International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Lifelong Learning 

About: International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Lifelong Learning is an academic journal published by Inderscience Publishers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Computer science & Engineering. It has an ISSN identifier of 1560-4624. Over the lifetime, 32 publications have been published receiving 88 citations. The journal is also known as: IJCEELL.

AIMS: learning and teaching support for WWW-based education

Abstract: This paper addresses an innovative approach to learning and teaching support in respect of information handling and knowledge management within web-based learning environments, where learners perform open learning tasks. The approach involves integrated domain-oriented informational support for both learners and instructors. It has three significant aspects: 1, building a domain ontology (represented as a concept map) and using it for defining course structures; 2, powerful visualisation and graphical navigation of the subject domain and the information search results; and 3, adaptation to the individual information needs and preferences of the learners. A system prototype called AIMS exemplifies the main ideas of this approach. It represents a task-based information and performance support system with an underlying agent-oriented architecture. Several pilot experiments are being performed within web-based courses in Dutch and Belgian universities to evaluate the system.

Supporting learners' activities in a distance learning environment

Abstract: In this paper, we describe the social context of a distance learning situation between teachers and learners and its cooperative learning activities. The objective is to make learners cooperate through project pedagogy. The project pedagogy is based on experiential learning and consists of learners working together in a team. During their cooperative activities, learners are supported by the system in a way that depends on the difficulties detected and the support style. When the system is no longer able to provide useful advice, learners are supported remotely by the teacher. We describe a model of multi-agent architecture providing this support. This architecture is made up of various communicating agents distributed across a network like the internet. We have developed a distance learning environment, based on this multi-agent architecture, in the field of educational robotics. We give an example to show how teachers can support learners remotely by modifying their interface or by acting on the distant physical device (a micro-robot).

Resource sharing software for distance learning in engineering education

Abstract: This paper presents the work being carried out in Strathclyde University to utilize generic methods for making computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation packages available on the Internet for distance learning and distance collaboration purposes. The system was developed over a 3-year period and has now evolved into a generic resource sharing structure with several features designed for use predominantly in education but also in other environments. This paper provides an overview of the development, illustrates the functionality and use of the system in sharing different applications and for various user-modes, analyses the significance of such systems in educational establishments, indicates the difficulties experienced thus far in implementation and gives a brief overview of the latest version of this development.

Agent-controlled internet tools for computer-based distance training in industry and education

Abstract: The paper examines ways in which standard internet-based tools and existing packages can be enhanced so as to provide efficient and cost-effective training both in academia and in industry. Aspects such as using existing CAI and CAD packages in conjunction with internet-based tools, the development of intelligent tutoring systems to assist the learning process and the existence of an environment for sharing information and resources are being considered as possible applications for such a development. The recent "web presence" of packages such as Matlab and Mathematica have also made this development more relevant from an educational viewpoint as both packages are used for training and both require further enhancement in their new role. We see the use of intelligent agents for the enhancement and subsequent control of such tools and packages as essential to the process of distance learning since the latter entails not only efficient communication over the internet, but it also requires the efficient control and management of a) access to facilities and software, b) user direction to the requested relevant information, b) protocols of information exchange between users and relevant software, c) techniques through which multiple distance tutoring can be effected, d) online decision support systems.