Inspectable Bayesian student modelling servers in multi-agent tutoring systems

User modelling shells and learner modelling servers (LMS) have been proposed in order to provide reusable user/student model information over different domains, common inference mechanisms, and mechanisms to handle consistency of beliefs from different sources. Open and inspectable student models have been investigated by several authors as a means to promote student’s reflection, knowledge awareness, collaborative assessment, selfassessment, arrange groups of students, interactive diagnosis, and the use of students’ models by the teacher. . This paper presents SModel, a Bayesian student modelling server used in distributed multi-agent environments. SModel server includes a student model database and a Bayesian student modelling component. SModel provides several services to a group of agents in a CORBA platform. Users can use ViSMod, a Bayesian student modelling visualization tool, and SMV, a student modelling database viewer, to visualize and inspect distributed Bayesian student models maintained by SModel server. SModel has been tested in a multi-agent tutoring system for teaching basic java programming.