ActiveTutor: towards more adaptive features in an e‐learning framework

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to sketch the emerging notion of auto‐adaptive software when applied to e‐learning software.

Design/methodology/approach

The study and the implementation of the auto‐adaptive architecture are based on the operational framework “ActiveTutor” that is used for teaching the topic of computer science programming in first‐grade university courses.

Findings

The paper describes an adaptive heuristic dedicated to the display of knowledge entities which is based on the dynamic balancing of four behavioral criteria for the low‐level agents (cooperation, pedagogy, audacity, and sensibility).

Practical implications

The heuristic may be used in all multi‐agent systems where load balancing problems appear and where an auto‐adaptive behavior is important. Originality/value –The paper presents an auto‐adaptive algorithm.

Citation

Fournier, J. and Sansonnet, J. (2008), "ActiveTutor: towards more adaptive features in an e‐learning framework", Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 189-204. https://doi.org/10.1108/17415650810908267