| Specific instructional systems like Altered Vista | | | | Information filtering |
| are utilizing a form of filtering technique to | | | | The process of categorizing and storing required |
| enhance the learning experience and to bolster | | | | data is the information filtering mechanism present |
| context-sensitive learning. | | | | in the Altered Vista system. The learning system |
| Contexts, as one may expect is often lost during | | | | is not limited to classrooms. Rather, the globalist |
| migration of information from one medium to | | | | usefulness of such a system is manifest. |
| another. Context loss in a broader usage is also | | | | The potential use and naturalness of the system |
| being felt as one of the major challenges of data | | | | is expounded further by the two researchers: |
| migration of large multinational companies. | | | | "For example, you've arrived in a brand new city, |
| The nature of communication is hinged completely | | | | and hunger pangs have erupted. How do you |
| on context during the process of communication. | | | | make that all-important decision: Where to dine? |
| "Word of mouth" social networks are part being | | | | You might consult restaurant guides, newspapers, |
| seen as part of the educational circuit that can be | | | | or the phone book." |
| used by instructional systems. | | | | "More likely, you would ask friends with similar |
| Special systems approach | | | | tastes in cuisine to recommend their favorite |
| According to Mimi M. Recker and Andrew Walker, | | | | spots. In the end, you want trusted sources to |
| researchers for the Journal of Interactive Learning | | | | provide you with information about the quality of |
| Research: | | | | restaurants to help you make the best selection." |
| "In its contextual form, the system can mine the | | | | As illustrated above, the kind of "filtering" that is |
| data using collaborative filtering techniques to | | | | happening is based on a proactive, necessary and |
| provide personalized recommendations of web | | | | organic selection of specific types of data. The |
| sites to an individual user. Because of this | | | | selection is made per demand and is done in light |
| capability, Altered Vista is an example of what is | | | | of specific situations. |
| called a "recommender system"." | | | | Other applications |
| "In addition, because of the underlying | | | | To some degree, many well known outfits on the |
| collaborative filtering algorithm, Altered Vista can | | | | World Wide Web are implementing similar |
| also provide recommendations of like-minded | | | | strategies. Google for example, is implementing a |
| people. Thus, Altered Vista sets the stage for | | | | region and language specific keyword system. |
| future collaboration and communication." | | | | To some, the keyword system is simply a way |
| Constant improvement | | | | to enhance the visibility of online merchants. But |
| Constant improvement in the system may be | | | | from a more scientific perspective, the keywords |
| seen in the way it gradually improves all existing | | | | are the result of a strategic data filtering method. |
| modes of cooperation and collaboration amongst | | | | The filtering method is implemented to enhance |
| users. | | | | the experience of using a particular service on the |
| In a way, new systems like Altered Vista remain | | | | Internet. All other repercussions are linked to |
| unique because of the specific functions and | | | | other regions of the operation of the Internet. |
| processes that it has been able to implement. The | | | | But it remains clear that collaborative learning has |
| implementation is still due to the concerted efforts | | | | a very bright future, both for actual learning and |
| of researchers. | | | | for the propagation of businesses. |