Chapter 1: A Human Collaborative Online Learning Environment Using Intelligent Agents

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Hilton Jos Silva de Azevedo
Paran Federal Center for Technological Education, Brazil

Edson Em lio Scalabrin
Pontifical Catholic University of Paran , Brazil

Abstract

This chapter introduces the design and implementation of a multiagent system based on a collaborative online learning environment (COLE). The purpose of developing such an environment is to improve social competences along with traditional content-related ones in lifelong learning. As educators would be unable to handle the huge amount of data concerning human interactions in such a learning environment, a multiagent system approach is adopted. The concept of human collaboration and the ways that project-based learning (PBL) and portfolios can be used to improve social competences are discussed based on the Social Theory of Learning. The way that the System Analysis for Agent Systems (SAAS) method was used to identify services and agents is presented. A general review of multiagent system architectures is presented to justify the choice of an open system. The basis and architecture of the COLE are explained. In order to facilitate the implementation of particular agents, a generic agent (GAg) and its functionalities are presented.

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