[publication] Potential of Bots for Encyclopedia #tugraz #research #bot

We are very pleased that our short chapter about „Potential of Bots for Encyclopedia“ for the special issue on Digital Heritage and Related Tools got pusblished.

Abstract:
The wide range of applications and the capability to process and understand natural languages made chatbots very popular. Besides that, many applications chatbots are also used as information retrieval tools. Chatbots are changing the way users search for information. This document focuses on a chatbot that is used as an information retrieval tool. The chatbot enables information search in natural language in a geography domain. In case of a large number of search results, the chatbot engages users with clarification questions. It also provides support to users when uploading multimedia content to the website.

[full article @ journal’s homepage]
[full article @ researchgate]

Reference: Saracevic, M., Ebner, M. & Ebner, M. (2020) Potential of Bots for Encyclopedia. In: Special issue – „Digital Heritage and Related Tools“, Maurer, H. (ed.). IPSI BgD Transactions. 16(1). pp. 54-60

[article] Kurie Arbeit. Denkraum Neue Medien #Bildungskonzil

Ich durfte auch 2019 am Bildungskonzil teilnehmen und einen Denkraum über 2,5 Tage leiten. Die Zusammenfassung findet man jetzt im Band „Kulturen im Wandel der Bildung„.

Zusammenfassung:
Der Denkraum „Neue Medien“ hatte zum Ziel sich mit den Auswirkungen von Neuen Medien auf die zukünftige Bildung bzw. die Bildungssysteme zu beschäftigen. Insbesondere sollte dabei der zukünftige heterogene Arbeitsmarkt und die sich ändernden Bedingungen durch eine vielschichtige Gesellschaft im Zentrum der Betrachtungen sein.

Auszug

[Link Vollbeitrag @ ResearchGate]

Zitation: Ebner, M. (2020) Kurie Arbeit. Denkraum Neue Medien. In: Kulturen im Wandel der Bildung. Konzilsband 2019. WKO NÖ. S. 59-65

[ijet, journal] Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning Vol. 15 / No. 2 #ijet #research

Issue 15(2) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • Confronting the Challenges of MALL: Distraction, Cheating, and Teacher Readiness
  • Reference Model of E-learning and Quality to Establish Interoperability in Higher Education Systems
  • Digital Competence and Computational Thinking of Student Teachers
  • Towards a New Platform Based on Learning Outcomes Analysis For Mobile Serious Games
  • A Labyrinth Game for Blind Children Using Problem Solving Learning Model
  • Using Blended Learning Approach (BLA) in Inclusive Education Course: A Study Investigating Teacher Students’ Perception
  • Methodology of Forming the Readiness of Miners for Work in Extreme Situations Using a Training Complex
  • An Empirical Study of Application of Multimodal Approach to Teaching Reading in EFL in Senior High School
  • Can the Game-Based Learning Come? Virtual Classroom in Higher Education of 21st Century
  • Analyzing Student Performance in Programming Education Using Classification Techniques
  • Integrating Educational Technologies to Augment Learners‘ Academic Achievements
  • Motivating Medical Students Using Virtual Reality Based Education
  • Visual Education of Music Course for College Students Based on Human-Computer Interaction
  • Student Performance on an E-Learning Platform: Mixed Method Approach
  • Formation of Design and Research Competencies in Future Teachers in the Framework of STEAM Education
  • Competency Based Approach: Modeling and Implementation
  • Moodle-Based Learning: Motivating and Demotivating Factors

[Link to Issue 15/02]

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

[publication] Microblogging with Padlet: Students’ New Writing Experience on A2–B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) #microblogging #research

I did together with my colleagues from Indonesia a small piece of research about „Microblogging with Padlet: Students’ New Writing Experience on A2–B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)„.

Abstract:
This research work aims to answer the question, compared to conventional media, whether the use of Padlet as a microblogging platform can improve students‘ German writing skills for A2 – B1 level CEFR standard. Students in the class A wrote with conventional paper sheet. Meanwhile, students in the class B wrote essay writing assignment through the Padlet platform. The study took place in Malang, Indonesia and lasted for one semester. In summary 45 students participated. The pre-test data indicated that there is no difference in the results of the pre-test in the control class and experiment class. The post test scores were obtained from two writing assessments in both classes. The test results indicated the data value sig 0.326 in the ANOVA table, which means that there are no differences in the post-test results in the two classes. Thus, it was concluded that the use of Padlet in microblogging activities in writing did not affect the results of student writing scores. Nevertheless, the use of Padlet has not any disadvantages, whereas students get additonal digital skills and respond additionally positively to the use of Padlet.

Abstract of the publication

[Full article @ journal’s homepage]
[Full article @ researchgate]

Reference: Kharis, S., Ebner, M., Wijayati, P, Hidayat, E., Afifah, L. (2020) Microblogging with Padlet: Students’ New Writing Experience on A2–B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (i-JET), 15(1), pp. 176-187

[publication] How to Support Girls’ Participation at Projects in Makerspace Settings. Overview on Current Recommendations #research #tugraz

Our contribution to the Edurobotics conference 2018 got published right now. According to the title „How to Support Girls’ Participation at Projects in Makerspace Settings„. Overview on Current Recommendations“ we did a study with a special view how we can increase the participation of girls in makerspaces.

Abstract:
Several biases and thresholds challenge the reach of girls in technology-related activities. For this contribution we collected and structured existing research and good practices on how to reach girls within projects in the field educational robotics, makerspaces, coding and STEM in general. The contribution presents general guidelines for future activities with a potential higher rate of participating girls in makerspace settings.

Abstract of the publication

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

Reference: Schön S., Rosenova M., Ebner M., Grandl M. (2020). How to Support Girls’ Participation at Projects in Makerspace Settings. Overview on Current Recommendations​.​ In: Moro M., Alimisis D., Iocchi L. (eds) Educational Robotics in the Context of the Maker Movement. Edurobotics 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 946, pp. 193-196, Springer, Cham

[publication] More Than a MOOC—Seven Learning and Teaching Scenarios to Use MOOCs in Higher Education and Beyond #mooc #imoox

Our contribution to the book Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum“ got published right now. Following the title „More Than a MOOC—Seven Learning and Teaching Scenarios to Use MOOCs in Higher Education and Beyond“ we described different scenarios how MOOCs can be used in (Higher) Education. Furthermore, we also did a short summary of the outcome, which you can find here.

Abstract:
Since 2010, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have been one of the most discussed and researched topics in the area of educational technology. Due to their open nature such courses attract thousands of learners worldwide and more and more higher education institutions begin to produce their own MOOCs. Even the (international) press is full of reports and articles of how MOOCs can revolutionize education. In this chapter, we will take a look from a meta-level. After years of experiences with different MOOCs, we recognize that many MOOCs are used in different ways by teachers, lecturers, trainers and learners. So, there are different learning and teaching scenarios in the background often not visible to the broader public. Therefore, we like to address the following research question: “How can MOOCs be used in Higher Education learning and teaching scenarios and beyond?” In the study, the authors will focus on the seven identified scenarios how particular MOOCs were used for teaching and learning and therefore illustrate, that a MOOC can be “more than a MOOC”. MOOCs are one of the key drivers for open education using Open Educational Resources. The use of open licenses for MOOC resources are the mechanism for potential innovations in learning and teachings scenarios.

Abstract of the publication

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

Reference: Ebner M., Schön S., Braun C. (2020) More Than a MOOC—Seven Learning and Teaching Scenarios to Use MOOCs in Higher Education and Beyond. In: Yu S., Ally M., Tsinakos A. (eds) Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies in the Curriculum. Bridging Human and Machine: Future Education with Intelligence. pp. 75-87 Springer, Singapore

[ijet, journal] Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning Vol. 15 / No. 1 #ijet #research

Issue 15(1) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • Evaluation of Physical Education Teaching Quality in Colleges Based on the Hybrid Technology of Data Mining and Hidden Markov Model
  • Managerial Potential of Educational Organizations under Conditions of Network Interaction
  • Design and Implementation of a Computer Aided Intelligent Examination System
  • Perceptions of Syrian Student Refugees towards Blended Learning: Implications for Higher Education Institutions
  • The Effectiveness of ECOLA Technique to Improve Reading Comprehension in Relation to Motivation and Self-Efficacy
  • Improving Learning Experience of Probability and Statistics using Multimedia System
  • The Effect of Non-Monetary Rewards on Employee Performance in Massive Open Online Courses
  • Facilitating K-12 Teachers in Creating Apps by Visual Programming and Project-based Learning
  • Effects of Multimedia-Assisted Learning on Learning Behaviors and Student Knowledge in Physical Education Lessons: Using Basketball Game Recording as an Example
  • The Challenges of Adopting M-Learning Assistive Technologies for Visually Impaired Learners in Higher Learning Institution in Tanzania
  • Recognition and Segmentation of English Long and Short Sentences Based on Machine Translation
  • Exploring the Drivers of Intention to Use Interactive Whiteboards among Malaysia University Students: Does Technology Self-Efficacy Matter?
  • Microblogging with Padlet: Students’ New Writing Experience on A2–B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  • Deep Learning: The Impact on Future eLearning
  • Creative-Thinking Skills in Explanatory Writing Skills Viewed from Learning Behaviour: A Mixed Method Case Study
  • The Digital World for Children and its Relationship with Personality Disorders: Exploring Emerging Technologies
  • Chibumons: A Positive Effect On Game to Undergraduate Students
  • Formation of Professional Orientation of High School Students to Medical Profession by Using ICT Tools

[Link to Issue 15/01]

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

[publication] Designing a Makerspace for Children – Let’s Do It #makereducation #research

Our contribution to the Edurobotics conference 2018 got published right now. According to the title „Designing a Makerspace for Children – Let’s Do It“ we described our first Makerdays 2015.

Abstract:
When makerspaces are designed for children, special motivation and reasoning needs to be made. Within this article, we describe a case study: A temporary four-day open makerspace for about 40 children per day. Motivation, considerations and the development process as well as the actual realization are described and discussed. We comment on how such a space for children and adolescents should be arranged for future studies. As described, considerations in terms of participation, peer tutoring and gender mainstreaming influence the design of the space, the methods used, as well as the general setting.

Abstract of the publication

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

Reference: Schön S., Ebner M., Grandl M. (2020) Designing a Makerspace for Children – Let’s Do It. In: Moro M., Alimisis D., Iocchi L. (eds) Educational Robotics in the Context of the Mak-er Movement. Edurobotics 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 946., pp. 3-15 Springer, Cham

[publication] Open educational resources in continuing adult education: development in the German-speaking area #OER #research

Our article about „Open educational resources in continuing adult education: development in the German-speaking area“ got published in the Journal „Smart Learnining Environment„. We aimed to give a short overview about the situation in the german-speaking area.

Abstract:
Open Educational Resources (OER) allow many different uses in educational work that are excluded from traditional materials by copyright laws, such as modifying and republishing existing materials. This article examines the current role of OER in the field of adult education in German-speaking area, especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Although nowadays the topic of digitization is given a high strategic importance in continuing education in Switzerland, OER plays just a subordinate role there.

Website Smart Learning Environment

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

Reference: Schön, S. & Ebner, M. (2019) Open educational resources in continuing adult education: development in the German-speaking area. Smart Learn. Environ. (2019) 6: 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-019-0111-4

[publication] The Missing Link to Computational Thinking

Congratulations to my PhD-student who did his first publication about a literature research to computational thinking. His work got published right now in Future Internet, enjoy the great reading.

Abstract:
After a lengthy debate within the scientific community about what constitutes the problem solving approach of computational thinking (CT), the focus shifted to enable the integration of CT within compulsory education. This publication strives to focus the discussion and enable future research in an educational setting with a strong focus on the Austrian circumstances and the goal to allow wide international adoption later on. Methodically, a literature review was conducted to gain knowledge about the current strands of research and a meta study to show the diversity of proposed and materialized studies. Three main questions were answered, establishing that CT as an idea is rooted in scientific literature dating back to the 1980s and grew in popularity after Wing introduced the concept to a broader audience. A number of authors contributed to the current state of the field, with the most cited review coming from Grover and Pea. The challenge to integrate CT in curricula around the world was met by many experiments and case studies but without a conclusive framework as of yet. Ultimately, this paper determines that expert integration is a blank spot in the literature and aims to create a strong, inclusive path to CT education by inviting practitioners.

[Full article @ journal’s homepage]
[Full article @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Pollak, M.; Ebner, M. (2019) The Missing Link to Computational Thinking. Future Internet 2019, 11, 263.