Motivation of the Workshop

The workshop follows the previous SPeL 2008 workshop, held in conjunction with the SAINT 2008 conference. The workshop combines research in the area of e-Learning, Social Networks and Social Intelligence, and Web Personalization and focuses this year on the application of Web Intelligence research paradigm to the next generation of e-learning systems.

Web-based learning is moving from a centralized, institution-based system to a decentralized and informal creation and sharing of knowledge. Social software (e.g., blogs, wikis, podcasts, and media-sharing services) has started to be used for e-learning purposes, helping to create novel learning experiences. In the world of pervasive Internet, learners are also evolving: the so-called “digital natives” want to be in constant communication with their peers, they expect an individualized instruction and a personalized learning environment, which automatically adapt to their individual needs.

This workshop deals with current research on e-learning as an intelligent e-technology, more specifically the challenges of social and personalization aspects in Web-supported learning communities. Its aim is to provide a forum for discussing new trends and initiatives in this area, including research about the planning, development, application, and evaluation of intelligent learning environments, where people can learn together in a personalized way.