[publication] Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite! #tugraz #research

Our research about „Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!“ was published at this year’s ED-Media conference in Brussels.

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. 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.

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

Reference: Schön, S., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Gasplmayr, K., Hohla-Sejkora, K., Leitner, P. & Taraghi, B. (2024). Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 123-136). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224514/.

[publication] The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance #tugraz #unite #research

Our this year’s publication at ED-Conference 2024 in Brussels was about Teaching Management Patterns and titled „The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance

Abstract:
This paper introduces Teaching Management Patterns (TMP) as a descriptive and communicative framework for addressing challenges and decision-making processes related to IT infrastructure in the Unite! European university alliance. The aim is to support decision-making and consultation in utilizing the alliance’s IT infrastructure effectively. TMP offer abstract descriptions for educational scenarios, considering factors such as organizational structures, technical capabilities, legal frameworks, and didactic requirements. The paper presents the development of these patterns specifically for the Unite! alliance, highlighting their role in decision support for using the transversal, alliance wide learning management system, Metacampus. Three exemplary cases are presented to illustrate the challenges, including continuing education for staff, joint lectures involving multiple universities, and research contributions. The patterns are categorized based on their compatibility with Metacampus, providing visual representations. The paper also introduces a decision tree as a counseling tool for determining the appropriateness of using Metacampus, considering legal and organizational restrictions. In conclusion, TMP offer a systematic approach for addressing IT infrastructure complexities in a European university alliance. The presented patterns and decision tree serve as valuable consultation tools for decision-making processes regarding the use of the alliance’s IT infrastructure.

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

Reference: Schön, S., Gasplmayr, K., Ebner, M., Alcober, J., Hoppe, C., Koschutnig-Ebner, M., de Silva, F.M. & Taraghi, B. (2024). The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 137-146). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224515/.

[publication] The use of programming tasks in interactive videos to increase learning effectiveness at MOOCs #tugraz #mooc

Our publication at this year’s ED-Media conference titled „The use of programming tasks in interactive videos to increase learning effectiveness at MOOCs“ is now available online.

Abstract:
The importance of digital technologies, especially videos, increased over the course of the last few years. Whether they are used to watching the latest news or for entertainment purposes, one could say they have become almost omnipresent in everyday’s life. This development has also influenced education. Therefore, we want to examine the effects of interactive overlays such as programming tasks in interactive learning videos. For this purpose, a MOOC course was created to gain information about participants` learning success. To evaluate whether the interactive elements have a positive effect, two test groups completed the course. The results revealed that the test group with overlays performed better on average than the group without. Some limitations had to be considered, such as the smaller peer group that watched the videos without interactive elements.

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

Reference: Geier, G., Weiß, M., Wachtler, J. & Ebner, M. (2024). The use of programming tasks in interactive videos to increase learning effectiveness at MOOCs. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 38-47). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224503/.

[publication] WhatsApp’s Reign and Email’s Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023) #tugraz #study

Our publication at this year’s ED-Media conference was the result of the annual evaluation „WhatsApp’s Reign and Email’s Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023)

Abstract:
Within the last 12 years, more than 11.800 students participated in annual surveys during the university’s “Welcome Days” amongst study beginners at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria. This paper presents an analysis of the digital communication tool from 2011 to 2023. The 2023 iteration provided insights into the prevailing trends, including the dominance of WhatsApp for both general and learning use, the notable reliance on email, and the increasing role of privacy-focused applications such as Signal and Telegram. We also observed a sustained interest in multipurpose devices over single-function gadgets, an upsurge in smartwatch usage, and a diversification in social media and leisure platforms, reflecting a shift towards more engaging and interactive digital experiences. This paper contributes to the discourse on educational technology by highlighting the intersection of student preferences, technological advancement, and institutional support, setting a precedent for future-proofing learning support in higher education.

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

Reference: Nagler, W., Mair, B., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S. & Schön, S. (2024). WhatsApp’s Reign and Email’s Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023). In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 73-82). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224506/.

[presentation] Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite! #unite! #tugraz #research

The next presentation at this year’s ED-Media conference is „Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!„. Find here our slides:

[Link to slides @ ResearchGate]