Integrating IRT to estimate learning ability with S-P chart in web based learning environment

E-learning provides people a convenient and efficient way for learning things. But is no appropriate way to estimate and diagnose students in e-learning environment. Sato's student-problem chart is one of the analysis methods for diagnosing students learning conditions. For learning ability estimation issue, Item Response Theory which plays an important role in modern mental test theory is applied. We integrate these two theories to propose a combination methodology try to solve the estimation and diagnostic issues in e-learning environment. A web-based assist system is provided as well. Experimental data is collected with forty sophomore students studying "Business Data Communication" class in Taiwan. We illustrated the method to observe and estimate the variation of learner's ability. This methodology and system could make some valuable contribution in e-learning environment.