Structuring automated learning discussions using dialog games and cognitive maps

This paper proposes a prototype system of learning with dialogs that enables learners to discuss topics to structure their thinking as well as keeping track of the path of their interaction in dialogs. The system helps learners to train and recognize discussion patterns. Moreover, the system enables comparing and contrasting expert thinking in order to evaluate learners´ mastery levels and to detect their knowledge gaps. This system would be applicable for dialogs in discussion boards in online learning applications and dialogs with intelligent tutoring agents.