Feasibility study of developing a university course selection support system which uses informal peer suggestions

Abstract

The authors proposed a support system for university students to create their own course schedules with informal information using semantic web technology. The system provides course information, such as syllabus, students' assessment scores and informal peer reviews, while participants create their own course schedules. The informal peer reviews are students' impression and comments. A prototype system was developed for course selections of two departments, and its effectiveness was determined. As a result, the number of courses selected increased significantly, and participants' subjective responses were encouraged when they consulted the system. Frequent access and system usability enhanced the number of courses selected using the system. These provide evidence that the semantic web function of a support system plays a significant role in university course selection.