An intelligent and contextual information retrieval environment for Lifelong Learning

The current understanding of lifelong learning (LLL) does not refer simply to recurrent or adult education but encompasses all learning endeavors over the lifespan. The Internet, a large information database, readily available, may be used to support LLL. It is difficult to find the exact/correct information that one wants. Most of the search mechanisms on the Web deal with isolated solicitations for information; being that the results for one determined request are identical, independent of the user or specific context of the user. It is possible to improve the results using context information. The learning projects (LP) is a methodology based on the intentional and natural human activity of constructing projects. These LPs will give indications of the specific userpsilas information necessities, providing the context of this information. Our system can assist the process of constructing LPs into virtual learning environments by recommending documents. The IR model is a basic component because documents will be retrieved, classified based on the userpsilas context, downloaded from the Internet and recommended to the user by artificial agents. The system builds domains ontology of the project using the userpsilas interactions with LPs and concept maps as a strategy to build context.