This document outlines steps towards building an ontology-based learning environment. It begins by defining an ontology as a way to capture shared knowledge that can be reused across applications and groups. It then presents an ontology model that maps educational concepts like curriculum development, learning technology selection, and competency mapping. The document describes how an ontology could enable adaptive testing, context-based learning, and human resource functions like recruitment and selection in a mobile learning environment.

1. Steps Towards an Ontology
Based Learning
Environment
Gábor Kismihók
www.corvinno.com
http://informatika.uni-corvinus.hu
ECLO International Conference
2009

2. Running e- and mLearning projects
Mobile Technologies in Lifelong Learning
http://motill.eu
E-Learning Manager
http://deis.ie/elm/
mPSS – mobile Performance Support System (task based
mobile Learning)
http://mpss.ath.cx
Using wireless technologies for context sensitive education and
training
www.ericsson.com/contsens
Corvinno Studio – Ontology Based Content Management and
Delivery
www.corvinno.com

3. What is an Ontology?
„ …ontologies aim to capture consensual knowledge
in a generic and formal way, so that they may be
reused and shared across applications (software) and
by groups of people. Ontologies are usually built
cooperatively by a group of people in different
locations.”
(Corcho et al., 2003. p. 44.).

4. Complex, Ontology based eLearning
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

5. The Ontology Model
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

6. Group of
specifies
tasks Educational
serves is part of
specifies is part of
ontology
is part of Scope of Task
Activities serves
requires
requires
element of Competence
prerequisite Competence
Module
requires ensures prerequisite
element of
Knowledge belongs to Curriculum
is part of requires
Area knowledge of
Module
is part of prerequisite
is part of is part of
premise refers to
refers to Basic
Theorem Example
concept
conclusion refers to
R. Vas, 2007 refers to
Test questions

7. Curricula Development
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

8. Curricula Development
Curriculum
belongs to element of
part of
Knowledge
requires
Area knowledge of
part of part of part of
premise
refers to
refers to Basic
Theorem Example
concept
conclusion refers to
refers to
• Conceptual framework for courses
• Clearly structures the required knowledge, nodes are
connected to Learning Objects

9. Curricula Development
• Different types of connections between the
nodes
• Learning Content is developed in Semantic
MediaWiki
• Example: Studio MediaWiki

10. Adaptive testing
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

11. Adaptive Testing
• Questions are connected to the Ontology nodes
• Test engine is adaptive: continuously monitors students’
performance
• A Built-in reasoning engine identifies the missing knowledge
areas
• Knowledge areas are only accepted if questions about
underlying concepts are correct
• Based on this information content is offered automatically
• Demo Video
• Interactive Web Demonstration

12. Learning Technology Selection
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

13. Learning Technology Selection
• Based on the
Ontology for the
E-learning
Manager Course
• Technology
requirements of
eLearning
delivery have
been identified

14. Learning Technology Selection
• For investments
seamless set of
technological
criteria is now
available
• This approach
has been tested
on institutional
synchronous
virtual learning
software
selection

15. HRM Selection and Recruitment
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

16. HRM Selection and Recruitment

17. Group of
specifies
tasks Educational
serves is part of
specifies is part of
ontology
is part of Scope of Task
Activities serves
requires
requires
element of Competence
prerequisite Competence
Module
requires ensures prerequisite
element of
Knowledge belongs to Curriculum
is part of requires
Area knowledge of
Module
is part of prerequisite
is part of is part of
premise refers to
refers to Basic
Theorem Example
concept
conclusion refers to
R. Vas, 2007 refers to
Test questions

18. HRM Selection and Recruitment

19. HRM Selection and Recruitment
This ontology based system has the potential to be powerful tool
to:
• 1) select job applicants,
• 2) train job incumbents,
• 3) assess job performance,
• 4) map an organization’s human capital in light of strategic
workforce planning considerations

20. Competency Mapping
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

21. Competency mapping

22. Context Based Learning
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

23. Context Sensitivity (Contsens)
• The mobile device is a sensor:
Location
Identity
Surroundings of the learner
Amount of light
Biophysical reactions of the learner
Etc…
• Based on this complex measurement, content is
delivered automatically

24. Contsens Project

25. Contsens Project
• FlashBased application –
as an external module
• 4 different courses (two art
ourses, IT, language
learning)
• Content delivery based on
user profile and location
• project website:
www.ericsson.com/contsens

26. Mobilised Learning Environment
Learning HRM
Technology selection and
selection recruitment
Adaptive Ontology Competency
mapping
testing
modell
Context
Curricula
based
development
Learning

27. Corvinno Studio Architecture

28. More information
kismihok@corvinno.hu