An ontology-based information retrieval mechanism for E-learning management system

During the last decade, increasing attention has been focused on ontologies and Ontological Engineering. The application of ontological engineering technique to e-learning, though still in its early stage, has become a phenomena tool in the integration and adaptation of a dynamic and flexible elearning environment, where tutors and learners are provided with the functionality of personalizing their learning process, this has not fully considered the generality of an entire field of study. This paper presents an ontology-based framework for classification of the entire courses of computer science at the university level. A model of an e-learning domain in the context of material classification that enables students retrieve information about a particular course in personalized ways was presented the method adopted elicited e-learning knowledge using documented materials, observation, consultation, prototyping among others. With domain expertise developed, the knowledge elicited was analyzed and formally represented using OWL-Description Logic. The design was implemented using Protégé 5.0 editor. The validation for accuracy and completeness was carried out with the domain and ontology experts using consistency checking reasoned, DL-Query. The results of the implementation show that elearning materials can be searched and retrieved easily and timely. The study also established and formalised an effective computational approach for representing information content of educational resources thereby helping to improve the flexibility of content representation in an e-learning system.Keywords: e-learning, Ontological Engineering, Ontology, Ontology Web Language (OWL), Knowledge Management, Description LogicVol. 26, No 1, June 201