Enabling recommendation Systems for lifelong learning and educational online marketing strategies for University of Applied Science
Färm, Salomon (2021)
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021052611285
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021052611285
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis project was to find out whether a framework or method such as a recommender system could connect the need of the students to the courses of the teachers as part of a continuous strategical approach to develop the operating models of the universities of applied science. The thesis project was funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture to support the ongoing strategical process in universities of applied science (UAS) in Finland.
The thesis aims to develop a proposal on the use of recommendation systems. The theoretical framework for the research begins with a review of Lifelong learning as the model used in universities of applied science and is followed by a discussion of the recommender systems and their function, connecting students to courses. The universities of applied sciences can utilize what e-commerce business have done with the support of a recommendation system. Finally, the decision-making process is explained with the five stages model.
Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this thesis project. A quantitative survey was sent to students, and a qualitative survey of open-ended questions was sent to teachers. Finally, still using a qualitative approach, a survey-based questionnaire was sent to directors of the different universities to gain insight from the directors and their opinions.
Key findings in the research show that a framework of a recommender system is beneficial to the UAS. The data collected from the surveys show that there is an interest in a system that could help to connect the need of the students to the offerings from the teachers. Furthermore, the system could give more information to interested individuals visiting universities such as Open University participants giving the UAS a more effective way to reach and market the learning opportunities they have to offer.
The thesis aims to develop a proposal on the use of recommendation systems. The theoretical framework for the research begins with a review of Lifelong learning as the model used in universities of applied science and is followed by a discussion of the recommender systems and their function, connecting students to courses. The universities of applied sciences can utilize what e-commerce business have done with the support of a recommendation system. Finally, the decision-making process is explained with the five stages model.
Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this thesis project. A quantitative survey was sent to students, and a qualitative survey of open-ended questions was sent to teachers. Finally, still using a qualitative approach, a survey-based questionnaire was sent to directors of the different universities to gain insight from the directors and their opinions.
Key findings in the research show that a framework of a recommender system is beneficial to the UAS. The data collected from the surveys show that there is an interest in a system that could help to connect the need of the students to the offerings from the teachers. Furthermore, the system could give more information to interested individuals visiting universities such as Open University participants giving the UAS a more effective way to reach and market the learning opportunities they have to offer.