Knowledge Space Theory

Knowledge Space Theory provides a mathematical framework for realizing adaptivity in technology enhanced learning environments by formalizing prerequisites in learning and assessment. With its recent competency-based extensions, such as the competence performance approach, there have been attempts to enhance this framework with an inclusion of the concepts that underly performance, such as knowledge or skills.

My talk will introduce the theoretical basis of competency-based Knowledge Space Theory, and show how it can be and has been applied to competency management in organizational settings and for technology enhanced work-integrated learning. I will especially focus on three processes which are central to the use of competencies in eLearning and knowledge management:

• automated competency assessment and maintenance of user profile information
• competency gap analysis
• adaptive provision of learning content and individualized learning paths