Developing applications with a framework for the analysis of the learning process and collaborative tutoring

In this paper, we describe FACT, a Framework for the Analysis of the learning process and Collaborative Tutoring, developed at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain. First, we describe guided collaborative tutoring: the type of tutoring that FACT makes possible. After that, we show the architecture of FACT, and different applications developed with it, as well as how it can be used to build new teaching tools from simple training applications. FACT uses learning histories and related annotations to enhance the guidance of the teaching process. It allows students and tutors to review the work of the students and the history of their work sessions, using the original application, while allowing reviewers to extend that history. Optionally, reviewers can attach commentaries to some points of the extended and revised histories. The generated applications can be used collaboratively, either synchronously or asynchronously. The generated histories can be stored in order to create a knowledge database with solved problems and commentaries from tutors and students.