Development of an Adaptive E-Learning Model for Personalized Learning Path Recommendation Using Ant Colony Optimization and Hybrid Filtering
Keywords:
Adaptive, Ant colony optimization, E-learning model, Hybrid filtering, PersonalizedAbstract
The majority of traditional e-learning models often fail to cater to individual learners’ needs due to limited parameter flexibility across diverse populations and the scope of adaptive courses. To address these challenges, this research developed an adaptive e-learning model using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), collaborative filtering, and content-based filtering. The ACO was used for adapting the learning contents and activities, while also dynamically adjusting the learning path. K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) was used for e-learning styles and teaching strategies to generate courses for learners. The Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model is employed to identify and accommodate different learning styles, ensuring a tailored educational experience. The implementation of the model is done using Python and PHP frameworks. An online survey was conducted with 500 undergraduate students from various academic disciplines to evaluate the developed model. The KNN algorithm achieved the best performance with an R² of 0.986 and an MAE of 0.012, indicating both high accuracy and minimal prediction error. A direct comparison with the benchmark study reveals that our models outperform their counterparts, with the KNN model achieving (0.012, 0.986) against theirs (0.013, 0.875). It demonstrates significant improvements in learner satisfaction and academic performance. This research contributes to e-learning by offering a flexible, adaptive solution that enhances educational outcomes through personalized learning experiences.
References
X. Xing and S. Saghaian, “Learning outcomes of a hybrid online virtual classroom and in-person traditional classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 9, Apr. 2022.
J. C. Chen, T. Dobinson, and S. Kent, “Lecturers’ perceptions and experiences of blackboard collaborate as a distance learning and teaching tool via Open Universities Australia (OUA),” Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 222–235, Nov. 2019.
J. R. Van Doorn and J. D. Van Doorn, “The quest for knowledge transfer efficacy: blended teaching, online and in-class, with consideration of learning typologies for non-traditional and traditional students,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 5, Apr. 2014.
P. Bagde, A. Bobde, and L. P. Bagde, “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enabled higher education: Current trends and challenges,” Elementary Education Online, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 2528–2537, Mar. 2021.
F. Benkhalfallah, M. R. Laouar, and M. S. Benkhalfallah, “Examining adaptive e-learning approaches to enhance learning and individual experiences,” Acta Informatica Pragensia, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 327–339, Aug. 2024.
O. Iatrellis, E. Stamatiadis, N. Samaras, T. Panagiotakopoulos, and P. Fitsilis, “An intelligent expert system for academic advising utilizing fuzzy logic and semantic web technologies for smart cities education,” Journal of Computers in Education, vol. 10, pp. 293–323, Jun. 2022.
Y. A. Ansya, A. Alfianita, H. P. Syahkira, and Syahrial, “Optimizing mathematics learning in fifth grades: the critical role of evaluation in improving student achievement and character,” Progres Pendidikan, vol. 5, no. 3, 302–311, 2024.
J. H. Moon, J. Hargis, and H.-C. Lu, “Differences, limitations and advantages of effective online and face-to-face teaching methods for a Media Arts course,” The Online Journal of New Horizons in Education, vol. 11, no. 1, 15–32, Jan. 2021.
K. C. Li and B. T.-M. Wong, “Features and trends of personalised learning: a review of journal publications from 2001 to 2018,” Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 182–195, Aug. 2020.
B. Kulkarni, R. Banerjee, and R. Raghunathan, “Why students should be taught differently: Learner characteristics, learning styles and simulation performance,” Simulation & Gaming, vol. 53, no. 1, Dec. 2021.
S. Sachdeva, M. Singh, N. Kumar, and P. Goswami, “Personalized e-learning based on ant colony optimization,” International Journal of Uncertainty Fuzziness and Knowledge-Based Systems, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 115–134, Jan. 2022.
E. E. Bachari, E. H. Abelwahed, and M. E. Adnani, “An adaptive teaching strategy model in e-learning using learners’ preference: LearnFit framework,” International Journal of Web Science, vol. 1, no. 3, Mar. 2012.
M. Rastegarmoghadam and K. Ziarati, “Improved modeling of intelligent tutoring systems using ant colony optimization,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 22, pp. 1067–1087, Mar. 2017.
M. Abdullah, W. H. Daffa, R. M. Bashmail, M. Alzahrani, and M. Sadik, “The impact of learning styles on learner’s performance in e-learning environment,” International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, vol. 6, no. 9, 2015.
X. Chen, S. Li, H. Li, S. Jiang, Y. Qi, and L. Song, “Generative adversarial user model for reinforcement learning based recommendation system,” arXiv, 2020.
E. Sangineto, N. Capuano, M. Gaeta, and A. Micarelli, “Adaptive course generation through learning styles representation,” Universal Access in the Information Society, vol. 7, pp. 1–23, Oct. 2007.
C.-H. Wu, Y.-S. Chen, and T. Chen, “An adaptive e-learning system for enhancing learning performance: Based on dynamic scaffolding theory,” EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, vol. 14, no. 3, Dec. 2017.
B. Riad, S. Ali, H. Mourad, and S. Hamid, “An adaptive learning based on ant colony and collaborative filtering,” Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering, vol. 2, London, U.K., Jul. 2012, pp. 851–855.
S. Allach, M. B. Ahmed, A. Ghadi, and M. Essaaidi, “Modeling of e-learning based on ant colony algorithm,” International Journal of Networks and Systems, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 37–42, 2012.
R. Li, “Adaptive learning model based on ant colony algorithm,” International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), vol. 14, no. 1, Jan. 2019.
D. Hariyanto, “The design of adaptive learning system based on the collaboration of m-learning and e-learning platform,” Journal of Advances in Computer Networks, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 311–314, 2014.
O. Bourkoukou and E. El Bachari, “E-learning personalization based on collaborative filtering and learner’s preference,” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, vol. 11, no. 11, pp. 1565–1581.
S. E. Lakkah, M. A. Alimam and H. Seghiouer, “Adaptive e-learning system based on learning style and ant colony optimization,” 2017 Intelligent Systems and Computer Vision (ISCV), Fez, Morocco, 2017, pp. 1–5.
S. Goyal, “E-learning: Future of education,” Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), vol. 6, no. 4, p. 239, Sep. 2012.
P.-C. Sun, R. J. Tsai, G. Finger, Y.-Y. Chen, and D. Yeh, “What drives a successful e-Learning? An empirical investigation of the critical factors influencing learner satisfaction,” Computers & Education, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 1183–1202, May 2008.
G.-J. Hwang, H.-Y. Sung, S.-C. Chang, and X.-C. Huang, “A fuzzy expert system-based adaptive learning approach to improving students’ learning performances by considering affective and cognitive factors,” Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, vol. 1, 2020.
M. Boussakssou, B. Hssina, and M. Erittali, “Towards an adaptive e-learning system based on q-learning algorithm,” Procedia Computer Science, vol. 170, pp. 1198–1203, 2020.
V. Vagale, L. Niedrite, and S. Ignatjeva, “Implementation of personalized adaptive e-learning system,” Baltic Journal of Modern Computing, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 293–310, 2020.
K. K. Jena et al., “E-learning course recommender system using collaborative filtering models,” Electronics, vol. 12, no. 1, 2023.
I. Gligorea, M. Cioca, R. Oancea, A.-T. Gorski, H. Gorski, and P. Tudorache, “Adaptive learning using artificial intelligence in e-learning: A literature review,” Education Sciences, vol. 13, no. 12, Dec. 2023.