An Agent-Based Prototype of Asynchronous Distance e-Learning System for Facilities Planning Courses

This study addresses issues pertaining to asynchronous distance e-leaming of facilities planning course for industrial engineering and management undergraduates. A prototype is developed on the basis of the specification for asynchronous distance learning by the ministry of education of Taiwan. The learning space system is employed as a platform to develop the context of the course. The whole system is constructed using agent-based concept and consists of three modules-learning space application, Internet-based course content, and a bidding game system. The system includes course material, evaluation mechanism, homework setting, bulletin board, and student profiles and is successfully practiced in a sophomore level course for more than 190 undergraduates. The system is the first trial among industrial engineering departments in Taiwan for distance learning, which allows students to access course material distantly as well as involve in a virtual course circumstance harmoniously. A questionnaire investigation reveals that via the use of the system the students participated in this course have exhibited their enthusiasm in learning process.