Ontological structure representation in reusing ODL learning resources

Abstract

Design/methodology/approach - Thus, an ontology is designed by extending simple knowledge organization system specification to structure the learning resources. Furthermore, a semantic forum system is proposed as a front end mechanism to represent the ontological structure designed for the learner to easily access, search and navigate the relevant knowledge of interest. In addition, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed system along with three variables, namely, learners’ perceptions, system design perceptions and system content perceptions. Accordingly, a close-ended online survey was developed and administered to 74 online learners. Findings - The findings demonstrate positive perceptions of the proposed system which is based on ontological representation as an effective learning system that is able to enhance the understanding of courses taught. Originality/value - This paper presents an ontological structure approach to add meaning to the learning resources, indexed in such a way that it can be reused, searched, processed and shared.

Keywords

• ontology
• course module
• forum discussion
• odl education
• semantic forum
• skos