Competency-based Learning Object Sequencing: Comparing Two Evolutionary Approaches

Speaker: Luis de-Marcos,

Affiliation: Computer Science Department, University of Alcala, Spain.

Date/Time: 21st January 2009, 13:00-14:00.

Location: Room G74, Philip Lyle Building.

Map: http://www.info.rdg.ac.uk/maps/maps-display.asp

Abstract:

The process of creating e-learning contents using reusable learning objects (LOs) can be broken down in two sub-processes: LO finding and LO sequencing. Although semi-automatic tools that aid in the finding process exist, sequencing is usually performed by instructors, who create courses targeting generic profiles rather than personalized materials. This seminar presents an evolutionary approach to automate this latter problem while, simultaneously, encouraging reusability and interoperability by promoting standards employment. A model that enables automated curriculum sequencing is proposed. By means of interoperable competency records and LO metadata, the sequencing problem is turned into a constraint satisfaction problem. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) agents are designed, built and tested in real and simulated scenarios. Results show that both approaches succeed in all test cases, and that they handle reasonably computational complexity inherent to this problem, but PSO approach outperforms GA.