Design of automation systems for web based courseware using XML and XSLT

Abstract

Reported is our approach for Web based mathematical courseware generation. To decrease development costs of the courseware, we have developed a system - e-Math Interaction Agent - that automatically generates learning materials using Semantic Web technologies, such as XML and XSLT. Knowledge databases containing math formulas and basic economic knowledge form the core mechanism of the system. Given the necessary mathematical problem definition data, the system can automate the target courseware by using these knowledge bases. The system differs from existing courseware automation systems in that it features (1) interactive dialogues with a virtual character that are pre-programmed into the XSL stylesheets, (2) a solution plan and calculations that are automated from a knowledge base of mathematical formulas and economic rules, and (3) mathematical software that generates mathematical expressions in MathML format and image files. My final goal is to formalize a teaching model for a wide range of mathematical problems that includes how to solve the problems and interactively and visually guide students. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.