Abstract:

One of the biggest challenges in Higher Education (HE) involves the personalization of the learning experience. Differentiation to meet the specific needs of every type of learner is today a common hot-topic. However, personalized learning is not a new concept and it has evolved to its present state supported by technology. Learning Management Systems (LMSs) commonly employed in HE institutions are mostly used to support academic management, but they have the potential to closely monitor students’ academic activities, evaluate their scholarly success and support other teaching and tutoring related actions. Deep knowledge acquisition about students learning styles is essential for curriculum personalization. Furthermore, this knowledge could inform the adoption of optimally effective tailored content, which in turn would help the students to better achieve their learning objectives. The use of Intelligent Learning Management Systems (ILMSs) could be considered as a tool to assist through such a personalization process, especially if they are implemented on the basis of the technological infrastructure supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. This paper aims to review how the combination of modern AI and technological tools already in used (LMSs) can support HE institutions in the acquisition of the essential knowledge needed to personalize content for different learners, facilitating the required decision-making process. The concept and functionalities of such ILMSs are presented and discussed. In addition, a preliminary pilot study was conducted through focus groups to assess students’ perceptions about the implementation of AI capabilities into current LMSs. Four guided focus groups (9 BBA undergraduate students per group) were conducted. Each group discussed usage, functionality, areas for improvement and merging technologies for current LMSs during 45 minutes. The moderator highlighted the concept of AI integration with the aim to personalize learning materials and teaching methodologies. Our results indicate that students perceived current LSMs as commodities, appreciated their most useful functionalities (access to teaching materials, assessment-related options and notifications) but were reluctant to integrate any AI capabilities. The main reasons provided were aversion to change, doubts about the fairness of assessments (regarding different methodologies or materials adapted to specific learning needs) and fear of complex implementation processes. Privacy concerns did not seem to be relevant for the students. ILSMs have the potential to significantly improve the learning and teaching process for both lecturers and students, especially with regards to the automatization of personalization processes. However, the results of this pilot study seem to indicate that HE institutions should carefully consider students’ perceptions and their aversion to technological changes before they attempt any implementation of AI capabilities into current LSMs.

Keywords:

Learning Management System, Artificial Intelligence, learning styles, curriculum personalization, focus group.