AU2021106627A4

AU2021106627A4 - A block-chain enabled reference architecture system for a smart learning technology

Info

Publication number: AU2021106627A4
Application number: AU2021106627A
Authority: AU
Inventors: G. R. Anil; Salman Abdul Moiz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-08-23
Filing date: 2021-08-23
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-23

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a block-chain enabled reference architecture system for a smart learning technology. The system comprises: a learning entity, wherein a learning entity is any student interacting with the system and is associated with a physical network node; an evaluation process module which interacts with the learner entity, wherein, the evaluation process module transfers the learner's performance to a learner records wherein the evaluation module stores a plurality of responses from the learner entity in the block chain; a coach process module wherein, a query along with a learner ID and a performance history is transferred from a learning records wherein, a context index and a query index are exchanged between the coach process module and a learning resources; and a delivery process module delivers a learning content to the learning entity and the evaluation module based on a query. 10 ~s~q~Q) Ile -----------

Description

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----------- A BLOCK-CHAIN ENABLED REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE SYSTEM FOR A SMART LEARNING TECHNOLOGY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a block chain enabled reference architecture system for a smart learning technology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Learning Management Systems that facilitate virtual learning activities are part of the technology-enhanced learning environments. These settings are based on high-level system designs that include a variety of components and their interactions. The standard reference frameworks can be used to construct a variety of online learning systems. Prominent groups such as IEEE LTSC (Learning Technology Standards Committee), MIT, and others have proposed standard frameworks such as IEEE LTSA, IMS framework, JISC, and OKI framework. Due to the obstacles that learning entities face in the era of smart learning, the criteria are constantly increasing. With the latest frameworks and sophisticated technologies, the analytical capability, omnipresent learning support, and obtaining higher learning success rates must all be addressed. IEEE LTSA, a widely established standard, has been withdrawn and will not be amended. Contributions from domain volunteers are required as part of the standard development process. The LTSC has issued open requests for standards development in order to fulfil some of the prerequisites for contributing to new age standards.

The IEEE LTSA is a benchmark standard for learning systems. It was proposed in the year 2003 by the IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee. This provided a high level layered Reference architecture with abstract components and interactions. The withdrawal of the IEEE LTSA standard, and the latest Standardization challenges are yet to be addressed.

In order to make the existing solutions more efficient there is a need to develop a block-chain enabled reference architecture system for a smart learning technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a block-chain enabled reference architecture system for a smart learning technology.The salient features of block chain are integrated to basic IEEE LTSA framework as all the processes are retained from the standard. Along with the standards' processes, additional components to allow a block chain system for storing educational transaction activity are implemented. Processes (Coach, Delivery, Learner Entity, Evaluation, Network node) and Data Stores are two of the proposed reference architecture components (Learning Resources, Learner records, Block chain network).Learning material, learner information, history, assessment inquiry, catalogue information, and blocks are among the connectors. They define the data relationships between the various LTSA components. The network node is a physical component of the design. This physical device is necessary for validating the block generated at the Learner's end.

In an embodiment,a block-chain enabled reference architecture system 100 for a smart learning technology, wherein, the system comprises: a learning entity 102, wherein a learning entity is any student interacting with the system and is associated with a physical network node 104;an evaluation process module 106 which interacts with the learner entity, wherein, the evaluation process module transfers the learner's performance to a learner records wherein the evaluation module stores a plurality of responses from the learner entity in the block chain; a coach process module 108 wherein, a query along with a learner ID and a performance history is transferred from a learning records wherein, a context index and a query index are exchanged between the coach process module and a learning resources; and a delivery process 110 module delivers a learning content to the learning entity and the evaluation module based on a query, an activity and a student details wherein, the learning content is transferred to the delivery process module from the learning resources.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block-chain enabled reference architecture system 100 for a smart learning technology in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates (a) block chain enabled smart learning environment framework; and (b)user interaction mechanism with network node and database in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof

Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1 illustrates a block-chain enabled reference architecture system 100 for a smart learning technology in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.the system comprises: a learning entity 102, wherein a learning entity is any student interacting with the system and is associated with a physical network node 104;an evaluation process module 106 which interacts with the learner entity, wherein, the evaluation process module transfers the learner's performance to a learner records wherein the evaluation module stores a plurality of responses from the learner entity in the block chain; a coach process module 108 wherein, a query along with a learner ID and a performance history is transferred from a learning records wherein, a context index and a query index are exchanged between the coach process module and a learning resources; anda delivery process 110 module delivers a learning content to the learning entity and the evaluation module based on a query, an activity and a student details wherein, the learning content is transferred to the delivery process module from the learning resources.

In an embodiment, the method, wherein, a salient features of the block chain are integrated into a basic IEEE LTSA framework wherein, additional components are added to accommodate the block chain mechanism for an educational transaction activity storage along with the standards' processes wherein, the reference architecture is described with an AADL architecture description language on an OSATE tool wherein, describing an architecture in OSATE is carried out in terms of a project wherein, a processes and a connections need to be defined and wherein, the reference architecture components to accommodate a block chain mechanism for educational transaction activity storage include the processes (coach, delivery, learner entity, evaluation, network node) and a data stores (learning resources, learner records, block chain network).

In another embodiment, the method, wherein, the connectors include a learning content, a learner info, a history, an assessment query, a catalogue information, the responses and the blocks wherein, the connectors specify a data couples between various LTSA components wherein, a network node is a physical device that is added to the architecture and wherein, the network node is essential to validate the block that is being generated at a learner end wherein, the network node performs a task of a data forwarding, a data validation, and a data recording wherein, once the block is validated, it will be stored in the block chain database and wherein, it is a distributed database.

In yet another embodiment, the method, wherein, for a predefined time duration (session), a hash of the block is generated from each user and is immediately communicated to the local network node for validation wherein, for a time slot ti, with 'k' users, there would be k multiplied by ti number of blocks added to the block chain network wherein, a duration set T is a set of time slots of a user wherein, a behavioural data helps to perform a student profile analysis with a student behaviour feature similarity calculation, learning attitude analysis, duration analysis of an online learning behaviour wherein, the system captures a behavioural analysis of a user wherein, a difference in the behaviour among the users will derive a learning patterns wherein, the learning patterns are able to predict the students' results by matching with a previous learner's behavioural data and wherein, it leads towards more personalization of an online learning environment.

In an implementation, in OSATE, describing an architecture is done in terms of a project. It is necessary to define the processes and linkages. The procedures are stated and outlined in Figure 2a, of the Reference Architecture. As a device-type component, the network node is inserted. Except for two connectors, the IEEE LTSA connectors have remained unchanged. The connection "Responses" connects the Evaluation process to the Block chain database.

Extra components to accommodate block chain mechanism for educational transaction activity storage are added. Processes (Coach, Delivery, Learner Entity, Evaluation, Network node) and Data Stores are among the proposed standard architecture components (Learning Resources, Learner records, Block chain network). Learning material, learner information, history, assessment inquiry, catalogue information, and blocks are among the connectors. They define the data relationships between the various LTSA components. The network node is a physical component of the design. This physical device is necessary for validating the block generated at the Learner's end. In Figure 2b, the user interaction is depicted. Block creation is aided by the Block chain API. Data forwarding, data validation, and data recording are all tasks performed by the Network node. The block will be stored in the Block chain database once it has been validated (It's a distributed database). Block chain integration with a learning management system.

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.

Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A block-chain enabled reference architecture system for a smart learning technology, wherein, the system comprises:

a learning entity, wherein a learning entity is any student interacting with the system and is associated with a physical network node;

an evaluation process module which interacts with the learner entity, wherein, the evaluation process module transfers the learner's performance to a learner records wherein the evaluation module stores a plurality of responses from the learner entity in the block chain;

a coach process module wherein, a query along with a learner ID and a performance history is transferred from a learning records wherein, a context index and a query index are exchanged between the coach process module and a learning resources; and

a delivery process module delivers a learning content to the learning entity and the evaluation module based on a query, an activity and a student details wherein, the learning content is transferred to the delivery process module from the learning resources.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a salient features of the block chain are integrated into a basic IEEE LTSA framework wherein, additional components are added to accommodate the block chain mechanism for an educational transaction activity storage along with the standards' processes.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the reference architecture is described with an AADL architecture description language on an OSATE tool wherein, describing an architecture in OSATE is carried out in terms of a project wherein, a processes and a connections need to be defined

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the reference architecture components to accommodate a block chain mechanism for educational transaction activity storage include the processes (coach, delivery, learner entity, evaluation, network node) and a data stores (learning resources, learner records, block chain network).

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the connectors include a learning content, a learner info, a history, an assessment query, a catalogue information, the responses and the blocks.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the connectors specify a data couples between various LTSA components wherein, a network node is a physical device that is added to the architecture and wherein, the network node is essential to validate the block that is being generated at a learner end.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the network node performs a task of a data forwarding, a data validation, and a data recording wherein, once the block is validated, it will be stored in the block chain database wherein, it is a distributed database.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, for a predefined time duration (session), a hash of the block is generated from each user and is immediately communicated to the local network node for validation wherein, for a time slot ti, with 'k' users, there would be k multiplied byti number of blocks added to the block chain network wherein, a duration set T is a set of time slots of a user.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a behavioural data helps to perform a student profile analysis with a student behaviour feature similarity calculation, learning attitude analysis, duration analysis of an online learning behaviour wherein, the system captures a behavioural analysis of a user.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a difference in the behaviour among the users will derive a learning patterns wherein, the learning patterns are able to predict the students' results by matching with a previous learner's behavioural data and wherein, it leads towards more personalization of an online learning environment.

evaluation delivery Coach process learner entity Network node process process module 102 104 module module 108 106 110

Figure 1

(a) (b) Figure 2