Abstract:

Confidence Based Learning or CBL is a technique used for learning, where a learner is measured for her knowledge level and the confidence she has in her knowledge prior to any knowledge transfer. This may optimize the learning process, cutting down cost of knowledge transfer. This can be achieved by using an LMS or any other computer based application in stand-alone or web based environment. Measurement of knowledge as well as confidence can be assessed by automated tools for the learner. CBL works through three different phases: diagnosis, prescribe and learn. In diagnosis phase, the system determines the prior knowledge and confidence a learner has. In prescribe phase, the knowledge gaps and shortcomings are identified, and they are filled up by a customized learning plan, the system offers, increasing the confidence of the learner. In learn phase the learner start learning according to the customized plan.

Deficiency Diagnosis is a task under the diagnosis phase, which primarily finds out the knowledge and skill-set gaps, for a particular learner. This also identifies the requirement of the knowledge chunks either at superficial level or at the detailed level in a customized learning plan for an individual. This can be achieved by developing the content as well as assessment tool strictly on the basis of Instructional Objectives listed for a module.

In the proposed research work, the authors are trying to automate the method of deficiency diagnosis into the LMS designed for CBL. A learner when registered for an aggregation (module) undergoes an initial assessment and the system identifies the list of instructional objectives that the learner is required to achieve. These may be achieved when learning is performed either at superficial or detail level using knowledge chunks.

The proposed LMS that will be designed for CBL will allow the content developer to map the learning objectives to each of the aggregations. Customized content for each learning objectives will be available in superficial as well as in detailed level in the system. This may develop a customized learning plan for each learner based on the outcome of deficiency diagnosis report. The aggregations will build up the organizations, and organizations will form into a course.

Keywords:

LMS, CBL, Deficiency Diagnosis, Instructional Objectives.