A competence-based system for recommending study materials from the Web (CBSR)

A pedagogically-informed approach to the design of an e-learning system is important since an effective learning system requires teaching activities that match the students' learning requirements. Currently some e-learning systems are based on adaptive educational hypermedia. User modelling is one of the components of adaptive hypermedia. However, currently designed user models are inconsistent in estimating learner's knowledge level, are not pedagogically designed, and do not satisfactorily incorporate the achieved learning of the learner. The paper proposes a competency-based system for recommending study materials from the Web to learners (CBSR), and explores the benefits of a competency model for an improved pedagogical approach to e-learning and a more consistent profile of learners' competences which can persist though their learning life. A competences structure is represented as a directed acyclic graph (DAG), and the paper considers the processing of a competence structure to identify learners' existing/desired competences and provide appropriate study materials from the Web.