Next generation learner modeling by theory of mind model induction

Learning is a spectrum of involved processes requiring the learner's engagement and building upon the learner's prior knowledge and other prerequisites. Educators know how to adapt to their learners' needs and desires. User modeling is a key technology to enable digital systems such as e-learning environments and serious games to adapt to their users's peculiarities. There is a huge corpus of scientific research on user modeling, on implementation of user modeling and related system adaptivity, and on the impact on teaching and learning. The aim of the present contribution is to go even further. The concept of theories of mind is adopted and adapted from animal behavioral research. Theory of mind user models allow for the identification and representation of user/learner/player peculiarities beyond the limits of all other preceding approaches to user modeling.