Using Learner Group Profiles for Content Recommendation in Ubiquitous Environments

• Published in: International journal of information and communication technology education Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 1 - 19
• Main Authors: Barbosa, Jorge Luis Victória, Ferreira, Luis Gustavo, Gluz, João Carlos, Matter, Vítor Kehl, Barbosa, Debora Nice Ferrari
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hershey IGI Global 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Access to information; Agent-based models; Algorithms; Analysis; Collaboration; Computer Simulation; Education; Educational materials; Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Equipment and supplies; Group Activities; Group work in education; Handheld Devices; Information technology; Instructional Materials; Learning; Learning strategies; Mediation; Metadata; Online education; Online instruction; Open access publishing; Pedagogy; Resource Units; School environment; Side effects; Teachers; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Team learning approach in education; Technology education; Telecommunications; Ubiquitous computing; User behavior; Wireless communications; Brazil
• ISSN: 1550-1876; 1550-1337
• DOI: 10.4018/IJICTE.2020100101

The application of ubiquitous technologies in the improvement of education strategies is called ubiquitous learning. This strategy amplifies the pedagogical potential of e-learning through a ubiquitous and contextualized perspective. On the other hand, a ubiquitous technological mediation in learning can also increase the isolation of learners and reduce the integration among colleagues. Strategies to encourage the group learning can minimize these possible side effects. In this sense, this article proposes UbiGroup, an agent-based model for ubiquitous recommendation of educational contents for groups of learners. UbiGroup aims to help teachers to search, select and distribute educational materials for groups. The model considers the group profile and the context where learners are. The recommendation for dynamic groups of learners through a consensus profile is the main scientific contribution of this research. The model was evaluated through simulated scenarios. The results were encouraging and show potential for implementing UbiGroup in real learning environments.