Multidimensional Concept Map Representation of the Learning Objects Ontology Model for Personalized Learning

This work presents the creation and representation of an ontology model for the domain knowledge used for learning objects. The purpose of the developed ontology model is to define relations between learning objects that can be applied for their effective search and visualization. As the number of learning objects increases, the representation of the knowledge domain becomes challenging. In this paper, the authors propose the application of multidimensional concept maps (MCMs) for domain knowledge representation. The definition of different attributes used in the ontology model allow for defining the different dimensions needed for MCM ontology visualization. In order to achieve integration of the defined ontology model and MCMs, a software tool named Ontology-based system for learning objects retrieval (OBSLO) was developed. OBSLO’s role is to dynamically generate MCMs given the defined ontology with its relations and attributes, while also providing a content delivery environment and working space for learners. Proposed OBSLO architecture with integrated ontology model and MCMs was evaluated and compared to the learning management system where ontology and MCMs were not used. It was shown that learners using OBSLO showed better success rate in learning and positive level of satisfaction.