Implementing a Context-sensitive Mobile Learning System

Anders Kofod-Petersen, Gunhild Griff Bye and John Krogstie
Department of Computer and Information Science, 
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) 
Sem S¾landsvei 7-9
NO-7491 Trondheim
{anderpe|gunhildg|krogstie}@idi.ntnu.no

As learning moves beyond the traditional classrooms and into everyday life, the
supporting technology must be able to adapt, not only to the situations in which 
learners wish to learn but also their particular style of learning and 
competencies. Modern learning paradigms, such as mobile and ambient learning 
embraces adaption though context-sensitivity. Context-sensitivity allows systems 
to carry out their main functions, whilst still adapting their behaviour. A 
userÕs idiosyncrasies are in general, and in particular with respect to learning, 
important contextual information that must be handled.  The work presented here 
demonstrates how DreyfusÕ level of competence, GardnerÕs multiple intelligences 
and HofstedeÕs cultural dimensions can be used as a basis for modelling users 
through stereotypes, and further how a context-sensitive mobile learning systems 
can use this to adapt is behaviour when assisting learner. It shows how an 
implementation of such stereotypes and details initial functionality testing.