NxTEL: Next Generation Technology-Enhanced Learning Platform for Computer Science Education

In this paper, we describe a personalized learning environment facilitated by a next-generation TEL platform, NxTEL, which is a full-stack interactive application platform that runs on mobile phones and tablets as iOS or Android native apps, and on computers via Web browsers. NxTEL incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to guide an individual student for self-paced learning and assessment, as well as to facilitate computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) between a group of students. Furthermore, NxTEL encourages students to create curriculum content to the platform. This will not only enrich the content of the platform, but also more importantly, cultivate stronger student ownership of the knowledge. Finally, NxTEL incorporates gamification elements and social networking elements to further engage students. As a case study, we elaborate how to use the proposed NxTEL platform in a computer networks course. More specifically, first, we develop a multi-dimensional knowledge map for the Computer Network curriculum. Second, based on the knowledge map, we develop AI-driven modules for self-paced learning and assessment. Third, we develop AI-driven modules for computer-supported collaborative learning. Fourth, we develop a theoretical framework towards the conceptual understanding of motivation and self-efficacy for NxTEL-powered education in computer science.