[publication] Improved German Spelling Acquisition through Learning Analytics #iderblog #LearningAnalytics

Our publication about the Learning Analytics implementation within the IDER-blog procject has been published: “Improved German Spelling Acquisition through Learning Analytics”.
Abstract:

Many pupils struggle with the acquisition of the German orthography. In order to meet this struggle a web based platform for German speaking countries is currently developed. This platform aims to motivate pupils aged 8 to 12 to improve their writing and spelling competences. In this platform pupils can write texts in the form of blog entries concerning everyday events or special topics. Since the core of this platform consists of an intelligent dictionary focussing on different categories of misspellings, students can improve their own spelling skills by trying to correct their mistakes according to the feedback of the system. Teachers are informed about specific orthographic problems of a particular student by getting a qualitative analysis of the misspellings from this intelligent dictionary. The article focuses on the development of the intelligent dictionary, details concerning the requirements, the categorization and the used wordlist. Further, necessary information on German orthography, spelling competence in general and the platform itself is given. By implementing methods of learning analytics it is expected to gain deeper insight into the process of spelling acquisition and thus serves as a basis to develop better materials on the long run.

[Full article at ResearchGate]

Reference: Edtstadler, K., Ebner, M., Ebner, M. (2015) Improved German Spelling Acquisition through Learning Analytics. eLearning Papers, 45, pp. 17-28

[publication] The Maker Movement. Implications of new digital gadgets, fabrication tools and spaces for creative learning and teaching

Our article about “The Maker Movement. Implications of new digital gadgets, fabrication tools and spaces for creative learning and teaching” got republished in the Special Issue “Transforming Education through Innovation and Technology” of the elearning papers.
Abstract:

The “Maker Movement” deals with innovative forms of production and do-it-yourself work. It is not only a way for new business models and developments, e.g. using 3D print or other new digital tools and gizmos, but also influencing education. This paper introduces several diverse terms (from FabLabs to Hackerspaces) and gives insights into background, practice and existing experiences from Maker Movement in educational settings amongst all age groups. As a conclusion, the authors present reasons why practitioners and researcher should consider its educational potential. Besides its creative and technological impacts, learning by making is an important component of problem- solving and relating educational content to the real world. Besides this, digital tools for making are not expensive, for example apps for mobile devices or rents for 3D printer (compared with desktops in 1:1 settings). The Maker Movement is seen as an inspiring and creative way to deal with our world, it is aware of ecological challenges and of course, and it is able to develop technological interest and competences casually. Finally, the authors give recommendation for reading for all who got interested in making.

Reference: Schön, Sandra; Ebner, Martin & Kurma, Swapna (2014). The Maker Movement. Implications of new digital gadgets, fabrication tools and spaces for creative learning and teaching [Republished in special issue] . In: eLearning Papers, eLearning Papers Special edition 2014 “Transforming Education through Innovation and Technology, September 2014, pp. 86-100. [.pdf]