Simplifying Is Not Always Best: Learners Thrive When Using Multifaceted Open Social Learner Models

This paper explores open social learner modeling (OSLM) – a social extension of open learner modeling (OLM). A specific implementation of this approach is presented, by which learners’ self-direction and self-determination in a social elearning context could be potentially promoted. The proposed new approach, multifaceted-OSLM, allows, unlike in previous work, to seamlessly and adaptively embed visualization of both a learner’s own model and other learning peers’ models, into different parts of the learning content, for multiple axes of context, at any time during the learning process. It also demonstrates advantages of visualizing both learners’ performance and their contribution to a learning community. An experimental study showed that, contradictory to previous research, the richness and complexity of this new approach impacted positively on the learning experience, in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction perceived by the learners.