Learning evolution and software agents emergence

Abstract

New information technology (IT) is a major challenge to human adaptability. A crucial issue for the integration of new IT in the education system is the enhancement of its role of preserving cultural heritage, improving knowledge transferal and social integration. Software agents are computer programs that can be used to improve learning. Learning is described by five attributes: pleasure, learning how to learn, efficiency, allowing for errors in order to learn, and memory retention. These attributes guide the design of software agents that extend and support understanding, motivation, memory and reasoning capabilities. We will provide examples of agents that add pragmatics to current educational materials. They improve cooperative learning and cooperative design of pedagogical documents. These issues are discussed in the context of a critical analysis of the French educational system and the emergence of new information technology and software agents.