaborative learning systems.

(keywords) Collaborative learning systems, Multi-Agent System, Agents and Artefacts meta-model, TuCSoN

The 2008 International Conference on the Interactive Computer Aided Learning (ICL 2008), pages RT-2:3(1-9), 24-26 September 2008.
Michael E. Auer (eds.), Kassel University Press, Villach, Austria
Electronic Proceedings

@inproceedings{elearning-icl08,
	Address = {Villach, Austria, EU},
	Author = {Nardini, Elena and Casadei, Matteo and Omicini, Andrea and Gaffuri, Pietro},
	Booktitle = {The 2008 International Conference on the Interactive Computer Aided Learning (ICL 2008)},
	Editor = {Auer, Michael E.},
	Isbn = {978-3-89958-353-3},
	Month = {24--26~} # sep,
	Note = {Electronic Proceedings},
	Pages = {RT-2:3(1--9)},
	Publisher = {Kassel University Press},
	Title = {A Conceptual Framework for Collaborative Learning Systems Based on Agent Technologies},
	Year = 2008}