Knowledge management system for electronic learning of IT skills

Abstract

Other than the traditional classroom-based learning in which students learn from the teacher directly, students should share their knowledge with others to facilitate the learning process. The application of the information technologies creates a common, user-friendly, and universally accessible learning platform that should not only focus on providing access to information and expertise, but also embrace a far richer architecture of online resources. Knowledge management includes the capability to collect, archive, manage, evaluate, and distribute information across the learning community. In the learning process, a student may like to share knowledge with other students and learn from them. After doing some exercises, students can learn and reflect on these practices. They recognize rules and patterns in practice. The paper presents a web-based knowledge management system. It is used to facilitate students' learning of some practical IT skills such as programming. The system can provide ways for students to communicate on a regular basis. It brings instantaneous and real-time information and expertise to students. Knowledge management defines electronic learning in ways that make it more acceptable and more a part of learning culture than an adjunct to it. It is the key to the success of electronic learning. It is found that collaborative knowledge creation and sharing can be supported by the system. Its success is dependent on a number of factors: students' engagement, familiarity of the technology and careful class plan design. It is also found that electronic learning is not to replace traditional learning taken place in classrooms. Knowledge is the most serious resource for future social and economic development. Online education is an answer to solving some problems of education today. To students of this new era, it is empowering tools helping them to equip themselves to adapt to increasing complexities of such knowledge society. Copyright 2007 ACM.