Ontology-based curriculum content sequencing system with semantic rules

Curriculum content sequencing involves managing a learning route to help users achieve learning goals. A conventional learning route consists of ordered content and is primarily based on a single course material. In an e-learning system, amount of similar course contents are available. These contents are expected to mutually substitute for one another in creating flexible learning routes. Owing to inconsistency in materials editing and cataloging, composing contents based on multiple sources leads to sequencing complexity. Most significantly, most e-learning systems lack a sequencing mechanism for dominating content composition. This study utilizes a knowledge-intensive approach to create a general sequencing knowledge base. This approach includes two components: (1) ontology is used to represent abstract views of content sequencing and course materials and (2) added semantic rules are used to represent relationships between individuals. Following knowledge base creation, both practical curriculum sequences and course materials can be inserted as factual knowledge. A reliable knowledge base can be established using inference power. An example involving mathematics course in elementary school education is designed using Web Ontology Language (OWL) and Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL). Experimental lessons demonstrate that semantic rules in conjunction with ontologies not only solve sequencing problems but also achieve a durable knowledge base and a reliable system.