Emma Kusztina

Motivation Model in Community-Built System

Every person can be characterized by motivation. Therefore, a collective motivation model of users of an information system can be applied for increasing its overall efficiency and productivity. In this chapter, the motivation model for an environment of community-built system is proposed. The model’s objective is to maintain control of social and economic systems. All of the psychological, cognitive, and social aspects of the community-built system have been incorporated into the model. Having introduced an analysis of the networked nature of knowledge, an ontological model for knowledge representation in community-built system is formulated. Following that, the main features of a computer-supported collaboration process are discussed to establish the environment of a community-built system. The motivation model is located within the environment and leverages the qualities of the ontological model.

Intelligent Open Learning Systems

In presented book the Intelligent Open Learning Systems (IOLS) are proposed, described, discussed, and evaluated. The IOLS is a system in which traditional methods of online teaching are enhanced through the use of artificial intelligence and cognitive science. This is the main topic of the book. It consists of ten chapters and is divided into three parts. The first part concentrates on the Open Learning System (OLS) analysis, in particular: the social and educational meanings of the OLS, the new role of the teacher and the new requirements regarding the structure of didactic material. Moreover, the cybernetic model of student, teacher and computer collaboration is presented, the teaching-learning process content and its main characteristics are discussed, and the system based approach to the OLS design is proposed. The second part is focused on the problem of knowledge modeling in the OLS based on the ontology and the competence approaches and leading to the learning object concept and competence management in open systems. The third part describes applications of the OLS in the virtual laboratory for competence transfer, the community-built system of distance learning network, and the AGH student city the real-life application of the OLS concept. The authors research findings presented in the book should be useful in various applications related to knowledge management, e-learning systems and information systems.

Methods and Algorithms for Competence Management

Due to the constant development of expert systems, broadening of the application area of decision support algorithms, and together with the appearance of new organizational structures, which were defined in world literature as knowledgebase organization, more and more often we come across the concept of competence in the context of information systems.

Modeling the Competence Acquiring Process in Higher Education Institution

Abstract Changes in human capital management, new requirements regarding knowledge and skills of employees compel higher education institutions to redefine their learning programmes. This requires evaluation of the didactic process realization, which should be oriented on competences. In the article authors presents an approach to competence modeling. New tools and collaboration mechanisms are proposed, which allow defining the structure of competence, analyzing the level of competence development, and assessing the competence process realization in relation “expected benefit-required expense”.

The Concept of a Virtual Laboratory as the Space for Competencies Transfer

The problem of knowledge management has become increasingly important in the mainstream of contemporary science. From the information technology standpoint, the predominant research problems are knowledge storing and knowledge sharing, determination of methods dealing with knowledge expansion and refinement along with adapting knowledge structures to individual expectations (knowledge personalization). Furthermore, the scientific areas related to cognitive science are primarily focused on identifying knowledge structures stored in human mind and further development of the methods pertaining to knowledge engineering. However, a problem such as knowledge digitalization is largely distinct from the aforementioned, as it is oriented towards processing of knowledge resources such as the Semantic Web.

Ontology Approach to Knowledge Modeling

The last decade of the 20th century, sometimes called the time of the Information Revolution, has a decisive influence on how we live and work today. Development of such domains as computer science and telecommunication is the source of formation of economy based on knowledge. Knowledge begins to play the role of a strategic factor, often more important than land, financial capital or natural resources considered the “motors” of the Industrial Age.

Distance Learning Environment

Modern technologies allowed for breaking the immemorial paradigm of educating. It was mainly due to internet that the phenomenon of distance learning emerged [6]. Earlier, learning relied on creating an integral relationship of the teacher and the student. Such conjugation allows for creating an effective platform of knowledge exchange. The existence of human brain both on one as well as on the other side of the common education space provides a way of communication limited only by natural language. Currently this relationship can be simulated or reflected in the internet environment.

Learning Object Methodology

Etymology of the term “repository” defines that object as a place intended for storage of records and official materials preserving the ability to use them. Present resources significantly extend the nature of functioning of repositories [37]. Currently, they are considered as a place for storing collections of digital documents and sharing them in a network for a selected group of people or with unlimited access with an aid of appropriate user interface [21,20,33].

The Distance Learning Network

The idea of an Intelligent Open Learning System assumes development of distance learning systems in the direction of open, personalized systems based on knowledge management tools. The aim of such systems is to support education on the level of passing knowledge, through creating of a computer environment dedicated to a specific student. Knowledge management methods allow for creation of knowledge portions adjusted to the education goals and the basic knowledge of the student. Simultaneously the openness of the environment enables creation of collaboration networks between students sharing similar education goals. One of the examples of such a system is the Distance Learning Network (DLN) [39].

AGH Student City as an Example of Open and Distance Learning System

The idea of Open and Distance Learning System is considered as a highly interesting subject of scientific research and practical developments. However, if one chooses to confront the outcomes of theoretical considerations with reality, or attempts to quantify the effectiveness of the effectuated deployments, it is likely he or she will meet significant arising complications. The performance of Open and Distance Learning is above all a difficult subject for any experimental verification procedure, due to the foundational principle of such system almost entirely precludes any research proceedings. That is mainly a consequence of making educational resources publicly available which in turn renders impossible tracing their state, or gathering information on how and to what effect they are used.