Seamless integration of desktop and mobile learning experience through an ontology-based adaptation engine: Report of a pilot-project

The paper describes a module within the distance language learning environment of the Language Centre at the Genoa University which adapts, through an ontology, learning activities to the device in use. Adaptation means not simply resizing a page but also the ability to transform the nature of a task so that it fits the device with the smallest effectiveness loss with respect to the ability the activity is meant to develop. In our environment, activities are tagged with a language-related ability so that an exercise which would not be usable on a given device can be transformed so as to be both usable and to maintain its original language learning potential. Following previous analyses of the most technical features of the engine, this paper will report on a pilot project, and the design and testing of an English course whose activities are transformable thanks to reasoning mechanisms based on the ontology. Our analysis will focus on the most important issues that have arisen during the development of the course.