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the initialization time of the APeLS-based SQL web
course. This should not impact greatly on the
usability of the system. Another major benefit of
using FUMES is the removal of the prior knowledge
questionnaires for first-time learners if that prior
knowledge can be retrieved from other systems. This
could potentially save significant time previously
spent completing extensive questionnaires.
In summary, this was an initial case study to test
FUMES in a practical learner exchange scenario. It
demonstrates that FUMES can successfully support
multiple integrations between heterogeneous
educational web systems. It has also shown that the
shared learner information can be used successfully
by the target system, in this case, to automatically
personalize content for new learners. The
performance results indicate that, in this case study,
the mapping approach is viable and does not
significantly decrease the responsiveness and
usability of the integrated systems. However, further
research will be required into the scalability of this
approach for larger numbers of mappings.
6 SUMMARY
This paper has given an overview of current research
in the area of learner model interoperability and has
defined an evidence-based categorization, based on
existing learner models, of mapping types that are
required to perform learner model mapping.
To validate these mappings, an interoperability
system was implemented to support the sharing of
heterogeneous learner information. FUMES allows
the creation of complex relationships between
multiple learner models, using a visual approach to
resolve domain-specific mapping problems.
Finally, a case study demonstrated FUMES
supporting the mapping and exchange of learner
information between multiple existing educational
web systems with minimal impact on usability.
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