Submitted to CATE 2004 1 ASQA: Agent Supported Question Answering System

Abstract The paper describes Agent Supported Question Answering system (ASQA) that assists collaborative learning in the classroom using networked computers. When a student sends any question to the system, the supporting agent searches FAQ stored in the system or forwards the question to an another student selected, then the student can get an answer for the question. The agent in the system utilizes text mining technology and vector space model to select FAQ or students with respect to the question autonomously. The system assists not only giving an answer to the students but also giving chance of learning to students by answering the question of other students