SLDERCLC: Improving Smart Learning Frameworks Through Deep Learning Enhanced Recommender Systems Using an Efficient Cross-Layer Collaborative Approach

The exponentially scaling domain of a smart learning frameworks necessitates advanced recommender systems capable of providing precise and relevant educational content to learners. Traditional recommender systems often grapple with challenges such as data sparsity, cold start problems, and the inability to capture complex user-item interactions & scenarios. This work introduces a novel approach to recommender systems in smart learning frameworks, addressing these limitations by leveraging deep learning techniques. Our proposed model amalgamates Deep Q Learning with Multilayer Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) for Cross Layer Collaborative Filtering and integrates Autoencoders with Capsule Networks for enhanced recommendation accuracy levels. The use of Deep Q Learning facilitates efficient decision-making in dynamic environments, while Multilayer GNNs adeptly handle relational data, improving the recommendation process by capturing the intricate connections within the educational contents. Furthermore, the incorporation of Autoencoders with Capsule Networks offers a sophisticated mechanism for understanding hierarchical relationships in data, which is crucial for personalized learning paths. The effectiveness of our model is substantiated through rigorous testing on the ASSISTments and EdNet datasets. The results are compelling, showcasing a 4.9% increase in precision, 5.5% improvement in accuracy, 3.5% higher recall, 2.9% greater AUC (area under the curve), 3.4% increased specificity, and a notable 4.5% reduction in delay for smart learning recommendations in comparison with SBBR, DRL and ROME. These improvements highlight the model’s proficiency in delivering timely and relevant educational content, thereby enhancing the learning experience of students as well as the teaching strategies of faculty. The framework attains significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of educational content recommendations thereby increasing the retention rate of students which has great impact on the academic institution reputation. The real-time impacts of this model are evident in its improved precision and responsiveness, marking a substantial contribution to the field of smart learning technologies. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.