Supporting Evolution of Knowledge Artifacts in Web Based Learning Environments

Dimitris Kotzinos (1,2)
Giorgos Flouris (1)
Yannis Tzitzikas (1,3)
Dimitris Andreou (1)
Vassilis Christophides (1,3)

1. Institute of Computer Science, FO.R.T.H., GREECE
2. Department of Geomatics and Surveying, TEI of Serres, GREECE
3. Department of Computer Science, University of Crete, GREECE

{kotzino, fgeo, tzitzik, andreou, christop}@ics.forth.gr


Abstract
The development of collaborative e-learning environments that support the 
evolution of semantically described knowledge artifacts is a challenging 
task. In this chapter we elaborate on usage scenarios and requirements 
for environments grounded on learning theories that stress on collaborative 
knowledge creation activities. Subsequently, we present a comprehensive suite 
of services, comprising an emerging framework, called Semantic Web Knowledge 
Middleware (SWKM), that enables the collaborative evolution of both domain 
abstractions and conceptualizations, and data classified using them. The suite
includes advanced services for ontology change, comparison and versioning 
over a common knowledge repository offering persistent storage and validation.