Comulang: towards a collaborative e-learning system that supports student group modeling

Springerplus. 2013 Aug 15:2:387. doi: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-387. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

This paper describes an e-learning system that is expected to further enhance the educational process in computer-based tutoring systems by incorporating collaboration between students and work in groups. The resulting system is called "Comulang" while as a test bed for its effectiveness a multiple language learning system is used. Collaboration is supported by a user modeling module that is responsible for the initial creation of student clusters, where, as a next step, working groups of students are created. A machine learning clustering algorithm works towards group formatting, so that co-operations between students from different clusters are attained. One of the resulting system's basic aims is to provide efficient student groups whose limitations and capabilities are well balanced.

Keywords: Classification; Computer supported collaborative learning; Group modeling; Machine learning; User clustering; User modeling.