Educational framework based on cumulative vocabularies, conceptual networks and Wikipedia linkage

Abstract

We propose a new educational framework based on guidedexploration in small-world networks relying on hyperlinknetwork of the Wikipedia online encyclopedia(http://www.wikipedia.org) in which hyperlinks betweenarticles define conceptual relationships. Educationalmaterial is presented to student with cumulativeconceptual networks based on hyperlink network of theWikipedia connecting concepts of vocabulary aboutcurrent learning topic. Personalization of educationalmaterial is carried out by alternating the distribution ofenabled hyperlinks connecting concepts belonging tocurrent vocabulary according to requirements of learningobjective, learning context and learner’s knowledge.Besides developing a computational method to manageeducational material with conceptual networks and toexplore the shortest paths between concepts of vocabulary(especially highest-ranking hyperlinked concepts andstrongly rising hyperlinked concepts), we have alsoexperimentally estimated properties of conceptualnetworks generated based on hyperlink network of theWikipedia between concepts retrieved from EnglishVocabulary Profile for cumulatively growing vocabulariescorresponding to six language ability levels.