Issues and Challenges in Social Networks for Recommender System in E-Learning: A Survey

Abstract: With the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies (ICT), e-learning has become one of the major trends in web based learning. Nowadays, learners in an e-learning system are into virtual education environment in which they do not need others assistance in the process of learning. The role of social networks in e-learning is supportive and important. Social leaning occurs when a group of individuals interact to support each other in learning process using any media; one of them is social media. It is required to meet every learner’s individual needs through highly personalized recommendation system. This paper focuses on discussion of various works carried out on the importance of social media for a recommender system in an e-learning environment.

Keywords: e-learning, social media, recommender system, ICT, web based learning.

I. INTRODUCTION

E-learning can be defined as electronic learning that consists of acquisition of knowledge by using computer and internet base courseware [3]. With the exponential growth of educational resources available on World Wide Web, information overload has become a crucial challenge. The main characteristics of e-learning systems are their ability to recognize learners’ needs, behaviour and also their capabilities. These systems should be able to provide the appropriate recommendations to improve the efficiency of the learning process. Conventional learning management systems(LMS) are commonly adopted as formal teaching and learning environments[17]. In traditional learning design, the source of knowledge is from the instructor, the design of learning process is basically teacher centric and all the instructions occur from teacher to student. With the growing interest in elearning the means of education is changing from traditional class rooms to distant learning. Nowadays, social media networks such as Facebook, twitter and Google+ became very popular. Social media networks have a great effect on people life. They can be accessed very easily by PCs or mobile phones. There is a growing interest in the adaption of new sources for the personalization of the various learning experiences.
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