We describe an approach to the generalisation of tools for teaching and learning the skills associated with modelling with diagrams. The paper briefly describes the existing revision tools and our approach to automatic marking of diagrams. We report on our work to generalise both the marking algorithm and the drawing editor in such a way that revision tools can be easily generated for new domai...

Learning Analytics focuses on the collection and analysis of learners' data to improve their learning experience by providing informed guidance and to optimise learning materials. To support the research in this area we have developed a dataset, containing data from courses presented at the Open University (OU). What makes the dataset unique is the fact that it contains demographic data togethe...

Various studies have reported that achieving effective use of increasingly heterogeneous scholarly objects within institutional learning and teaching frameworks is becoming critical to the performance of educational institutions. The integration of digital information environments, such as a University library, within a virtual learning environment (VLE) encapsulates this challenge. This paper ...

Examines a project to integrate digital libraries and virtual learning environments (VLE). Conducted a user needs analysis and evaluated three reading or resource list management systems including TalisList, Sentient Discover and an open source solution, Bookworm. Reports on the technical specification for the system, but also subsequent work to develop a rights management system and a ‘library...

The evaluation of distance learning models has become commonplace in many academic institutions. Two models tend to dominate current ofscerings an expensive audio/video real-time interaction placedependent model and an inexpensive Internet-based delayed interaction place-independent model. By combining the most favorable elements of these models with technology prevalent in the MOOMUD culture, ...

The trend with organisational adoption of virtual learning environments (VLE) seems to be cyclical. Initially, a decentralised approach was adopted, wherein each department implemented different learning environments or mixtures of technology, often developed in-house. The last five years have seen an increased centralisation of learning environment implementation, with most universities adopti...

This article describes the implementation of an intelligent agent that provides recommendations for educational resources in a virtual learning environment (VLE). It aims to support pending (undeveloped) student learning activities. It begins by analyzing the proposed VLE data model entities in the recommender process. The pending student activities are then identified, which constitutes the in...

Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) have become popular in higher education in recent years due to their ability to provide additional and flexible solutions for students and researchers. However, the limitations of VLEs have led to the development of a new generation of VLE – the Personal Learning Environment (PLE). PLEs avoid these limitations and have new features that allow students to cont...

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) may possess many advantages over traditional teaching methods in skills training that offer empowerment of constructing the skills by freely exploring a VLE. However, a conflict between the free exploration and ensuring the learning tasks tackled emerges in the learning process. A strategy to balance the conflict is to employ virtual tutoring agents to scaff...

With the emergence of cloud technologies on the one hand and social networks on the other hand, the possibilities for e-learning have been considerably enhanced in the latest years. Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) can now indeed contain a huge amount of learning resources; in parallel large user communities are available in social networks. Nevertheless, these systems remain different but, ...