Collaborative learning support knowledge management for asynchronous learning networks

The large amount of information available in the distributed network environment is an excellent source for remote learning environments. However, to support the decision-making process of both learners and learning mediators in such a huge information space, some prior arrangement and integration of the learning information is necessary. If managed accordingly, various information can be referred and reused in educational contexts. At the Laboratory of AI & Knowledge Computing of the University of Electro-Communications in Japan, we are constructing a digital portfolio database, which is rapidly increasing in size, as well as building a learning infrastructure. The remote learning support environment RAPSODY-EX (Remote and AdaPtive System Of DYnamic communication: Educational environment for Collaborative learning Support) can effectively carry out the collaborative learning support in an asynchronous/synchronous learning mode, based on the following functions: (1) a learning control function for the individual learner and groups, and (2) a learning information management function for mediation