Swarm-based sequencing recommendations in e-learning

Open and distance learning (ODL) gives learners freedom of time, place and pace of study, putting learner self-direction centre-stage. However, increased responsibility should not come at the price of over-burdening or abandonment of learners as they progress along their learning journey. This paper introduces an approach to recommending the sequencing of e-learning modules for distance learners based on self-organization theory. It describes an architecture which supports the recording, processing and presentation of collective learner behavior designed to create a feedback loop informing learners of successful paths towards the attainment of learning goals. The article includes initial results from a large-scale experiment designed to validate the approach.