Use of Concept Map Scaffolds to Promote Adaptive E-Learning in Web-Based Systems

Abstract

Scaffolds are a good method of implementing self-regulated learning. Adaptive scaffolding involves having an agent, for example a human tutor who helps the learners to plan their learning, monitor their emerging understanding, use different strategies to learn, handle difficult tasks etc. The main aim of this project is to use the adaptive scaffolds in form of concept maps in webbased e-Ieaming systems to play the role of learner guide. The learner creates a concept map to show how he/she understands a certain domain of knowledge. The concept map takes into account the prior knowledge that the learner has in that topic, and uses it to adapt to the user level. The comparison between the concept map developed by the learner and the expert concept map is used to determine the level of understanding of the learner, which is used for the system adaptation by presenting the user with a concept map that matches his/her level. This adaptation is implemented using reference rules to incorporate intelligence. The concept map is also used for learner evaluation to determine the final understanding of the learner in that topic. Thus, these concept map scaffolds are intended for use before, during and after learning a certain topic in order to make understanding of the topic by the learner as easy as possible.