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Oct 1, 2024
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Dec 6, 2025
Published
Dec 31, 2025
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Abstract

With reference to the theory of the Zone of Proximal Development, the aim of this paper is to describe an intelligent tutoring model capable of learning and reproducing intervention rules to make learning experiences based on the use of dynamic concept maps more effective. The work starts from DCMapp, a software application for the creation and navigation of dynamic concept maps. DCMapp allows to build maps, draw nodes and arcs, upload multimedia contents and manage the dynamic visualization of concepts. The use of DCMapp has been shown to improve study times and student learning outcomes. The paper proposes the integration of an intelligent tutoring system based on Vygotsky’s theory of the Zone of Proximal Development. This system suggests actions to students to maintain learning within their Zone of Proximal Development, avoiding boredom and confusion. It is trained through the observation of a human tutor and uses artificial neural networks to predict future actions. The goal is to ensure effective and personalized learning, adapting the difficulty of the activities to the cognitive and emotional abilities of the learners.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks Dynamic Concept Maps Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) e-Learning

Article Details

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Author Biography

Sergio Miranda, University of Salerno

Researcher in Experimental Pedagogy, Teacher of "Laboratory of computer science for education" for the degree course in Education Sciences and "Advanced Laboratory of Computer Skills for Education" for the Master's Degree in "Pedagogical Sciences" and in "Professional Educators and Experts in Continuing Education" at the DISUFF, Department of Human Sciences, Philosophy and Education of the University of Salerno.

Masters' degree (cum laude) in Computer Science in 1996 with a thesis on artificial intelligence at the University of Salerno.

PhD in Information Engineering in 2011 at the University of Salerno. 

How to Cite
Miranda, S., Vegliante, R., & Marzano, A. (2025). An intelligent system for guiding the use of dynamic concept maps in the zone of proximal development. Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society, 21(3), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1136066

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