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.