JISC

Semantic technologies appear to hold the promise of significantly enhancing formal and informal learning but issues such as building ontology consensus, the logistics of annotating large volumes of learning content and the underpinning pedagogy have been frequently questioned. However, recent developments in Web 2.0 tools and services for teaching and learning show that these concerns may be successfully addressed and benefit HE/FE, informal learning and exploratory learning.

The project sought to identify and quantify these benefits and outline a roadmap for semantic technologies adoption in these contexts. Addressing the HE/FE institutional perspective will involve case studies based on existing work.

The final report from the SemTech project is now available, along with a number of papers and presentations.

Project objectives

• Survey of the relevance and use of semantic tools and services in HE/FE, informal and exploratory learning. The impact of current work on semantic enhancement of successful Web 2.0 services will be reported
• A roadmap for further developments in semantic technology adoption in HE/FE, informal learning and exploratory learning
• The HE/FE institutional perspective of tools, services, relevance and quantifiable benefits

Liaison with UK HE/FE institutions, HEFCE subject centres, JISC CETIS, and the Semantic Technologies for Learning and Teaching WG will help outline the transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 in this perspective.

The project was organised around 4 activities:

1. Semantic technologies in learning and teaching today. Surveying existing technologies, practices and case studies relevant to formal, informal and exploratory learning. Interviews with HE/FE institutions will establish relevance and use of semantic technologies
2. A roadmap for semantic technology adoption in education. Outlining the anticipated stages of adoption of semantic Web, knowledge and Web 2.0 technologies in education
3. The institutional perspective on semantic technology adoption. Establishing the relevance and quantifying the benefits of semantic technologies
4. Liaison with the community and Dissemination. Liaison with JISC-CETIS, HEFCE subject centres and UK Universities

Project Outcomes

The project final report includes

• A survey of semantic tools and services relevant to education in a formal, informal and exploratory contexts. Special reference to tools and services used in UK HE/FE
• Institutional perspective on relevance and use of semantic technologies in UK HE/FE & case studies based on existing tools
• A roadmap for semantic technology adoption for learning and teaching

The work of this project has been informed by feedback from JISC and the wider community. The JISC CETIS Semantic Technologies Working Group functioned as a steering group, and provided a great deal of useful advice.

The project team have presented and intend to present at a number of major conferences regarding this work.