The book addresses the problem known in the literature as Open and Distance
Learning (ODL). ODL describes new concepts of the process of learning-teaching
organization. ODL is becoming very popular at universities that offer education
via online and/or distance learning, both in synchronous or asynchronous modes.
More precisely, the book addresses Intelligent Open Learning Systems (IOLS),
i.e., the systems where traditional methods of online teaching are enhanced
through the use of artificial intelligence methods. Taking this approach helps to
achieve the desired teaching goals and greatly improves the quality of student
learning. In the book, the IOLS concept is used in the sense of an information
system for learning process management. Introduction of the idea of social and
information system organization, such as ODL, requires deep analysis of its nature
and structure. The complexity and scale of ODL is reflected in the IOLS
management capabilities.
IOLS combines characteristics of the traditional understanding of the term
Distance Learning and the new understanding of the term Open Learning. The
open learning is focused on each individual student. Each and every student
actively cooperates with the teacher in order to learn and “discover” new
knowledge during their interactions. IOLS is designed to support this kind of
collaborative work. It supports the social idea of global understanding and
transparency of qualifications, and open access to educational resources. In the
framework of new type of education process, such as the European Higher
Education, every student in spite of his or her place of residence can participate at
different national and/or university educational processes through the use of the
Internet and similar technologies. Moreover, each student can achieve her or his
educational goals based on personalized learning characteristics.
IOLS is a complex management system. Its many components have their own
goals that determine their behavior. Moreover, these components are mutually
related but can have conflicting goals. IOLS’s complexity arises from the fact that
it strives to satisfy and make use of many different stakeholders and resources: the
students, subject matter experts, organizations, IT systems, telecommunication
infrastructure, and information and knowledge resources. The success of IOLS
implementation depends on the system’s ability to efficiently manage its aggregate
components. In order to automate parts of the IOLS the information system for its
management should be based on an integrated model. Having such a model is a
necessary condition for interpretation of the IOLS as one coherent system.