Case Study

Abstract

As recommender systems are making inroads to e-learning, the new ecosystem is placing new challenges on them. This Chapter discusses the author’s experiences of adding recommender features to additional reading materials listing page in an undergraduate-level course. Discussion is based on use-log and student questionnaire data. Students could both add materials to lecture readings and peer-evaluate the pertinence of the materials by rating and commenting them. Students were required to add one material and rate five as part of the course requirements. Overall, students perceived the system as useful and did not resent compulsoriness. In addition, perceived social presence promoted social behavior in many students. However, many students rated materials without viewing them, thus undermining the reliability of aggregated ratings. Consequently, while recommenders can enhance the e-learner experience, they need to be robust against some students trying to get points without earning them.