DECISION SUPPORT COMPONENT IN INTELLIGENT E-LEARNING SYSTEMS Enn Õunapuu Department of Informatics, Tallinn Technical University Raja 15 Estonia 12618, Tallinn enn@cc.ttu.ee Abstract In the intelligent e-learning systems the usage of web services and software agents are very promising. In this contribution we investigate and implement a methodology for web service choice from the set of the similar web services. In nearest future in the web will exist a lot of similar web services and it will be common that we have to choose one or some from them. For example in the case of tutorial systems we have to choose among various tutorial services according to the profile of the learner. In this case we need a regular component for the multi- criteria decision analysis of the consumer preference. This component can be adaptive and have also some learning features. Key Words Intelligent e-learning system, web services, and software agents 1. Introduction In the past, applications were built by integrating local system services such as database systems and development tools. That model was very flexible in providing access to a rich set of development resources and precise control over how the application behaved; however, although it was error prone, it was costly and time consuming. To get real results every enterprise creates its own system and component reuse is manifested, but not really used. Today, complex distributed applications are being constructed that integrate existing applications and services from all over their networks ([2], [3]). The service itself is structured as n-tier application with tiers such as business entities, data entities, and facades [5]. This enables developers to focus on delivering business value. The result is reduced time-to-market, higher developer productivity, and ultimately, higher-quality software. We are now entering the next phase of computing - a phase enabled by the Internet and the concept of Web services, which enables the creation of powerful applications that can be used by anyone, anywhere. This paper describes a solution to the web services choice from the set of the similar web services. The usage of Web services introduces a new set of fundamental architectural elements for architects to work with. These are Web services, messages, contract, state, and processes, service agents, which are introduced in this paper. Finally we present a decision support component 2. Basic concepts The next section is a brief introduction to the key concepts, followed by the details of the architecture. Basic concepts are component, software service agent, web service, message, state and process. 2.1 Software component A software component is a unit of composition that is designed to be reused and combined with other components into larger software entities, in the same way that mechanical and electronic components are used today. In this paper we define the concept and derive a model of what we mean by a component. Finally we look at how these components can be reused and combined. There is no universally accepted definition for a software component. The component definition given below is taken from [16]. Definition: A software component is a unit of composition with contractually specified interfaces and context dependencies only. A software component can be deployed independently and is subject to composition by third parties 2.2 BIT component A BIT component is a component with one or more test interfaces that increase the testability of the component. Inspiration to BIT components comes from complex integrated electronic circuits that often have tests built in to make them testable.