Swarm-Based Wayfinding Support in Open and Distance Learning

Abstract

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 overburdening or abandonment of learners as they progress along their learning journey. This paper introduces an approach to wayfinding support for distance learners based on self-organisation theory. It describes an architecture that supports the recording, processing, and presentation of collective learner behaviour designed to create a feedback loop informing learners of successful paths towards the attainment of learning goals. The approach is presented as an alternative to methods of achieving adaptation in hypermedia-based learning environments which involve learner modelling.