The Caring Personal Agent
In IJAIED
13 (1): "Special Issue on Caring for the Learner in honour of John Self "
Publication information
Abstract
Abstract. Self (1999) argues that the essence of having a computer-based learning system that “cares” about its
learners is that the system model its learners so as to be able to adapt to their needs. In this paper we discuss the
notion of personal agents who care for their “owners” by representing the owners' interests in the learning system.
We contextualise this discussion by showing how such personal agents are used in I-Help, a system that promotes
caring and sharing by encouraging learners to help one another. In I-Help, personal agents themselves care for their
learners by helping them to discover useful information and/or to find “ready, willing, and able” peer learners who
can aid them in overcoming problems.
