A Survey of Learner and Researcher Related Challenges in E-learning Recommender Systems

Abstract

In recent years, recommender systems have been widely used to support online learning in educational institutions. However, there are still some challenges experienced by learners and researchers hindering the full implementation and utilization of recommender systems in e-learning environments. In this paper, we review the main learner and researcher related challenges of e-learning recommender systems. This was achieved by carrying out a systematic literature review of relevant journal papers on e-learning recommender systems with a view to identifying and classifying the challenges as either learner or researcher challenges. The results of the survey reveal that successful implementation and utilization of e-learning recommender systems is hindered by some challenges categorized in this review as learner and researcher challenges. The paper also identifies some possible solutions from different studies for alleviating the challenges as well as the limitations. The implications of this study will be vital in assisting learners and educational institutions utilize recommender systems to support online teaching and learning.