Computational Intelligence for On-line Collaborative Learning: a Computational Model for the Construction of Knowledge-based Collaborative Learning Distributed Applications

Modern on-line collaborative learning (CSCL) environments no longer depend on homogeneous groups, static content and resources, and single pedagogies but high customization and flexibility are a must. These and other demanding CSCL technological and pedagogical needs represent a great challenge for the research community to satisfy. To this end, this book proposes an innovative multi-fold approach in the form of a computational model for knowledge-centered distributed learning. The main contributions are (i) a complete framework for an exhaustive and efficient management and analysis of the interaction data generated during CSCL practices, (ii) an advanced reuse-based software engineering methodology for developing CSCL applications in an effective and timely fashion (iii) the leveraging of distributed and Grid infrastructure to greatly enhance the effectiveness of the learning process, and (iv) an analytical multi-evaluation process of the effects of the previous approaches in the real context of learning of the Open University of Catalonia. The merge of these synergies provides more effective answers on how to improve and enhance the on-line collaborative learning experience.