Role and value of learning theories in the area of adaptive educational hypermedia systems incorporating learning styles

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pedagogical basis of Adaptive Educational Hypermedia Systems (AEHS) that incorporate Learning Styles concerning learning paradigms and learning theories through a meticulous review of the relevant published work. We investigated twenty (20) AEHS and analyze them comparatively to a variety of adaptivity determinants. Two are the pivotal points that are crucial in exploration of pedagogical approaches of these systems: the locus of control and the provided learning material. We conclude that these systems are based mostly on the learning paradigm of Cognitivism and Constructivism. In addition, we assume that the concept of learning theory is not such a narrow term, given that networked world imposes the concept of personal learning.