The iClass System Features

iClass Features are chosen after careful analysis of probable ICT based support that can be provided to users throughout the 3 phases of self-regulated learning: Planning, Process, Self-Reflection. It is recognised however that the users, at a given instant, could be either performing in a cognitive flow (constantly evaluating options and choosing) or contemplating in a metacognitive mode (appraising what's going on and deciding to keep on or change course). Therefore, the system is designed to accomodate both modes at all three phases.

The system obtains as rich a set of data as possible about the learning experience by self-input of users and by auto-detection of the system. The data is processed by the system and visualised to be processed by the user in order to support making meaning out of the learning trajectories, and out of options presented so that users would get better at making mindfull choices.

The iClass Web Application provides an interactive space where activities and content/tool resources are presented together with a band of shortcuts and a set of features:

•  The Handbook : An overall guide to the system use and self-regulated personalised learning which is not only available as a look-up handbook but also provides prescriptive context-sensitive recommendations

•  The Planning Tool : An editor and a montior to author lesson plans (activities and content) and to follow their progress

•  The Exploration Tool : An assistant tool to explore content options from within the system and also from the Web

•  The Personal Space : A study space where all tracked data from the learning episode (e.g. content use, knowledge acquisition, learning events) are gathered and visualised

•  The Self-Reflection Tool : A tool that promotes self-reflection based on the visualised events and knowledge acquisitions outcomes available at the personal space

•  The Infrastructure : An XML web services based, Rich Internet Application on which all iClass features can be implemented.