Using Decision Support Systems to Enhance Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

DSS technology can be used as a pedagogical tool for guiding students at various levels of abilities. This article describes a DSS technique called Candidate Evaluation and its implementation in a DSS authoring tool called CEVED and a consultation environment called CEVAL. CEVED is used to codify knowledge combining multi-attribute and rule-based reasoning. CEVAL allows students to apply the model and knowledge base in evaluating real-world companies and products. The software is used in various business courses to facilitate three levels of learning: objective, cognitive, and constructive. For objective learning, the software provides a framework for multiple-choice testing, immediate student-centered feedback, and recommendations for further study. For cognitive learning, the software can be combined with written cases to guide students through a decision-making process. For constructivist learning, students use the software in a research project in order to develop their own DSS. These techniques and their viability as teaching aids are discussed in the paper.