A flexible graph-based model for facilitating digital learning activities

The development of big data techniques has created great opportunities for more powerful e-learning systems. Online platforms such as MOOCs, distance learning communities and mobile learning applications are therefore able to have larger data capacity and allow more users to access. However, a big challenge accompanied with the rapid development of e-learning systems is information overload for learners. Users may get lost in such a large volume of learning resources. To address this issue, it is essential to have a model for better understanding of user intentions, preferences and prior knowledge. Therefore, in this article, a flexible graph-based model for users is proposed by incorporating various relationships in this context. By consolidating various kinds of relationships in a unified graph model for the users, the model can then facilitate digital learning activities in e-learning systems. Additionally, some examples of using this model are discussed for the future studies on the model. Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.