[publication] Federated Virtual Learning Management in a European University Alliance: First Experiences Using LTI to Connect LMS in Unite! #tugraz

Our publication „Federated Virtual Learning Management in a European University Alliance: First Experiences Using LTI to Connect LMS in Unite!“ is now published in the International Journal on E-Learning.

Abstract:
This paper explores the challenges and first experiences of implementing federated virtual learning management within the European University Alliance “Unite!”. Through the lens of Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), the study investigates the complexities inherent in connecting Learning Management Systems (LMS) across diverse institutional contexts. This research examines the general hurdles faced by European university alliances in adopting federated LMS. Additionally, it outlines the LMS infrastructure of Unite! in early 2024 and discusses the pilot initiatives undertaken to utilize LTI for connecting LMS platforms at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). The pilots involve integrating Unite!’s Metacampus with various platforms, including Moodle-based systems from TU Graz. The pilots demonstrate that the integration of LTI is not trivial, as it impacts technology, administration, and teaching due to the novelty of the system (requiring an explanation of how it works). However, the implementation is successful, with difficulties encountered only in specific browsers. Drawing from these pilot experiences, the paper presents insights and lessons learned regarding the efficacy of LTI in facilitating cross-platform connectivity within Unite! and offers implications for future implementations.

[publication @ ResearchGate]
[publication @ Publishers‘ homepage]

Reference: Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Gasplmayr, K., Hohla-Sejkora, K., Leitner, P., Taraghi, B. & Schön, S. (2025). Federated Virtual Learning Management in a European University Alliance: First Experiences Using LTI to Connect LMS in Unite!. In G. Marks (Ed.), Proceedings of International Journal on E-Learning 2025 (pp. 213-239). Waynesville, NC USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved September 18, 2025 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/226307/.

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of technolgy enhanced learning, with a focus on Learning Management Systems, european Alliances in Higher Education and LTI.

[presse] KI als Lehrer #tugraz #KI #avatar

Es freut uns, dass der Standard unsere neuesten Ergebnisse im Bereich KI und Avatare aufgegriffen hat und einen kleinen Beitrag mit dem Titel „KI als Lehrer“ abgedruckt hat in der Ausgabe vom 17.09.205

Künstliche Intelligenz und Avatare in der Lehre haben den Standard beschäftigt. Die Zeitung hat darüber mit Sandra Schön von der Organisationseinheit Lehr- und Lerntechnologien gesprochen, wo ein Team untersucht hat, wie sich schulischer, aber auch universitärer Unterricht mithilfe digitaler Methoden sowie mit und durch KI gestalten lässt.

Wer sich gerne ein Bild davon machen möchte, wie die Avatare umgesetzt sind, ist herzlich eingeladen sich jederzeit kostenlos in diesen MOOC einzuschreiben: Open Educational Resources in Higher Education

[workshop] Mitdenken in Echtzeit: KI-gestützte ARS in der Hochschullehre #ARS #tugraz

Im Rahmen des KI-Forums in Hannover hat Benedikt einen Workshop zu „Mitdenken in Echtzeit: KI-gestützte ARS in der Hochschullehre“ gehalten:

Welche Chancen bietet Künstliche Intelligenz, um Hochschullehre interaktiver zu gestalten und individuelles Feedback zu fördern? In diesem Workshop erleben die Teilnehmenden den Einsatz von KI-basierten Audience Response Systemen (ARS) am Beispiel des Open-Source-Tools echoQuiz.eu. Sie erfahren, wie explorative Frageformate die aktive Teilnahme in synchronen Lehrveranstaltungen steigern und wie Lehrende durch KI in Echtzeit didaktisch unterstützt werden können. In diesem Workshop werden gemeinsam Fragen entwickelt, praktisch erprobt und didaktisch reflektiert. 

Seine Folien sind hier zugänglich:

[statement] Artificial Intelligence is creating impressive teaching avatars, but also ethical dilemmas #AI #Avatar

Sandra and I did a short statement about „Artificial Intelligence is creating impressive teaching avatars, but also ethical dilemmas„, which was published on the European University Association website.

Abstract:
AI avatars are opening new possibilities for teaching and learning, for example in multilingual online courses. But as universities experiment with these technologies, we must urgently address the ethical, pedagogical and institutional implications of ‘avatarised’ educators.

[full article @ ResearchGate]
[full article @ Website]

Reference: Ebner, M., Schön, S. (2025). Artificial Intelligence is creating impressive teaching avatars, but also ethical dilemmas. Expert Voices. European University Association. [website]

[ijet, journal] Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning Vol. 20 / No.03 #ijet #research

Issue 20(03) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • Measuring Inclusive Teaching Strategies in Physical Education: A Comparative Analysis of the Student Teams Achievement Divisions Student Combine Social Software Interaction and Direct Teaching Methods on Students’ Learning Performance
  • Systematic Insights and Trends in AI-Based Student Engagement Detection
  • A Quasi-Experimental Study on Hybrid Teaching for College English Reading Using the ISmart Platform
  • Impact and Opportunities of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Study of Academic Perceptions
  • Immersive Learning through Virtual Reality Documentaries: Enhancing Engagement with Historical Narratives
  • Integrating EEG Analysis into Game-Based Learning

[Link to Issue 20/03]

Nevertheless, if you are interested to become a reviewer for the journal, please just contact me 🙂 .

[publication] Empowering Self-Regulated Learning Through Technology and the Teacher’s Role – A Systematic Literature Review #research

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of AI in education and Self-Regulated Learning.

Our research work titled „Empowering Self-Regulated Learning Through Technology and the Teacher’s Role – A Systematic Literature Review“ is published.

Abstract:
Self-regulated learning (SRL) has been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies as an effective alternative to traditional teaching methods, fostering individual learning processes. The added value of educational technology in supporting SRL has also been widely researched and largely validated. Within this context, the teacher plays a pivotal role. However, much of the existing research has been conducted at universities , while the secondary education level has received comparatively less attention. To gain an overview of the teacher’s influence on students‘ SRL processes, a PRISMA based systematic literature review was conducted. From an initial pool of 553 documents, 27 relevant studies were identified and analyzed. The selected studies were examined to collect data addressing the research questions, focusing on identifying effective teaching methods and essential teacher competencies for fostering SRL in technology-enhanced classrooms. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the evolving role of teachers and underscores the need for additional training to support these changes.

[full article @ publisher’s website]
[draft @ researchgate]

Reference: Geier, G., Ebner, M., Burgsteiner, H. (2025). Empowering Self-Regulated Learning Through Technology and the Teacher’s Role – A Systematic Literature Review. In: Smith, B.K., Borge, M. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2025. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 15807. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93567-1_5

[publication] Synthetic Educators: Analyzing AI-Driven Avatars in Digital Learning Environments #AIinEducation #tugraz

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of AI in education.

Our publication „Synthetic Educators: Analyzing AI-Driven Avatars in Digital Learning Environments“ at this year’s HCII conference is published.

Abstract:
Videos can be used in a variety of ways in learning environments today. With advances in generative AI technologies, tools such as HeyGen and ElevenLabs make it easy to create synthetic teachers, promising efficiency and accessibility. This study investigates the impact of AI-generated teaching video avatars on learners‘ emotional responses. A mixed-method approach was adopted, in which 55 participants were shown AI-generated videos and videos with real instructors. Emotional engagement was measured using FaceReader Online, along with quiz questions and follow-up interviews to gauge knowledge retention and perceptions of this educational technology. Results indicate that AI avatars effectively convey content and weakly elicit better recall rates and positive emotional responses comparable to those of real instructors. However, concerns were raised about emotional authenticity and engagement, highlighting the need for improved avatar design. The study concludes with a discussion of the potential and limitations of AI avatars and argues for their thoughtful integration to improve educational equity and learning outcomes.

[full article @ publisher’s homepage]
[draft @ researchgate]

Reference: Struger, P., Brünner, B., Ebner, M. (2025). Synthetic Educators: Analyzing AI-Driven Avatars in Digital Learning Environments. In: Smith, B.K., Borge, M. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2025. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 15807. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93567-1_13

[publication] InfoFit and Beyond: AI Chatbots as EdTech Tools for Self-Regulated Learning in MOOCs #AIinEducation #research

This is an impactful contributions, methodological rigor, and exceptional novelty in the research field of AI in education.

Our publication titled „InfoFit and Beyond: AI Chatbots as EdTech Tools for Self-Regulated Learning in MOOCs“ at this year’s HCII conference is available.

Abstract:
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become essential for the democratization of education by providing accessible learning opportunities to broad audiences. However, their asynchronous and open structure is challenging for learning, especially in terms of maintaining engagement, and self-regulated learning (SRL) is necessary. This study investigates the integration of a retrieval-augmented-generation (RAG) chatbot into a MOOC and uses generative AI (genAI) to enhance learn-ers‘ SRL processes. The chatbot is based on Zimmermann’s SRL framework and is prepared for the MOOC content, basics of computer science. It is designed to support learners in the forethought, performance, and self-reflection phases by providing concise, context-specific responses. A mixed-method evaluation with 79 participants revealed high levels of satisfaction , with over 98% of respondents recommending the chatbot for future courses. The chatbot proved effective in supporting tasks such as summarization and concept clarification; however, its role in maintaining motivation emerged as a key area for further investigation. These findings underscore the transformative potential of AI chatbots in asynchronous learning environments, while also highlighting the importance of incorporating multimodal and motivational features to maximize educational technology (EdTech) impact.

[full article @ publisher’s homepage]
[draft @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Brünner, B., Ebner, M. (2025). InfoFit and Beyond: AI Chatbots as EdTech Tools for Self-Regulated Learning in MOOCs. In: Smith, B.K., Borge, M. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2025. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 15807. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-93567-1_4

[publication] Digitaler Überblick statt Datenfragmentierung: Ein Studienfortschritts-Dashboard für die TU Graz

Für das fnma-Magazin 02/25 haben wir einen kurzen Beitrag zu „Digitaler Überblick statt Datenfragmentierung: Ein Studienfortschritts-Dashboard für die TU Graz“ geschrieben. Dieser bzw. das gesamte Magazin ist online erhältlich.

Abstract:
Transparenz, Selbststeuerung und digitale Unterstützung sind zentrale Faktoren für Studierbarkeit im digitalen Zeitalter. In diesem Beitrag zeigen wir, wie an der TU Graz gemeinsam mit Studierenden ein datenbasiertes Studienfortschritts-Dashboard entwickelt wird, das Orientierung schafft, Planung erleichtert und neue Impulse für ein nachhaltiges Digital Wellbeing im Student-Life-Cycle setzt.

[fnma Magazin 02/25]
[Beitrag @ ResearchGate]

Zitation: Brünner, B., Leitner, P., Pranter, P.-P. & Ebner, M. (2025) Digitaler Überblick statt Datenfragmentierung: Ein Studienfortschritts-Dashboard für die TU Graz, fnma-Magazin 02/25, S. 16-19, https://www.fnma.at/content/download/3220/21290?version=2