Agent-Oriented Knowledge Management in Learning Environments: A Peer-to-Peer Helpdesk Case Study

In this paper we present an analysis and modeling case study for agent mediated knowledge management in educational environments: Help&Learn, an agent-based peer-to-peer helpdesk system to support extraclass interactions among students and teachers. Help&Learn expands the student’s possibility of solving problems, getting involved in a cooperative learning experience that transcends the limits of classrooms. To model Help&Learn, we have used Agent-Object-Relationship Modeling Language (AORML), an UML extension for agent-oriented modeling. The aim of this research is two-fold. On the one hand, we aim at exploring Help&Learn’s potential to support collaborative learning, discussing its knowledge management strategy. On the other hand, we aim at showing the expressive power and the modeling strengths of AORML.