Adaptation Models for Personalisation in Web-based Learning Environments

One of the main advantages of delivering web-based educational materials is that the same content is delivered to a number of students and can be accessed with no restrictions of time and place. However, there is a wide belief that using the web as only a new kind of delivery medium for educational materials does not add significant value to the teaching and learning process. It is postulated that one of the main problems with e-learning environments is their lack of personalisation. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current work in the field and describes three potential adaptation models – namely a content-based adaptation model, an activity-theoretical adaptation model and a hybrid adaptation model. A framework is finally proposed for research in promoting personalisation in web-based learning environments. The framework is basically an integration of three adaptation models that are discussed in this paper. The paper exposes the limitations of so-called intelligent tutoring systems and emphasises on the increasing importance of the teacher’s role in the teaching and learning process.