Adaptive learning: Add weight to links between learning objects and competencies

[JohannesStoehr]

Feature Proposal

Spec Version 0.2.0

Context

Problem

The current system links learning objects directly to competencies without any way of quantifying how much a learning object contributes to or is related to a specific competency. This lacks the ability to fine-tune so Artemis cannot determine the importance of a learning object for a competency. Some might only cover parts of a competency while others cover the core principles and should therefore be more important for the competency.

Motivation

The introduction a weight for these links is necessary to enhance the adaptive learning experience. By assigning these weights, instructors can quantify the relevance of each learning object for specific competencies. This will allow for more precise learning paths and guidance for students in areas where they need improvement. Affected users include instructors, who will be able to configure these links, and students, who will benefit from more accurate learning recommendations.

Requirements Engineering

Existing (Problematic) Solution / System

Currently the learning objects and competencies directly store their linked counterparts.

Proposed System

To also store the weight, we need an additional class between the two to store the weight.

Requirements

1. FR: Manage Competency Links: Artemis must allow the input of a weight when learning objects and competencies are linked.
2. FR: Use weight for learning path: Artemis should use the new weight to determine important exercises and priorities them when selecting exercises for the learning path.
3. FR: Use weight for mastery calculation: Artemis should use the weight to determine the mastery of a student by lowering the confidence if the student is worse in more important learning objects and vice versa.

Analysis

Analysis Object Model

System Architecture

Subsystem Decomposition

The endpoints to link competencies to learning objects must now also take the weight as a parameter.

Persistent Data Management

Adapt the existing competency_exercise and competency_lecture_unit table to also include a weight with a default value of 1 for existing links.

UI/UX Design

Add a dropdown with 3-5 choices (weak-strong) after each selected competency so the instructor can choose a weight for each connection.

[MaximilianAnzinger]

Rather than an input field I'd like to use some simplification, e.g., weak, medium, strong. With default value medium. In the backend we can still map it to a double for future ML plans. 👍