Multiagent System for Detecting Passive Students in Problem-Based Learning

A computer-supported collaborative learning environment can enable students in web-based distance education courses to interact with each other and with one or more facilitators to conduct group work. Problem-based learning (PBL) is a learning theory that emphasizes the use of collaboration and teamwork to solve problems. However, a problem that occurs frequently in the implementation of PBL is the presence of passive students, usually students who have difficulty working in teams to solve problems. In face to face teaching, in classes of appropriate sizes, the facilitator can easily detect the presence of students with this profile and try to correct this situation to improve the learning process. In distance learning, however, this is not a trivial task, mainly due to issues related to the geographic distribution of students and the lack of information about their levels of motivation. Therefore, this paper presents a multiagent system for detecting passive students in PBL in virtual learning environments to detect and correct this undesired situation and improve the learning process.

[1]  Leonid Sheremetov,et al.  Weiss, Gerhard. Multiagent Systems a Modern Approach to Distributed Artificial Intelligence , 2009 .

[2]  Kiyoshi Kotani,et al.  Autonomous collaborative environment for project-based learning , 2009, Robotics Auton. Syst..

[3]  Cindy E. Hmelo-Silver,et al.  Goals and Strategies of a Problem-based Learning Facilitator , 2006 .

[4]  Gerhard Weiss,et al.  Multiagent systems: a modern approach to distributed artificial intelligence , 1999 .

[5]  C. Hmelo‐Silver.  Problem-Based Learning: What and How Do Students Learn? , 2004 .

[6]  Emil M. Popa,et al.  Socio-cultural modelling of the student as the main actor of a virtual learning environment , 2006 .

[7]  Eliseo Reategui,et al.  Using virtual characters in personalized recommendations , 2007, SIGCSE '07.

[8]  Peter Norvig,et al.  Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach , 1995 .

[9]  Hatice Ferhan Odabasi,et al.  Effects of an online problem based learning course on content knowledge acquisition and critical thinking skills , 2009, Comput. Educ..

[10]  Fuhua Lin.  Designing Distributed Learning Environments With Intelligent Software Agents , 2004 .

[11]  Johannes Strobel,et al.  When is PBL More Effective? A Meta-synthesis of Meta-analyses Comparing PBL to Conventional Classrooms , 2009 .

[12]  Guillermo Ricardo Simari,et al.  Multiagent systems: a modern approach to distributed artificial intelligence , 2000 .

[13]  Kuo-Hung Tseng,et al.  Interactive processes and learning attitudes in a web-based problem-based learning (PBL) platform , 2008, Comput. Hum. Behav..

[14]  John R. Savery,et al.  Overview of Problem-Based Learning: Definitions and Distinctions. , 2006 .

[15]  Edson Emílio Scalabrin,et al.  A Human Collaborative Online Learning Environment Using Intelligent Agents , 2005 .

[16]  Aurora Vizcaíno.  A Simulated Student Can Improve Collaborative Learning , 2005, Int. J. Artif. Intell. Educ..