Student Modeling in an Active Learning Environment using Bayesian Networks


Learning environments that allow for active (constructivist) learning lead to different adaptation requirements than environments based on more conventional teaching strategies. We discuss our approach of building adaptive hyperbooks (adaptive extendible information resources on the internet). The adaptation techniques used in our hyperbooks are based on a goal-driven approach for selecting projects and for generating and presenting prerequisite knowledge necessary for a student project. The user model underlying the hyperbook is a kind of overlay model using a Bayesian Network for estimating user knowledge. We propose a project selection algorithm based on user goals and previous knowledge and a constructive trail mechanism that generates guided tours through the hyperbook containing all prerequisites needed by a particular user to perform a specific project.

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