Context aware reference model: architecture and implications for adaptation of learning activities

One of the success criteria in e-learning is to deliver context-aware content and services to learners to achieve maximum user satisfaction and positive learning outcome. With the advancements in mobile and networking technology, it is now possible to deliver the right content and services based on the learner's learning context. In this paper, we define context as the information about the learner and its interaction with the e-learning application. Through our study of some related work, we formulate a context reference model, which encompasses some common best practices of numerous context aware e-learning models. This reference model serves to fulfill some of the new requirements regarding contextualisation of learning resources. In the last section of this paper, we propose a service-oriented system architecture that will be implemented using Java Technology to verify and test the effects of learners' learning style as context in context aware e-learning for engineering education, particularly in a computer programming subject.