[publication] Open Educational Resources in Ukraine: Current Status and Future Directions #edmedia #OER

Our publication titled „Open Educational Resources in Ukraine: Current Status and Future Directions“ was published at this year’s ED-Media conference in Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract:
This study investigates the current landscape and perceived need for Open Educational Resources (OER) in Ukraine. A comprehensive literature review and analysis of national and international sources was undertaken, and the research identified key benefits of OER, such as affordability, accessibility, and adaptability. The relevance of these benefits in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing digital transformation and crisis conditions was also explored. Survey data and academic initiatives indicate a growing interest in OER among educators and librarians, although awareness and implementation remain uneven, particularly in rural areas. Barriers such as limited digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, and lack of familiarity with licensing were also identified. The study draws upon successful practices from Austria and Germany, emphasising the need for coordinated national strategies, policy development, and educator training. While the research does not confirm a universal demand for OER, it shows clear potential and interest, laying the groundwork for future empirical studies to assess the educational impact of OER implementation in Ukraine.

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

Reference: Andriichenko, Y., Ebner, M. & Schön, S. (2025). Open Educational Resources in Ukraine: Current Status and Future Directions. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1034-1043). Barcelona, Spain: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved May 26, 2025 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/226255/.

[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/.

[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/.

[ijet, journal] Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning Vol. 20 / No.01 #ijet #research

Issue 20(01) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • Enhancing University Education Quality through MOOCs: Effective Learning Strategy Combinations and Pedagogical Innovations
  • Evaluating Cognitive Aspects of ADHD Students Using Brain-Computer Interface and a Digital Game: A Study in Brazil
  • Needs Analysis from Teachers’ Experiences in Online Academic English Writing Model for Chinese EFL College Students
  • Research in Online Teacher Professional Development: A Systematic Mapping Review
  • Comparing Students’ Perspectives on Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Cultural Study of Undergraduate Students in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia

[Link to Issue 20/01]

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

[publication] Work-in-Progress: Key Prerequisites for IT Infrastructures for Learning and Teaching of the European University Alliance “Unite!” #alliance #tugraz

We wrote a short work-in-progress publication about „Work-in-Progress: Key Prerequisites for IT Infrastructures for Learning and Teaching of the European University Alliance “Unite!

Abstract:
In the dynamic landscape of higher education, digital technologies are crucial for fostering collaboration and knowledge dissemination. European universities are embracing this shift through “European Universities”, transnational alliances aimed at enhancing academic exchange and innovation. The Unite! alliance, as part of its Erasmus+ project, established the “Community Digital Campus” (Cm.2) to develop a modern digital campus framework. Based on an analysis to identify and document the technological, organizational, and legal needs for such a campus, using desk research, surveys, and stakeholder discussions, key requirements are formulated. Key requirements identified include ensuring interoperability among digital infrastructures, robust decision-making processes for IT, strategic support for existing systems, and addressing budgetary considerations for federated systems.

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

Reference: Ebner, M. et al. (2025). Work-in-Progress: Key Prerequisites for IT Infrastructures for Learning and Teaching of the European University Alliance “Unite!”. In: Auer, M.E., Rüütmann, T. (eds) Futureproofing Engineering Education for Global Responsibility. ICL 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1260. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-85652-5_34

[publication] The Synergy of Educational Technologies and Self-regulated Learning: A Systematic Scoping Literature Review #tugraz #research

We wrote an article titled „The Synergy of Educational Technologies and Self-regulated Learning: A Systematic Scoping Literature Review“ that strongly focused on self-regulation in learning. Read more here at the ed-tech.at-Blog.

Abstract:
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology necessitates addressing the topic of self-regulated learning (SRL) given its potential for personalized learning experiences. Educational Technologies (EdTech) have the capacity to facilitate SRL within educational contexts, particularly in remote learning scenarios. This study explores the interplay between EdTech and SRL, highlighting their synergistic relationship. Through a systematic scoping literature review following the methodology of Peters et al., evidence from 328 records in the Scopus database was synthesized, with an analysis of 112 reports meeting the inclusion criteria published between January 2015 and February 2024. Zimmerman’s cyclical phases model emerged as the predominant SRL framework in connection with EdTech. Additionally, the identified EdTechs were categorized into eleven clusters based on shared characteristics and mapped onto Zimmerman’s SRL model to create an EdTech-SRL-Synergy-Map. Recommendations are made for future research, particularly in the secondary education sector, and the significance of SRL practices in an educational landscape permeated by AI is emphasized.

[Full article @ book’s homepage]
[draft @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Brünner, B., Burgsteiner, H., Schön, S., Ebner, M. (2025). The Synergy of Educational Technologies and Self-regulated Learning: A Systematic Scoping Literature Review. In: Auer, M.E., Rüütmann, T. (eds) Futureproofing Engineering Education for Global Responsibility. ICL 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1261. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-85649-5_30

[publication] From Gretel to Strudelcity: Empowering Teachers Regarding Generative AI for Enhanced AI Literacy with CollectiveGPT #AIinEducation #research #edtech

Congratulations to Benedikt, who did a great job developing a successful workshop for school teachers. We summarized his results in the publication „From Gretel to Strudelcity: Empowering Teachers Regarding Generative AI for Enhanced AI Literacy with CollectiveGPT.“

Abstract:
In the era of transformative technologies, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) offers profound opportunities and challenges for education. This study explores the development and execution of an interactive workshop designed to equip educators with foundational genAI literacy. Using a design-based research (DBR) framework, the workshop leverages interactivity and contextual relevance to introduce genAI concepts, prompting strategies and ethical considerations. Participants engaged in a scripted learning workshop design, comparing human and AI responses, exploring genAI’s probabilistic foundations, context dependency, and vulnerability to manipulation. Conducted across 12 workshops with 191 participants in Austria, this study revealed significant improvements in self-perceived genAI understanding, with 70% of participants reporting better grades in post-assessment evaluations. Feedback emphasized the workshop’s strengths in interactivity and relevance, alongside recommendations for deeper school-specific applications. Scalability analysis showed that workshop duration remained consistent regardless of group size, suggesting potential for broader implementation. The findings highlight the effectiveness of scripted learning workshop design in fostering critical AI literacy, preparing educators to critically evaluate and ethically integrate genAI into pedagogical practices. This adaptable model contributes to the discourse on professional development in AI-enhanced education.

[full paper @ publisher’s Homepage]
[full paper @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Brünner, B., Schön, S., & Ebner, M. (2025). From Gretel to Strudelcity: Empowering Teachers Regarding Generative AI for Enhanced AI Literacy with CollectiveGPT. Education Sciences15(2), 206. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020206

[publication] Examining IT Infrastructures for Learning and Teaching in the European University Alliance Unite! #UNITE! #tugraz

Together with my colleagues, we contributed to the EUNIS 2024 conference in Athen with a publication about „Examining IT Infrastructures for Learning and Teaching in the European University Alliance Unite!

Abstract: In the digital era, European University Alliances like „Unite!“ work to reshape tertiary education by bridging nine prominent universities to champion regional integration, technology transfer, and quality science and engineering education. This paper delineates the methodologies used to harmonize varied IT infrastructures visualizations and descriptions across partner institutions, fostering knowledge sharing and facilitating standardized IT landscape comparisons. The absence of a general universal approach in representing teaching-related IT systems in higher education propelled the development of a unique, synchronized representation methodology. The paper offers a look at TU Graz’s digital infrastructure as an illustrative example. Through iterative collaboration, the alliance will develop a comprehensive IT infrastructure report, aiming to serve as a valuable blueprint for other educational entities.

[publication @ EasyChair]
[publication @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Ebner, M., Schön, S., Alcober, J., Bertonasco, R., Herczak-Ciara, A., Hoppe, C., Langevin, E., Gasplmayr, K., Reignier-Tayar, N., Martikainen, J., Laurent, R., Leitner, P., Petersson, J., Silva, F. M. D., Steitz, K., Taraghi, B., & Wuerz, A. (2025). Examining IT Infrastructures for Learning and Teaching in the European University Alliance Unite! In R. Vogl, L. Desnos, J.-F. Desnos, S. Bolis, L. Merakos, G. Ferrell, E. Tsili, & M. Roumeliotis (Hrsg.), Proceedings of EUNIS 2024 annual congress in Athens (Band 105, S. 276-283). (EPiC Series in Computing). EasyChair Ltd. https://doi.org/10.29007/6n28

[publication] How to Plan and Manage a Blended Learning Course Module Using Generative Artificial Intelligence? #ai #research

Our contribution about „How to Plan and Manage a Blended Learning Course Module Using Generative Artificial Intelligence?“ got published.

Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the educational landscape, playing a crucial role in the transition to blended learning environments. As generative AI gains momentum, educators now have access to a growing repository of AI tools that can facilitate the shift from face-to-face instruction to more virtual learning experiences. This chapter provides a practical guideline for integrating and using AI tools to support educators in transitioning their courses to blended learning. The approach is structured around four key pillars: teacher practice support, online classroom support, evaluation and feedback, and student support. Following this guideline, we explore a curated list of AI-powered tools categorized based on their functions within these four pillars. To illustrate the application of these guidelines, we present a case study demonstrating a transition of a selected module of a traditional face-to-face machine learning course and make it accessible to students online, thus enabling blended learning experience. This chapter can empower future educators interested in AI to structure engaging blended learning courses and underscore the significant role of AI in enhancing the planning, management, implementation, and assessment of new blended learning courses.

[final publication @ publisher’s homepage]
[draft @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Khalil, M., Shakya, R., Liu, Q., Ebner, M. (2024). How to Plan and Manage a Blended Learning Course Module Using Generative Artificial Intelligence?. In: Panda, S., Mishra, S., Misra, P.K. (eds) Case Studies on Blended Learning in Higher Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-9388-4_4

[publication] Opening Up Teaching and Learning at Universities: OER, MOOCs and Microcredentials #moox #research #tugraz

Our research on OER, MOOCs, and Microcredentials was published in the book „Advanced Technologies and the University of the Future: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems“.

Abstract:
This paper presents the situation concerning open and digital learning and teaching opportunities with respect to three developments: Open Educational Resources (OER), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and the introduction of microcredentials. Firstly, the paper introduces these concepts. Then, before the background of the Austrian university landscape, the authors describe how these three measures are currently or will be implemented at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). TU Graz is one of the first universities worldwide with an OER policy document and is as well host of the Austrian MOOC platform iMooX.at. Both provide the opportunity for new collaborations amongst universities and opportunities for learners. The introduction of microcredentials is just beginning at TU Graz and provides an opportunity for external learners and students to receive accredited confirmation of their qualifications from the university. The article not only discusses the opportunities and positive effects of these developments at TU Graz as part of the digitalization of teaching and lifelong learning activities, but also addresses the challenges in an increasingly globalized and competitive higher education landscape.

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

Reference: Ebner, M., Kreuzer, E., Schön, S., Edelsbrunner, S. (2025). Opening Up Teaching and Learning at Universities: OER, MOOCs and Microcredentials. In: Vendrell Vidal, E., Cukierman, U.R., Auer, M.E. (eds) Advanced Technologies and the University of the Future. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1140. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71530-3_18