Schlagwort: conference

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[publication] Refactoring and Evaluation of an Interactive Web Portal for German Language Acquisition #edmedia #research

Our research titled „Refactoring and Evaluation of an Interactive Web Portal for German Language Acquisition“ got published at this year’s ED-Media conference in Barcelona.

Abstract:
This paper presents the refactoring and evaluation of IDeRBlog, an educational blog platform designed to support German language acquisition in primary schools. Originally developed as part of an EU Erasmus project, IDeRBlog aims to improve students’ spelling skills through a combination of intelligent feedback and blogging features. The recent redevelopment focused on updating the user interface for mobile compatibility and integrating modern web technologies. To assess the impact of these improvements on user experience, two test classes used the IDeRBlog system during regular German lessons. Students received automated feedback on their writing, while teachers tracked progress using learning analytics to identify common error categories. The evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in usability and user experience due to the refactoring, highlighting its positive impact on both student engagement and learning outcomes.

[draft @ researchgate]
[full Version @ conference website]

Reference: Buchacher, F., Wachtler, J. & Ebner, M. (2025). Refactoring and Evaluation of an Interactive Web Portal for German Language Acquisition. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 611-621). Barcelona, Spain: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved May 26, 2025 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/226203/.

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[publication] Inspired by generative AI, Ignoring Open Knowledge? Findings from a Longitudinal Study on Digital Equipment and Activities of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011–2024) #edmedia #research

Our paper titled „Inspired by generative AI, Ignoring Open Knowledge? Findings from a Longitudinal Study on Digital Equipment and Activities of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011–2024)“ at this year’s ED-Media conference in Barcelona got published.

Abstract:
Over the past 13 years, nearly 13,000 students participated in annual surveys during the “Welcome Days” for first-year students at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria. This paper presents an analysis of data from 2011 to 2024, offering insights into the evolving digital landscape of incoming students. It explores trends in IT equipment, social media use, communication tools, digital leisure, and engagement with online resources. A key finding is the rising adoption of AI tools, with ChatGPT usage nearly doubling compared to the previous year. At the same time, the use of Wikipedia and open-source software has declined, suggesting shifts in information-seeking and digital work habits. Smartphones and digital communication tools remain essential, though preferences are changing—for example, Discord is gaining popularity while SMS continues to decline. Streaming services are still dominant for digital leisure, yet platforms such as Netflix and Prime are no longer surveyed separately, reflecting broader changes in media use. This longitudinal study provides valuable insights into how students’ digital habits evolve, informing digital learning strategies, educational technologies, and student support services. By understanding these trends, universities can better tailor e-learning environments and digital literacy initiatives to support new student cohorts effectively.

[draft @ researchgate]
[full paper @ conference website]

Reference: Nagler, W., Mair, B., Ebner, M. & Schön, S. (2025). Inspired by generative AI, Ignoring Open Knowledge? Findings from a Longitudinal Study on Digital Equipment and Activities of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011–2024). In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1161-1169). Barcelona, Spain: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved May 26, 2025 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/226272/.

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[presentation] Rapid Multilingual Video Production (RMVPro) utilizing Artificial Intelligence #tugraz #ai #video

Our next talk at this year’s ED-Media conference is about „Rapid Multilingual Video Production (RMVPro) utilizing Artificial Intelligence“. Find the slides right here:

Brünner, B. & Ebner, M., (2025). Rapid Multilingual Video Production (RMVPro) utilizing Artificial Intelligence. ED-Media 2025 conference, presentation, Barcelona [slides]

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[publication] Chatbots in Education: A Systematic Rapid Literature Review #AIinEdu #tugraz #research

Our contribution to this year’s SITE conference in Orlando titled „Chatbots in Education: A Systematic Rapid Literature Review“ is published.

Abstract:
This review explores the role of chatbots in education through a detailed literature review of 60 records. As chatbots become increasingly embedded in students‘ daily lives, their presence in primary, secondary, and tertiary education is expanding rapidly. By analyzing the selected papers, this review highlights both the opportunities and challenges faced by educators and students when using chatbots. The findings indicate that the integration of AI in education offers significant potential but requires careful consideration. In particular, the study emphasizes the need for improved teacher and student training, updated policies, and effective assessments to maintain academic integrity and enhance learning outcomes.

[publication @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Gregorac, A., Brünner, B. & Ebner, M. (2025). Chatbots in Education: A Systematic Rapid Literature Review. In Proceedings of SITE 2025 (pp. 588-593). Waynesville, NC USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved March 24, 2025 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/225579/.

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[presentation] Beyond Open Access: Open Educational Resources (OER) for Legal Clarity, Sustainability, and Digital Sovereignty in European University Alliances #tugraz #OER #UNITE!

We did a presentation about „Beyond Open Access: Open Educational Resources (OER) for Legal Clarity, Sustainability, and Digital Sovereignty in European University Alliances“ at the 2nd Unite!-Ed Future Conference.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are widely recognized for improving access to education and enabling the sharing of knowledge. However, in the context of European university alliances, such as Unite!, OER offer additional, often underappreciated benefits that are crucial for cross-border collaboration and sustainable development in higher education. This position paper explores three key aspects of OER that are particularly relevant for European alliances. First, OER enable the legally secure use of educational resources across national borders, addressing uncertainties about copyright laws, particularly for translations and adaptations. This ensures compliance with different legal frameworks while fostering collaboration. Second, OER support sustainability by ensuring that investments in educational materials are not limited by restrictive usage rights. This is particularly critical in alliances where shared resources play a central role in fostering long-term cooperation and aligning with sustainability goals, a priority for Unite!. Finally, OER contribute to digital sovereignty by empowering institutions and educators to create, adapt, and share resources without reliance on proprietary platforms or licenses. This aligns with the broader strategic objectives of European alliances to promote autonomy and resilience in their digital ecosystems. By highlighting these often-overlooked benefits of OER, this research aims to broaden the perspective on their strategic importance in fostering collaboration, sustainability, and sovereignty within European university alliances.

Find our slides here:

Ebner, M., & Schön, S. (2025, März 13). Beyond Open Access: Open Educational Resources (OER) for Legal Clarity, Sustainability, and Digital Sovereignty in European University Alliances. Presentation at the Unite! Ed Future Conference, March 13, 2025. Graz University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.3217/cz2rm-g9g13

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[presentation] Building OER Competence Across the Unite! Alliance. Insights from the „Unite! OER Courses“ Project #OER #tugraz #research

For the 2nd Unite!-Ed Future Conference, we presented the results of our OER course, titled „Building OER Competence Across the Unite! Alliance. Insights from the „Unite! OER Courses“ Project„

The „Unite! OER Courses“ seed fund project successfully advanced Open Educational Resources (OER) competence among students and lecturers across the Unite! alliance. A major milestone was the development of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on OER, licensed under CC BY 4.0 International and translated into 11 languages, including Turkish and Indonesian, with the help of AI avatars and tools. Since its launch on May 6, 2024, the MOOC has attracted over 1,200 participants. Additionally, an OER course in English was introduced on the Unite! federated learning management system Metacampus.
To further enhance capacity, a dedicated OER training for lecturers was conducted, which resulted in the publication of a collection of tools and methods for future OER training initiatives. In this contribution, we build upon previous work, particularly insights from our project report (Unite, 2024) and various presentations on the topic, including preliminary findings on the impact at partner universities (Schön et al., n.d., submitted for JODDE).
Methodologically, we addressed different research questions primarily through a case study, allowing us to analyse the implementation, reception, and institutional effects of the OER initiatives within the alliance. The collected data provides valuable insights for the establishment of a future Unite! Open Science Academy.
This presentation will share the project’s achievements, methodologies, and outcomes while addressing challenges and opportunities for promoting OER practices in international higher education settings.

Find the slides here:

Schön, S., Ebner, M., & Vicente-Saéz, R. (2025, März 13). Building OER Competence Across the Unite! Alliance. Insights from the „Unite! OER Courses“ Project. Presentation at Unite! Ed Future Conference, March 13, 2025. Graz University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.3217/hm2aw-dvh27

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[presentation] The Metacampus as a Teaching Hub for the Unite! Alliance #unite #moodle

For the 2nd Unite!-Ed Future Conference, Katharina presented details about the Metacampus, titled „The Metacampus as a Teaching Hub for the Unite! Alliance„:

The Unite! alliance has developed the Metacampus, a federated LMS based on Moodle, to facilitate seamless collaboration and resource sharing among partner universities. This presentation showcases how the Metacampus supports teaching and learning across the alliance by addressing diverse needs and enabling innovative approaches. Key use cases where the Metacampus proves particularly beneficial are outlined, along with resources created to guide users, including detailed documentation, courses, and instructional videos (produced with AI avatars). Activities such as targeted training sessions and the streamlined submission of requests and special requirements via an integrated request form are highlighted. LTI pilot activities, aimed at integrating local LMS systems with the Metacampus, are presented, along with insights from regular E-Learning Support Group meetings. Success stories demonstrate the platform’s impact and potential for enhancing collaboration within Unite!. In conclusion, challenges extending beyond technical solutions are addressed, such as the lack of incentives to adopt Unite!-specific courses or to fully utilize the Metacampus. These insights foster dialogue on how to further support teaching and learning within the Unite! alliance.

Find the slides here:

Gasplmayr, K., Schön, S., Alcober, J., Ebner, M., & Molins, X. (2025, März 13). The Metacampus as a Teaching Hub for the Unite! Alliance. Presentation at the Unite! Ed Future Conference 2025, March 13, 2025. Graz University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.3217/eeqtz-1f759

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[publication] Usage of (federated) Learning Management Systems in European University Alliances #tugraz

We made a contribution about our outcomes of the European alliance titled „Usage of (federated) Learning Management Systems in European University Alliances„

Abstract:
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, European universities are increasingly relying on digital technologies for collaboration and learning. European Universities, as transnational alliances, aim to reshape higher education by fostering academic exchange and innovation across borders. With over 40 alliances in existence, enhancing virtual mobility and exchange through interconnected learning infrastructures has become imperative. This paper provides insights into Learning Management System (LMS) adoption within European alliances, focusing on the Unite! alliance as a case study. While Unite! demonstrates successful implementation of Moodle as its central LMS, challenges persist in achieving uniformity across all partners. A desktop analysis of European alliances reveals that Moodle might be the most often used LMS in February 2023. A description of the LMS implementation within the Unite! analysis shows as well that a majority uses Moodle – at least as a second LMS. So, although the decision for a federated LMS based on Moodle might be the right one, these results as well indicate the need for tailored technical solutions for future developments for some partners and disparities in lecturers‘ and students‘ concerning a Moodle so that pre-emptive measures to ensure equitable participation are important. Despite these challenges, Unite!’s experience underscores the potential of Moodle as a widely adopted platform, prompting further exploration into solutions like LTI integration.

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

Citation: Ebner, M., Schön, S., Alcober, J., Bertonasco, R., Herczak-Ciara, A., Hoppe, C., Martikainen, J., Muchitsch, M., Petersson, J. and da Silva, F.M. (2024) ‘Usage of (federated) Learning Management Systems in European University Alliances’, Ubiquity Proceedings, 4(1), p. 37. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5334/uproc.159.

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[presentation] iMooX.at und OERhub.at – zwei nationale Lehrplattformen als OER-Shared-Services #imoox #OER #tugraz

Jana und ich dürfen heute bei der ACO-TEC Veranstaltung in Wien über iMooX und OERhub eine kurze Präsentation halten. Hier gibt es dazu die Folien:

Zitation: Ebner, M., & Herwig, J. (2024, September 18). iMooX.at und OERhub.at – zwei nationale Lehrplattformen als OER-Shared-Services. Graz University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.3217/ch36n-r7x58

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[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/.