ATHENA: A Computational Model for Intelligent Services in Distance Education Using Context History
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5753/rbie.2026.5487Keywords:
Intelligent Services, Virtual learning environment, Context, Historic Context, Distance educationAbstract
Distance Education (EaD) has gained prominence in the expansion and democratization of higher education, benefiting from New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT) and changes in teaching and learning processes. However, the high dropout rate in distance learning courses is a significant concern, as many students do not complete their courses due to a variety of factors. This dropout rate is not limited to distance learning, but also affects in-person and blended learning in both public and private institutions. In light of this scenario, the article presents Athena, a computational model designed to offer intelligent services in distance education based on students' contextual histories. Athena aims to help managers and teachers in strategic planning and in monitoring students' academic progress. Athena aims to help managers and teachers with strategic planning and monitoring students’ academic progress. The model offers services to predict students’ academic performance and to form study groups. These services aim to improve the learning process, reduce the failure rate and, consequently, reduce dropout rates. The model uses an ontology to represent knowledge in distance learning and analyzes students' context histories to personalize the services offered. A prototype of Athena was tested with data from 25 students in a Technology in Systems Analysis and Development course the tests evaluated two services: Forecasting, which anticipates academic performance, and Grouping, which organizes study groups. The results confirm the viability of the model to support the creation and use of different intelligent services in distance education, based on students' contextual histories.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lidia Martins da Silva, Andrêsa Vargas Larentis, Sandro José Rigo , Jorge Luis Victória Barbosa
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