A Collaborative Learning Environment for Data Modelling

Data modelling is an important skill for students undertaking university courses in computing and Information Systems. It is a complex task which is not currently well provided with tool based support. This paper describes extensions to a learning environment for data modelling which is based on a text based virtual reality paradigm. This learning environment has been enhanced by the inclusion of autonomous, intelligent agents of two types. One type of agent basically has a pedagogical role, providing feedback to learners about the quality of their data models. The other type of agent effectively plays the role of a learner within the environment, and is intended to offer the opportunity for collaboration to human learners within the environment.