The viability of ssm as a novel technique for knowledge elicitation and structuring in a complex and

Abstract

The advent of advanced Internet and web- based technologies have significantly increased the important role played by technology in e-learning such as faster and effective transmission of knowledge, but has also at the same time compounded the complexities associated with the use of technology enhanced learning (TEL), such as unstructured and excessive information content. This calls for the need to redefine the role of knowledge in e-learning; how it can be elicited, represented, and delivered to learners within their context of use. This study attempts to address these challenges by proposing a novel approach for knowledge elicitation and representation through the use of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) for eliciting and structuring knowledge in a very dynamic and unstructured virtual learning environment (VLE). The results indicate that SSM is a viable and successful tool useful for rich knowledge elicitation and problem structuring and is best suited for complex, unstructured, dynamic, and poorly defined problem cases such as in VLEs. The major contribution of this study is that SSM can be employed for eliciting and structuring knowledge for the development of a knowledge-based personalized e- learning system.