The Social Requirements Engineering (SRE) Approach to Developing a Large-Scale Personal Learning Environment Infrastructure

Abstract

In this paper we reflect on the limitations of applying traditional requirements engineering approaches to the development of a large-scale {PLE} infrastructure, which is precisely the aim of a technology-enhanced learning project called {ROLE.} The Social Requirements Engineering ({SRE)} approach has been proposed as an appropriate alternative. The {SRE} process is grounded in an agent- and goal-oriented conceptual model. The implementation of {SRE} prototypes was structured with a five-staged requirement lifecycle: elicitation, negotiation, selection, development and feedback. We report results of the preliminary evaluation of the prototypes and lessons learnt. Several relevant issues have been identified, including the lack of a consensual understanding of key concepts, lurking within Community of Practices ({CoP)}, and cultural differences. Possible solutions are proposed to address the issues, including templates, mandatory voting and prioritisation model.