Recommender System and Web 2.0 Tools to Enhance a Blended Learning Model

Blended learning models that combine face-to-face and online learning are of great importance in modern higher education. However, their development should be in line with the recent changes in e-learning that emphasize a student-centered approach and use tools available on the Web to support the learning process. This paper presents research on implementing a contemporary blended learning model within the e-course “Hypermedia Supported Education”. The blended model developed combines a learning management system (LMS), a set of Web 2.0 tools and the E-Learning Activities Recommender System (ELARS) to enhance personalized online learning. As well as incorporating various technologies, the model combines a number of pedagogical approaches, focusing on collaborative and problem-based learning, to ensure the achievement of the course learning outcomes. The results of the comparative study show the effectiveness of the proposed model in that students who performed personalized collaborative e-learning activities achieved better course results. These findings encourage the further application of the model to other computer science courses.

[1]  A. K. M. Najmul Islam,et al.  Satisfaction and continuance with a learning management system , 2015 .

[2]  Charles R. Graham,et al.  A framework for institutional adoption and implementation of blended learning in higher education , 2013, Internet High. Educ..

[3]  Wim Veen,et al.  Facilitating student-driven constructing of learning environments using Web 2.0 personal learning environments , 2015, Comput. Educ..

[4]  Denis Gillet,et al.  Information technology enhanced learning in distance and conventional education , 1999 .

[5]  Natasa Hoic-Bozic,et al.  Recommender system for Web 2.0 supported eLearning , 2014, 2014 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON).

[6]  Fernando Díaz del Río,et al.  An eLearning Standard Approach for Supporting PBL in Computer Engineering , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[7]  Charles R. Graham,et al.  Blended Learning Environments: Definitions and Directions. , 2003 .

[8]  David Parsons,et al.  Refining Current Practices in Mobile and Blended Learning: New Applications , 2012 .

[9]  Natasa Hoic-Bozic,et al.  A Blended Learning Approach to Course Design and Implementation , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[10]  R. Keeling,et al.  The Bologna Process and the Lisbon Research Agenda: the European Commission’s expanding role in higher education discourse , 2006 .

[11]  Natasa Hoic-Bozic,et al.  An Approach to Adaptivity and Collaboration Support in a Web-Based Learning Environment , 2009, Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn..

[12]  Peter Brusilovsky,et al.  Open Corpus Adaptive Educational Hypermedia , 2007, The Adaptive Web.

[13]  Jasminka Mezak,et al.  Personalizing E-Learning 2.0 Using Recommendations , 2014, MIS4TEL.

[14]  Gilly Salmon,et al.  E-tivities: the key to active online learning, 2nd ed. , 2002 .

[15]  Alejandro Armellini,et al.  Learning design and assessment with e-tivities , 2010, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[16]  Norman E. Wallen,et al.  How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education , 1990 .

[17]  Eugenia Y. Huang,et al.  What type of learning style leads to online participation in the mixed-mode e-learning environment? A study of software usage instruction , 2012, Comput. Educ..

[18]  Susan Wainwright,et al.  Blended Learning in Higher Education: Framework, Principles, and Guidelines. , 2011 .

[19]  Graham Attwell,et al.  Personal Learning Environments - the future of eLearning? , 2007 .

[20]  P. Anderson.  What is Web 2.0? Ideas, technologies and implications for education , 2007 .

[21]  Fernando Moreira,et al.  Personal learning environments: integration of Web 2.0 applications and content management systems , 2010, ECKM 2010.

[22]  Rhona Sharpe,et al.  Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age , 2007 .

[23]  Natasa Hoic-Bozic,et al.  A blended learning model for a 'Multimedia Systems' course , 2013, Int. J. Learn. Technol..

[24]  Gediminas Adomavicius,et al.  Toward the next generation of recommender systems: a survey of the state-of-the-art and possible extensions , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering.

[25]  Hendrik Drachsler,et al.  Recommender Systems in Technology Enhanced Learning , 2011, Recommender Systems Handbook.

[26]  Fernando Alonso,et al.  How Blended Learning Reduces Underachievement in Higher Education: An Experience in Teaching Computer Sciences , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Education.