Just-in-time learning with situational content objects

This paper presents a framework for Situational Content Objects (SiCOb). This agent-based SiCOb framework is designed for the implementation of Just-in-Time Learning (JIT Learning) at the workplace in the domain of Software Engineering. The main purpose of this paper is to derive the requirements for such a framework, and to present the different research and development fields that are relevant to the development of the framework. Fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Educational Learning Systems, research on Agents and Multi-Agent Systems, Instructional Theories, and Agent-oriented Software Engineering are highlighted. The framework should serve as a basis for instantiating SiCObs that are autonomous, reactive as well as pro-active, and hence are able to select, sequence, adapt, and present themselves to the software engineer's environment.