Design and Evaluation of Web-based Learning Environments using Information Foraging Models

In this chapter methods and tools for effective design and evaluation of web-based learning environments are presented. The main aspect addressed by this proposal is that of increasing findability of information in large web sites of learning information content by applying methods and tools based on the information foraging model. It is argued that through this approach, issues of learning content structure and usability may be also addressed. In particular, we propose four different ways to have information foraging theory informing the design. Directives, to ensure proper learning content structuring and cues with strong scent, tools based on LSA to automate the design and evaluation process, methods to construct archetypal learner’s profiles from user data and added functions to realise collaborative information filtering and personal information patch creation, thus allowing learners to organize their reference materials in a meaningful and constructive way.