Knowledge Map Creation for Modeling Learning Behaviors in Digital Learning Environments

Abstract

There has been much research that demonstrates the effectiveness of using ontology to support the construction of knowledge during the learning process. However, the widespread adoption in classrooms of such methods are impeded by the amount of time and effort that is required to create and maintain an ontology by a domain expert. In this paper, we propose a system that supports the creation, management and use of knowledge maps at a learning analytics infrastructure level, integrating with existing systems to provide modeling of learning behaviors based on knowledge structures. Preliminary evaluation of the proposed text mining method to automatically create knowledge maps from digital learning materials is also reported. The process helps retain links between the nodes of the knowledge map and the original learning materials, which is fundamental to the proposed system. Links from concept nodes to other digital learning systems, such as LMS and testing systems also enable users to monitor and access lecture and test items that are relevant to concepts shown in the knowledge map portal.