Information Retrieval Model in Self Directed E-Learning Using Dynamic Semantic Network

Self-directed e-learning focuses on the independent learner one who engages in education at his own space free from curricular obligation. E-learning systems accessible through the Internet have great potential to improve education through extending educational opportunities for those who cannot use the time and place bound traditional courses and offering new services and functions that enhance the traditional classroom. Traditional information retrieval techniques have become inadequate, since significant differences exist between students, such as their learning rate, personal interest and domain knowledge. To alleviate this problem, personalization becomes a popular remedy to customize the web environment for the learners. Therefore the goal in e-learning is to be established as "turning learners into better learners".

The learner's interest model is constructed based on the dynamic semantic network, which represents the learner's level of interest in the material currently being examined by the e-learner. Thus dynamic user profiles are maintained based on which, the information retrieval model is constructed. Considering the long term interest of the learner this retrieval model takes the initiative to push any newly entered information to the learner if the learning material is judged as being relevant to the learner.