Knowledge matchmaking in Learning Networks: Alleviating the tutor load by mutually connecting learning network users

Tutors have only limited time to support the learning process. In this paper we introduce a model that helps to answer the questions of students. It invokes the knowledge and skills of fellow-students, who jointly form an ad hoc transient community. The paper situates the model within the context of a Learning Network, a self-organized, distributed system, designed to facilitate lifelong learning in a particular knowledge domain. We will discuss the design of the model and explain how we select and support capable peers. Finally, we will examine the calibration of the model and a simulation, which is intended to verify if the model is fit for use in experiments with students. The results indicate that this is the case: it is possible to identify and support capable peers efficiently and effectively.