Personalizing learning programs with X-Learn, an XML-based, “user-device” adaptive multi-agent system

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ins.2006.10.005
• Publication Date: 2006-11-28T15:30:24Z
• Authors: Pasquale De Meo; Alfredo Garro; Giorgio Terracina; Domenico Ursino
• Keywords: E-learning; Multi-agent system; XML; User profile; Device adaptivity; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology

In this paper we present X-Learn, an XML-based, multi-agent system for supporting ''user-device'' adaptive e-learning, i.e. e-learning activities which take into account the profile, past behaviour, preferences and needs of users, as well as the characteristics of the devices they use for these activities. X-Learn is characterized by the following features: (i) it is highly subjective, since it handles quite a rich and detailed user profile that plays a key role during the learning activities; (ii) it is dynamic and flexible, i.e. it is capable of reacting to variations in user exigencies and objectives; (iii) it is device-adaptive, since it decides the learning objects to present to the user on the basis of the device he is currently using; (iv) it is generic, i.e. it is capable of operating in a large variety of learning contexts; (v) it is XML based, since it exploits many facilities of XML technology for handling and exchanging information related to e-learning activities. The paper also reports various experimental results, as well as a comparison between X-Learn and other related e-learning management systems already presented in the literature.