Expert concept mapping method for defining the characteristics of adaptive E-learning: ALFANET project case

The article presents empirical evidence for the effectiveness and efficiency of a modified version of Trochim's (1989a, b) concept mapping approach to define the characteristics of an adaptive learning environment. The effectiveness and the efficiency of the method are attributed to the support that it provides in terms of elicitation, sharing, reflection and representation of knowledge. It produced valuable results in a very short time as compared to classical techniques such as questionnaires and interviews. The interpretation of data suggests some theoretical considerations and practical solutions for the design and development of an adaptive e-learning environment. The research also points to a number of ways to improve the technique in terms of time for discussing ideas, visualization, and explicit support for generating unconventional ideas. This small-scale study was conducted in the framework of ALFANET project (2002). ALFANET (Active Learning for Adaptive Internet) is a Fifth Framework Information Society Technology (IST) project funded by European Commission (European Communities, IST 2001-33288, 2002). Within the ALFANET project (2002), Working package 1 “User Requirements and Specifications” is dedicated to the study and analysis of users' needs in relation with adaptive e-learning in organizations. One of the primary outcomes of the project will be a working prototype of a learning management system (LMS) with intelligent personalization capabilities.