This article presents research towards the development of a virtual learning environment (VLE) inhabited by intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) and modelling a scenario of inter-cultural interactions. The ultimate aim of this VLE is to allow users to reflect upon and learn about intercultural communication and collaboration. Rather than predefining the interactions among the virtual agents and sc...

The reliable solution of nonlinear parameter estimation problems is an important computational problem in chemical process engineering, both in on-line and off-line applications. Conventional solution methods may not be reliable since they do not guarantee convergence to the global optimum sought in the parameter estimation problem. We demonstrate here a technique, based on interval analysis, t...

Technology is at a stage where it has infiltrated the education system with the potential to enhance teaching and learning. In Northern Ireland a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) infrastructure is in place. However, statistics and government reports suggest that VLE use amongst the primary school sector is quite limited. In an attempt to redress the limited use of VLEs in the primary school s...

This study investigates the significance of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory with regard to the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) at the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). The focus is on different adoption types and characteristics of users. Rogers’ DOI theory is applied to investigate the influence of five predictors (relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, triala...

Professional Issues in Software Engineering (PISE) is a final year computer science module taught at the University of Limerick. PISE focuses on the ethical, legal and social consequences of the design, implementation and use of information systems. A central pedagogy to the module is the group-based approach to teaching and assessment. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Moodle, has been use...

The number of learning situations that can be carried out in a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) can be improved by the integration of third-party external tools. Before the integration takes place, it is compulsory to retrieve some information, both to select the most appropriate tool to support an specific situation and to be able to integrate it in the VLE. Current tool registries have some...

We propose that Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) should be designed by taking into account the characteristics, the special needs and the specific operating rules of the academic institutions in which they are employed. In this context, we describe a VLE module that extends the support of the organization and delivery of course material by including administration activities related to the ...

With the wide use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) across universities, many researchers are looking to make the most effective use of such environment to enhance the learning and teaching experience. Many valuable learning resources are uploaded to the VLEs systems every day such as lectures, tutorials and labs, assignments and other learning objects. Making these resources available an...

This paper proposes the use of data available at Manchester Metropolitan University to assess the variables that can best predict student progression. We combine Virtual Learning Environment and MIS student records data sets and apply the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to ascertain which variables can best predict students’ progression (students satisfactorily completing one year and passing to t...