A Multi-agent System To Support Ict Based Distance Learning Through Modeling Of Learner Needs: The Case Of Bachelor Of Education At University Of Nairobi

Abstract

In distant learning environments, most learners need feedback from lecturers and administration to support them so as to achieve their learning objectives. However, the feedback that the University of Nairobi distant learners receive through the student’s portal is not timely. This leads to learners wasting time travelling to college to seek clarification on academic and administrative issues. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the learners to participate in the study. Thirty learners were used to get the system requirements for the proposed feedback system to support the learners. The pre-study done found out that the distant learners needed feedback mainly to support them while off campus. They needed updates on fees, center meetings, examination results, assignments, study schedules etc. The feedback should be communicated through email notifications and sms to alert them that new information has been posted on the website. The alerts provide a detailed summary of the information being relayed to the learners. The system was developed using the properties of agents to model interactive feedback system used in the distance learning environment. The system components are the learners, the lecturers and the administrator. These external agents interact via agents inside the system to support the learners. The system provides real time feedback to the learners hence will reduce on time wastage and extra cost on the side of learners