[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

[presentation] Synthetic Educators: Analyzing AI-Driven Avatars in Digital Learning Environments #HCII25

Our research about AI-Driven Avatars was presented at 27th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Struger, P., Brünner, B., & Ebner, M. (2025, Juni 23). Presentation: Synthetic Educators: Analyzing AI-Driven Avatars in Digital Learning Environments. Graz University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.3217/bngt5-p2053

[publication] Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Video Editing in Educational Content Production: A Time Efficiency and Learner Perspective Study #tugraz #research

Out publication „Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Video Editing in Educational Content Production: A Time Efficiency and Learner Perspective Study“ was published.

Abstract:
Automated editing technology offers notable efficiencies in educational video production. This study contrasts the time-saving benefits of automated editing against manual professional editing. Raw learning video footage was recorded in a professional studio with a green screen and presented in a frontal lecture style. The raw footage underwent editing by both an automated tool and professional editors. Time comparison results revealed significant savings with the use of automated tools. The paper further investigates the impact of automated editing on the learning video quality from the learners’ viewpoint. An online survey with 129 participants evaluated their perceptions of potential learning outcomes after viewing automatically and manually edited versions of two videos. The survey found a statistically significant difference in perceived learning potential from one of the videos, although not for both. Additionally, the study considers how differences in study group characteristics might influence these results. In summary, while automated editing presents a compelling case for production time reduction, its impact on the perceived quality of educational videos remains uncertain, necessitating additional research to understand the subtleties of learner interaction with video content.

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

Reference: Nußbaumer, D., Mair, B., Schön, S., Edelsbrunner, S., Ebner, M. (2024). Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Video Editing in Educational Content Production: A Time Efficiency and Learner Perspective Study. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2024. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14722. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61672-3_15

[publication] Promotion of Emotional Learning in Technical and Social Domains: A Systematic Review #tugraz #research #hcii

Our publication, „Promotion of Emotional Learning in Technical and Social Domains: A Systematic Review, “ was published.

Abstract:
Different learning approaches and new Learning Environment Systems (LES) are evolving rapidly these days and are designed by taking more and more individual skills and personal characteristics and preferences into account. Also Emotional Learning is gaining more importance when it comes to different learning environments in the technical domain as well as in the social context. Emotional Learning can help to support the overall engagement in learning and approaching learning achievements significantly. This paper should give some deeper insights into Emotional Learning, which possibilities exist to support it in a meaningful way and how feedback of emotional states can be obtained in Learning Environment Systems in higher education. For this purpose a literature review was chosen as the underlying research method to explore and find the necessary answers in various scientific articles, encyclopedias and relevant conference papers from different sources. The outcome will show different state-of-the-art approaches and tools to promote Emotional Learning and how to incorporate emotional learning support in Learning Environments.

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

Reference: Struger, P., Brünner, B., Ebner, M. (2024). Promotion of Emotional Learning in Technical and Social Domains: A Systematic Review. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2024. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14723. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61685-3_18

[publication] Learning with Videos and Quiz Attempts: Explorative Insights into Behavior and Patterns of MOOC Participants #imoox #video #hcii

Our publication about „Learning with Videos and Quiz Attempts: Explorative Insights into Behavior and Patterns of MOOC Participants“ for the HCII 2023 conference got published:

Abstract:
Many MOOCs use units with videos and quizzes, where a successful attempt after several tries is the basis for a MOOC certificate. A first in-depth analysis of quiz behavior within a MOOC at the Austrian MOOC platform iMooX.at had shown several quiz attempts patterns (Mair et al. 2022). As a next step, the researchers now collected details on video watching within a new edition of the same MOOC and therefore could combine data on quiz and video behavior. This analysis shows similar distribution of the quiz attempt patterns as in our first analysis. Additionally, the analysis indicates that learners who completed more quiz attempts than needed for full point results or passing have a higher average video watching time than learners who only made attempts until reaching a full score or passing.KeywordsMOOC; quiz behaviorVideo behaviorLearningLearning analytics

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

Reference: Mair, B., Schön, S., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Leitner, P. (2023). Learning with Videos and Quiz Attempts: Explorative Insights into Behavior and Patterns of MOOC Participants. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2023. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14040. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34411-4_22

[publication] Operationalising Transparency as an Integral Value of Learning Analytics Systems – From Ethical and Data Protection to Technical Design Requirements #gdpr #learninganalytics #tugraz

We did a contribution to the HCII 2023 conference titled „Operationalising Transparency as an Integral Value of Learning Analytics Systems – From Ethical and Data Protection to Technical Design Requirements„. Now you can find the publication online:

Abstract:
With the rising complexity of technology and its introduction into educational settings, the question of trusting and designing trustworthy learning analytics (LA) systems has gained importance. Transparency is one of the values that can contribute to enhancing an LA system’s trustworthiness. It has been included and discussed as a separate core value or principle in many ethical frameworks for LA. Even though these frameworks provide valuable contributions, they are mostly limited to the conceptual level. Defining what transparency entails in the context of LA is an important aspect, nevertheless, the translation and operationalisation of such abstract concepts into technology should be equally considered.In this paper, we focus on the question of how transparency can be translated into concrete design requirements in order to enhance the trustworthiness of LA systems. We present a normative framework in the form of an interdisciplinary Criteria Catalogue for trustworthy LA, which consists of seven core areas, including transparency. Second, we demonstrate how transparency can be translated and operationalised into more specific and low-level elements by using an example of the Learners’ Corner LA dashboard developed within the project “Learning Analytics – Students in Focus”. Third, we share the results of a study conducted to better understand students’ information needs in relation to LA tools and evaluate our design choices for the introduction of three quick information butt
ons within the Learners’ Corner.

[publication @ book’s homepage]
[draft @ ResearchGate]

Rerference: Veljanova, H., Barreiros, C., Gosch, N., Staudegger, E., Ebner, M., Lindstaedt, S. (2023). Operationalising Transparency as an Integral Value of Learning Analytics Systems – From Ethical and Data Protection to Technical Design Requirements. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2023. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14040. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34411-4_37