Research On Ontology Based E-learning System

Every breakthrough in education is closely related to revolutionary progress in science and technology, which , in turn, has become its mark. In 1990s, with the rapid development of modern communication technology, computer network and multimedia technology, the development of education experienced a giant leap , a digital learning pattern, that is, E-learning, has come into reality and spread all over the world. With the re-examination of the perspective of technology and learning, E-learning has come to a new stage which takes the learning as its basic task and learners as its core.E-learning is a multidisciplinary field which includes psychology, pedagogy and information technology etc. In this paper, according to the findings of modern cognitive psychology, cognitive development learning theory and knowledge categorization, with the capability of expressing knowledge via ontology, we proposed a learning-characteristics-based ontology metadata modal (LCOM), and made a deep research on the expression and organization of domain knowledge body, based on the LCOM, a domain oriented, knowledge-ontology-base based, new layering architecture of E-learning system is proposed. Then, we made a series of researches on the layering architecture of E-learning system, which includes the sharing of knowledge, learning resources content management, network courses development and contents updates modes, learning environment and learning behavior modeling and learning procedure management, etc. On the basis of these researches, an E-learning platform for computer fundamental courses has been developed. On the platform, an application validation of all the results of the paper has been made. The main contributions are as follows:1. A learning-characteristics-based ontology metadata model (LCOM) is proposed. On the basis of LCOM, we presented a knowledge-ontology-base based layering architecture of E-learning system. According to the explanation of learning in cognitive psychology and learning development theory, and from the perspective of the knowledge category based cognitive structure and cognitive sequence, LCOM made a clear and complete description about the domain knowledge itself, the cognitive structure and the cognitive sequence about knowledge. On the basis of LCOM, a domain knowledge ontology base(KOB) was set up. The domain KOB based E-learning layering architecture makes the development of network courses and management of learning resources independent, therefore, ensures the agility of an E-learning system.2. A knowledge points based learning object model and network course model are proposed. In the above model, the knowledge points are the core meta data in the definition of learning objects and network courses. Furthermore, a learning object base (LOB) and a network course base (CB) are set up. The LOB is used to store the meta data of all registered learning objects, and CB is used to store the course structure and the learning contents of courses. On the basis of KOB, CB and LOB, through the knowledge points, a logic mapping relation can be set up between learning contents and learning objects, it can ensure the independency of the network courses development, course contents updates and the management of learning resources.3. New modes of domain knowledge sharing, network courses development and learning contents updates are presented. On the basis of knowledge points based network course model, we proposed a new method of course modeling and a series of algorithms. The algorithms include: the AOV network based knowledge points sequencing algorithm, network course structure definition algorithm, knowledge points cognitive structure based knowledge unit learning contents authoring algorithm, knowledge unit binding to XML algorithm and the AOV segment based courses sequencing algorithm. The algorithms improve the efficiency of network courses development and learning contents updates.4. A learning behavior oriented learning environment construction mode is presented. We made a study on the different learning behaviors in an E-learning environment, and set up their behavior modes accordingly. By means of the learning behaviors modes, the learning behaviors, learning tools, knowledge units and learning resources can be connected, so the analysis of learning behaviors and personalized learning modeling can be implemented. Additionally, a brief discussion of the formalization of learning is made. The personalized learning view is discussed too, and some schemes of learning scenes are designed and the corresponding algorithms are presented.5. An E-learning platform for computer fundamental courses was developed. The platform provides a fine E-learning environment and developing platform. On the platform, the work of network courses development, courses contents updates, network learning, learning procedure management and monitoring, teaching and learning quality validation and many others can be implemented. The platform has always been used in the teaching and learning of computer fundamental courses in Shandong University. There are more than 60 teachers and 7000 undergraduate students to complete their teaching or learning of college computer fundamentals or computer culture fundamentals. The platform has been running for two years continuously, which reflects that the related research work goes well.On the basis of the above researches, the ontology learning, learning formalization and the information processing procedure of learning can be further studied, so as to improve the efficiency of the construction of domain knowledge ontology base and make better merge of information technology and learning theory in E-learning systems.