Abstract. This paper is focused on user modeling and adaptation in distributed E-Learning systems. We describe here CUMULATE, a generic student modeling server developed for a distributed E-Learning architecture, KnowledgeTree. We also introduce a specific, topic-based knowledge modeling approach which has been implemented as an inference agent in CUMULATE and used in QuizGuide, an adaptive system that helps students select the most relevant self-assessment quizzes. We also discuss our attempts to evaluate this multi-level student modeling.

Mini-languages for teaching principles of programming -such as Karel the Robot -were once used in top computer science departments to provide a "gentle introduction" to programming for computer science majors. The paper builds a case for the use of mini-languages in the context of introductory programming courses for non-computer science major. We present a study that explored the use of Karel to teach introductory programming for information science majors.