Automated notification and document downloading in e-learning-development of an agent-based framework utilizing the push-pull technology interaction policy

Abstract

This paper describes the processes of document downloading and announcement in the e-learning is automated via a proposed agent-based framework. In framework, the interaction policy for the involved agents is based on combination technique which combined the push and pull mechanisms. The agent-based framework consists of four agents: search agent, priority agent, notify agent and download agents that are applied in the e-learning domain. To demonstrate the working of these agents within the e-learning domain, three scenarios with different level of complexity involving one course/subject are presented. In general, these agents assist the students to get prompt notifications every time new documents are available in the course registered. Thus, eliminating the students from not knowing that new documents have been uploaded by the lecturers. Moodle, the e-learning domain is chosen since Moodle is an open-source Content Management System that encourages any developers to contribute new enhancement of the existing feature or create the new features for the benefits of Moodle users.