Computational method for supporting learning with cumulative vocabularies, conceptual networks and Wikipedia linkage

Abstract

In this research paper we propose a new educational framework based on guided exploration in scale-free small-world networks relying on hyperlink network of the Wikipedia online encyclopedia in which hyperlinks between articles define conceptual relationships. Educational material is presented to student with cumulative conceptual networks based on hyperlink network of the Wikipedia connecting concepts of vocabulary about current learning topic. Personalization of educational material is carried out by alternating the distribution of enabled hyperlinks connecting concepts belonging to current vocabulary according to requirements of learning objective, learning context and learner’s knowledge. Besides developing a computational method to manage educational material with conceptual networks and to explore the shortest paths between concepts of vocabulary (especially highest-ranking hyperlinked concepts and strongly rising hyperlinked concepts), we have also experimentally estimated properties of conceptual networks generated based on hyperlink network of the Wikipedia between concepts retrieved from English Vocabulary Profile for cumulatively vocabularies of six language ability levels and from Oxford Wordlist for partially cumulative vocabularies of five school levels.