From: AAAI Technical Report SS-03-01. Compilation copyright © 2003, AAAI (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved. Knowledge Management Framework for Collaborative Learning Support Mizue KAYAMA* & Toshio OKAMOTO** *Senshu University, **University of Electro- Communications School of Network and Information Graduate School of Information Systems Higashimita 2-1-1, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-0002, JAPAN Chofugaoka 1-5-1, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, JAPAN [email protected] [email protected] Abstract transformer of knowledge and the transformee of The purpose of this study is to support the learning activity in knowledge communicate with a time lag. In such a the Internet learning space. In this paper, we examine the situation, more positive support is required to realize an knowledge management and the knowledge representation of the effective and efficient learning activity. We need to build a learning information for the collaborative learning support. learning infrastructure with learning spaces with various RAPSODY-EX (REX) is a distributed learning support functions. environment organized as a learning infrastructure. REX can effectively carry out the collaborative learning support in asynchronous/synchronous learning mode. Distributed learning is a learning style where individual learning and collaborative The Purpose of This Study learning are carried out on the multimedia communication network. In the distributed learning environment, arrangement We investigate the mechanism of transmission and and integration of the learning information are attempted to management of knowledge for the development of the support the decision making of learners and mediators. Various knowledge community in the learning space, within the information in the educational context is referred and reused as educational context. In this paper, we examine the knowledge which oneself and others can practically utilize. We knowledge management and the knowledge representation aim at the construction of an increasingly growing digital portfolio database. In addition, the architecture of the learning of the learning information for the collaborative learning environment that includes such a database is researched. support. The purpose of this study is to support the learning activity in the Internet learning space. REX is a distributed learning support environment organized as a learning Introduction infrastructure (Okamoto et. al 2000). REX can effectively carry out collaborative learning support in The development of the recent information asynchronous/ synchronous learning mode. Distributed communication technology is remarkable. As an effect of learning means using a wide range of information this, the education environment is being modified to a new technologies to provide learning opportunities beyond the environment which differs qualitatively from the previous bounds of the traditional classroom. Some examples of one (Kuhn 1962). The new education environment distributed learning technologies include the World Wide contains not only computer but also communication Web, email, video conferencing, groupware, simulations infrastructures such as the information communication and instructional software. A distributed learning network represented by the Internet (Cumming et. al environment facilitates a learner-centered educational 1998) (Elliot 1993). We call this learning environment paradigm and promotes active learning. Distributed the Internet learning space. Information is transmitted for learning is a learning style where individual learning and the learner in this learning space from the external space. collaborative learning are carried out on the multimedia The information quantity that is available to the learner is communication network. In this environment, arrangement enormous. However, there is a limit to the information and integration of the learning information are attempted to quantity, which the learner can process. The imbalance of support the decision making of learners and mediators. this information processing quantity is a peculiar Various information in the educational context is referred phenomenon in postmodern ages. Secondary phenomena and reused as knowledge which oneself and others can are also triggered by this problem. These phenomena practically utilize. We aim at the construction of an become factors which inhibit the sound transmission of growing digital portfolio based on the agent technology. In knowledge and the progress of learning (McNeil et al. addition, the architecture of the learning environment 1998) (Chen et al. 1997). In asynchronous learning, the including such a database is researched. Distributed Education/Learning System explored an intelligent media oriented distributed e- Learning environment. In this system, we developed a Distributed education/learning support systems are learning management system and some learning control classified into 2 types. One type is systems using the mechanisms based on agent technologies. Some advanced information network infrastructure to realize collaborative learning media controlled by agents are also smooth communication for distributed education/learning. developed. The other type represents systems, which positively support various activities of distributed education/learning. As examples of the former, we can indicate the Open Collaborative Learning with REX University, which provides a correspondence course in the United Kingdom (Kaye 1994) and the other online A learner group that guaranties the smooth transmission universities (UoP) (JIU). In addition, ANDES which is a of knowledge can form a community (the knowledge satellite communication distance education system using community) by sharing and reusing common knowledge. digital movies (Shimizu 1999) and the synchronous The image of collaborative/ group learning with REX is distributed education system which apply Web browser shown in figure 1. Learning activities that occur within this sharing technology(Kobayashi et al. 1998) should also be group are as follows: mentioned. • achievement of learning objectives as a group; As examples of the latter type, the "TeleTOP" at the • achievement of the learning objectives of each University of Twente(Collis 1999), and a distributed learner; education system which does not utilize the WWW • achievement of the learning objectives of the technology at the University of Trento(Colazzo, and learner group which consists of multiple learners. Molinari 1996) are pointed out. The "Electronic Learning" REX supports the transmission of knowledge in the project at the University of Southern California (Johnson learner group and the promotion of the learning activity. It and Shaw 1997) provides an intelligent tool which supports is indispensable that REX has the following functions: designing of the learning course and authoring of the 1) function which controls learning information for the teaching material for distributed education. A distributed individual learner and the group. education system with synchronous and asynchronous 2) function which manages learning information of the learning mode at IBMJapan (Aoki and Nakajima 1999), learner for mediation. applies the Web operation recording technology . The learner and group information are produced from For both types of systems, some agent-based distributed the learning space. This information will be stored in the learning environments are also reported (IPAJ 1999) collaborative memory (CM). This information is defined (JIFETS 2000) (JILR 1999). Some of them are as learning information. We also define the method of implemented with some standardizing technologies information management of such information and the (CORBA including FIPA (FIPA), OMG(OMG) and Agent structure of the CM. Society (Agent Society)). Agent technologies are useful to realize multi-users learning environment. We have （６）Read article Learner B posted by learner B (5)I think it’s enough to certify congruence between Learner C △ABC and △CDA （７）△ABC is not congruent with △CDA Learner D Learner A Collaborative Learning （８） Any questions? (as you have no prompting) (4)Draw an Workplace Resources agent additional line CD onto the collaborative workplace agent （10） All learners completed Communication Assignment. Next please. (3)question to tool new logged-on user （１）Assignment: circular angle （２）Certify （９）Discussion and triangle ∠ABC＝∠DEC monitoring similarity Coach Figure 1 Collaborative learning with REX Client system Tools/applications for Learning activity the collaborative learning management tools Learning Environment Producing Layer Ex: Web-based CAI/ITS, Simulator, Management tools for learner/group ILT, CHAT, Draw Collaborative memory Learning information management unit Storage module Reference module arrangement reference visualization Learning Information Management Layer housing/ inquity delivery (knowledge processor in the classification collaborative memory) Learner / group profile DataBase Portfolio Security Achievement Storage Layer Information Information Information (knowledge storager in the collaborative memory) Personal/ Preference Performance Group member Information Information Information Server system RAPSODY-EX : learning environment in INTERNET Figure 2 The mechanism schema of the REX The Management of Learning Information attributes related to content are added. The complex information processing takes place in the CM. The simple mechanism of the management of learning information developed in this