A Picture-Book Recommender System for Extensive Reading on an E-Book System

Abstract

In this paper, we demonstrate a picture-book recommender system to promote extensive reading in English. Extensive reading refers to the independent reading of a large quantity of material for information or pleasure and is known to be effective for acquisition of a second language. The recommender system is implemented on an e-book system that shows digital learning materials (e.g., textbooks and slides) on student’s device. Activities on the e-book system are recorded as learning logs. The recommender system suggests picture books in English based on contents of English textbooks. Specifically, we implement two recommendation strategies: (1) term-based recommendation and (2) grammar-based recommendation. In the future, we use learning logs and loan records of picture books to investigate the influence of picture books on acquisition of English and to enable personalized recommendations for each student.