Human organizational patterns applied to collaborative learning software systems. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kolp, Manuel; Wautelet, Yves
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 51:Part B(2015)
• Page Start: 742
• Page End: 751
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Organizational styles -- Learning Management System -- Massive Open Online Course -- i* -- Tropos -- Collaborative learning; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2014.11.094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Highlights: We distinguish a set of organizational patterns to be used in software development. These patterns are issued of research in human organization theory. Structure-in-5 and joint venture patters are applied in collaborative learning. Patterns are supported by i* models and a formal specification. These patterns allow to deal with complex sets of stakeholders pursuing goals. Abstract: Within socially driven software development methodologies like Tropos, a new software system could be modeled as a set of collaborating actors pursuing collective and individual goals. These actors could possibly be structured around an organizational pattern. The organizational model could then, within the design of the system, be mapped to the software behavior through the use of logical agents. This paper overviews a set of human organizational styles from organization theory literature and applied here in an original manner to the representation of collaborative learning software systems. The structure-in-5 is indeed applied to a Learning Management System development and the joint venture to a Massive Open Online Course one. Being by nature a network of social interactions, collaborative learning systems are perfectly adequate for agent-oriented software development. Besides, the two above-mentioned organization styles are further represented using the i* modeling language and a formal specification language. A set of non-functional requirements is also identified and these organizational styles are further evaluated in the light of these.