Evolution of a knowledge focused computer supported learning system by ensuring extensibility through generalization and replication

If sufficient attention is not paid to the information models on which learning platforms are based the ability to deliver rich functionality is hindered. This paper describes the issues and records the experiences of the Cecil development in confronting this and the benefits that have been gained. This system, which has been evolving for 7 years, has been reengineered to create the foundations for a knowledge engine, which embodies at its core the way we group and classify our knowledge of the world through generalisation and specialisation. These characteristics provide the foundation to deliver a wide variety of solutions in many domains apart from the initial design target of teaching and learning. By implementing a singular and global identity of all knowledge elements and other information entities to allow logical extensibility the framework for physical extensibility, replication and peer-to-peer interaction, has been established.