Development of an Inquiry-Based Learning Support System Based on an Intelligent Knowledge Exploration Approach

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is an effective approach for promoting active learning. When inquiry-based learning is incorporated into instruction, teachers provide guiding questions for students to actively explore the required knowledge in order to solve the problems. Although the World Wide Web (WWW) is a rich knowledge resource for students to explore using search engines, it is hard for students to filter out required knowledge from the unorganized web pages and the huge number of search results. In this paper, an inquiry-based learning support system with two advanced knowledge exploration modules, namely the Q&A module and the Segmented Supplemental Material (SSM) module, is proposed and developed to assist students’ inquiry-based learning. This study also evaluates the effects of the proposed system on students’ learning achievement and learning efficiency with the various supports provided by the proposed system. Experiments were undertaken on a “Computer Science” course for first year undergraduate students. The experimental results show that with the support of the two advanced modules, both the students’ learning achievement and their learning efficiency were enhanced.