POLizied e-Learning using contract management

We present an innovative way to manage online learning by administering experiential learning activities during a semester-long, web-based course that is designed with the Project Oriented Learning methodology. A consulting-style guiding thread for in-class and remote workshops is implemented using a professionally relevant project contract that describes teamwork actions. Specific project goals and deliverables are negotiated and a workplan is asserted in an XML database. Performance by a team is measured according to cumulative success or failure in one or more milestones that lead to such goals. We present an inference mechanism that reveals the behavior of a team, in terms of compromise, competition, precision, self-motivation, or individualism on every milestone session. Such behavior becomes evidence used by the instructor to scaffold students, both individually and as groups. This research embraces both content and activity management.