An Ontological Approach to the specification of Semantics for Learning Content. The convergence of knowledge management and technology enhanced learning

The PhD Thesis is concentrating in the convergence of knowledge management and technology enhanced learning towards the effectiveness in the design and exploitation of learning content. The main emphasis is paid to the modelling of the learning content development process and through ontological considerations the thesis contributes in theory and practice as follows: It proposes a Life Cycle model and nine learning processes that formulate the integrated Learning Content Development Framework. The key innovation is the justification and testing of 21 categories of semantics that enrich the learning content in each stage of the Framework and address critical problem of the Learning Objects Paradigm. The practical implications of the thesis are significant since through its propositions provides new insights in the way we build “effective” technology enhanced learning and knowledge management systems. In fact the ultimate outcome is that we cannot consider e-learning without the support of advanced semantics that provide value layers to content, in three categories: Knowledge Management Support, Learning Exploitation and Learning Processes Support. In the last year the key outcomes of the thesis are extended through an intensive application of Semantic Web Concepts and Technologies.