CoFIND - An Experiment in N-dimensional Collaborative Filtering

This paper reports on the development of CoFIND, a Web-based n-dimensional collaborative filtering system that seeks to guide learners to relevant resources based upon not only the content of the resources but the qualities exhibited by those resources that make them useful learning material. Qualities provide the n-dimensions of this collaborative filter. Qualities and resources are generated collaboratively by the users of the system. CoFIND is designed to allow evolution to occur, which is discussed in the context of Darwinian theory and includes reference to current theories relating to the development of complex systems. The paper goes on to describe the implementation of the system and the results of an early pilot experiment involving a group of 42 students. It is concluded that, despite encouraging early results, some further work is needed to develop an effective interface and to embody the kind of complex interactions needed to generate spontaneous evolution. This work is already underway and discussed in the context of the lessons learnt.