[article] The good and the bad of AI in education #AI #education #chatGPT #KI

We just wrote a short article about “The good and the bad of AI in education” and summarized our work on “Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review” for Education Technology Insights

You can acess it right here or get the draft version as .pdf as well

Reference: Ebner, M., Schön, S. & Jahic, I. (2023) The good and the bad of AI in education. Educational Technology Insights (online). https://student-engagement.educationtechnologyinsights.com/cxoinsights/the-good-and-the-bad-of-ai-in-education-nid-2451.html [.pdf]

[publication] Makification – Bridging the Gap between Formal and Maker Education #MakerEducation #making #research

Our publication titled “Makification – Bridging the Gap between Formal and Maker Education” was presented at EDMedia and Innovative Learning 2023 conference and got published right now.

Abstract: To achieve appropriate education for the future, we propose a gradual process of makification in which characteristic elements of the maker movement are incorporated into formal educational activities. Using the existing literature, we deduce the need for a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning while integrating essential 21st century skills into the rigid framework of formal education through makification

[preprint @ ResearchGate]
[publication @ publisher’s homepage]

Reference: Sagbauer, N.N., Pollak, M. & Ebner, M. (2023). Makification – Bridging the Gap between Formal and Maker Education. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 264-271). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 19, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222513/

[publication] Developing an Addition and Subtraction Trainer with Automated Categorization of Errors for Learners in Their First Two Years of Primary School #tugraz #research #mlearning

Our research publication titled “Developing an Addition and Subtraction Trainer with Automated Categorization of Errors for Learners in Their First Two Years of Primary School” for the EDMedia and Innovative Learning 2023 conference is published.

Abstract: This paper discusses the development and testing of a gamified mathematical learning app. Said app is designed for primary school children in their first two years of learning, so that they can practice the arithmetic operations addition and subtraction in a playful way. Predefined error categories are used to specifically eliminate weaknesses. As an incentive for the learners, mascots, stars and a child-oriented look are offered, as well as a mode in which the players can compete with others worldwide and, in the case of good performance, find themselves on the leaderboard. A test run and a subsequently conducted survey with 49 school children showed that the app generally works well and that the subjective perceptions regarding the motivational ability of the mascots correlate with the overall perception of the app.

[preprint @ ResearchGate]
[publication @ publisher’s homepage]

Reference: Zöhrer, H., Wachtler, J. & Ebner, M. (2023). Developing an Addition and Subtraction Trainer with Automated Categorization of Errors for Learners in Their First Two Years of Primary School. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 832-843). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 19, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222586/.

[publication]The Development of Two Math E-Learning Systems for Primary School Children in Android #tugraz #mlearning #research

Our publication titled “The Development of Two Math E-Learning Systems for Primary School Children in Android” for the EDMedia and Innovative Learning 2023 conference is now online available:

Abstract: Electronic learning, with all its different variations, approaches and applications, is a very relevant topic in today’s education. E-Learning is a wide field, as it affects classes in school as well as training scenarios for adult persons. This work describes the development of two E-Learning systems: EinMalEins Trainer and Division Trainer. Both applications are part of the learning lab of Graz University of Technology. This document sums up the theoretical background of the development process as well as the realization. A lot of emphasis in this work laid on applying different testing methods, therefore thinking aloud testing as well as automated testing are handled more deeply. The methodology behind these methods is explained and the results are presented.

[Preprint @ ResearchGate]
[Publication @ Publisher’s homepage]

Reference: Plieschnegger, M., Wachtler, J. & Ebner, M. (2023). The Development of Two Math E-Learning Systems for Primary School Children in Android. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 798-810). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 19, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222581/

[publication] Shifting Patterns in IT Equipment and Communication Application Preferences among Study Beginners: A Longitudinal Analysis at Graz University of Technology, Austria #tugraz #research #students

Our publication about the results of the welcome days, titled “Shifting Patterns in IT Equipment and Communication Application Preferences among Study Beginners: A Longitudinal Analysis at Graz University of Technology, Austria”, is now online available.

Abstract: Within the last 11 years, more than 10.000 students participated in surveys amongst study beginners at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria. In autumn 2022, 1,089 students answered questions on their IT equipment, social media, and communication applications. While the evaluations of the last few years did not reveal major changes, this year is different: The apps Tiktok and Discord, newly introduced as an option in the survey, get equally large shares-of one-third and more than 40%, respectively. For the first time, the presentation of the survey data also includes questions regarding the usage of communication applications for learning. That shall give rise to future research on communication apps for teaching at TU Graz.

[draft @ ResearchGate]
[publication @ publisher’s homeage]

Reference: Nagler, W., Mair, B., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Harden, J. & Schön, S. (2023). Shifting Patterns in IT Equipment and Communication Application Preferences among Study Beginners: A Longitudinal Analysis at Graz University of Technology, Austria. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 104-111). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 14, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222491/.

[publication] Examining the Digitization Level of First-Year Students at Graz University of Technology (Austria): Insights from a Digitization Index #tugraz #digitazation #index #digitalskill

Our conference paper, titled “Examining the Digitization Level of First-Year Students at Graz University of Technology (Austria): Insights from a Digitization Index“, at EDMedia and Innovative Learning 2023 conference in Vienna is published.

Abstract: The Educational Technology team at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) tried to measure the degree of digitization among first-year students (n=1,029). To achieve this, a digitization index was constructed that incorporates various dimensions of digitization, including IT equipment, digital skills, and usage of digital applications for learning. The index is based on two existing studies, the German D21-Digital-Index and the Austrian DiKoS study. It was adapted to fit the context of first-year students at university. The study revealed an average digitization level among first-year students at TU Graz was 39.60 on a scale from 0 to 100. The analysis of specific groups indicated variations in the degree of digitization. Female students, students under 20 and over 25 years old, as well as those from natural sciences and mathematics fields exhibited lower levels of digitization compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, students who attended grammar school before university had lower digitization levels compared to those from higher vocational schools or secondary technical schools. Based on the digitization index, the students are classified into three groups: digital laggards, digital center, and digital leaders. Most first-year students fell into the digital center category, while a smaller proportion were identified as digital laggards or leaders. These groups differed in terms of their device ownership, digital skills, and usage of digital applications.

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

Reference: Mair, B., Martin, E., Edelsbrunner, S., Nagler, W. & Schön, S. (2023). Examining the Digitization Level of First-Year Students at Graz University of Technology (Austria): Insights from a Digitization Index. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1128-1136). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 14, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222629/.

[publication] Handlungsfelder und attraktive Lösungen für Open Educational Resources im österreichischen Hochschulraum: Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt Open Education Austria Advanced #oer #oeaa #openaccess #openeducation

Nun ist auch unser Beitrag im Sonderheft “Digitalisierung der Hochschullehre – Projekte österreichischer Hochschulen 2020–2024” rund um das Open Education Austria Advanced Projekt erschienen.

Zusammenfassung:
Open Education Austria Advanced trägt zur Sichtbarmachung und Nutzung von Synergien aus Open Science und Open Education bei, um einen Beitrag zur freien Nutzung von Bildungsinhalten aus der Hochschullehre zu leisten und offene Praktiken analog zur Forschung zu etablieren (Open Access, Open Data). Es wird an attraktiven Lösungen für Open Educational Resources (OER) gearbeitet, welche u. a. den OERhub als Suchportal für OER aus dem gesamten Hochschulraum sowie den Aufbau lokaler OER-Repositorien, einer nationalen Zertifizierungsstelle und ein Qualifizierungsangebot umfassen. Der gezielte Wissenstransfer aus dem Projekt in die österreichischen Hochschulen an der Schnittstelle von Bibliotheken, Zentralen IT-Services und Einrichtungen für digitale Lehre stellt ein weiteres Handlungsfeld dar.

[Artikel @ Zeitschrift für Hochschulentwicklung]
[Artikel @ ResearchGate]

Referenz: Ebner, M., Ganguly, R., Gröblinger, O., Hackl, C., Handle-Pfeiffer, D., Kopp, M., Neuböck, K., Schmölz, A., Schön, S., & Zwiauer, C. (2023). Handlungsfelder und attraktive Lösungen für Open Educational Resources im österreichischen Hochschulraum: Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt Open Education Austria Advanced . Zeitschrift für Hochschulentwicklung , 18, 181-198. https://doi.org/10.3217/zfhe-SH-HL/10


[publicaton] Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review #ai #chatgpt #tugraz #research

We did a first rapid literature review about chatGPT is used in education settings. Our paper titled “Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review” for the EDMedia and Innovative 2023 conference in Vienna is now online available.

Abstract: The usage of AI, more precisely ChatGPT, is almost embedded in our everyday routine. It reduces the time, effort, and cost of performing boring and now also very delicate tasks. It appears that ChatGPT knows everything and knows how to explain everything in a personalized and peculiar way, adjusted to the user’s preferences. In this paper, we will explore how ChatGPT can be used in higher education and what its limitations are, if any at all. We shall endeavor to examine both the advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT in education and state of the art. We will use a literature review as our research method to explore and find the necessary answers. We will explore and use various scientific articles, newspaper articles, blog posts, and other relevant literature from many authors. Our results and conclusion will show how to use ChatGPT in the best way in education and what to look out for now that ChatGPT is still available to everyone.

[draft @ ResearchGate]
[publication @ AACE]

Reference: Jahic, I., Ebner, M. & Schön, S. (2023). Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1462-1470). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 13, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222670/


With this post, I get to end the 2022/23 academic year and say goodbye to summer vacation. I will recover on the mountains and who wants to know where I’m just hanging around, can look at my tours: [My Homepage @ Alpenverein]
Will be back with end of August – cu 🙂

[publication] Mobile Gramabot: Development of a Chatbot App for Interactive German Grammar Learning #ijet #chatbot

Our publication “Mobile Gramabot: Development of a Chatbot App for Interactive German Grammar Learning” got published in the International Journal of Emerging Technologien in Learning.

Abstract:
This study aims to develop the Gramabot application as a means of online learning during the pandemic and to examine its effectiveness as a medium for German grammar learning. The design-based research uses learning experience design methodology. Beside an introduction of the state of the art of chatbots for language learning, the paper describes the concept of the chatbot application and its evaluation. Prior experiences with chatbots, implementation experiences and evaluations insights were obtained from 36 Indonesian students with beginner level German language skills. The data were described using qualitative and simple descriptive statistical analysis. The results of the analysis show that most of the respondents are familiar with several chatbot applications, the use of chatbots is not as a learning medium, but as a means of asking questions about products. In addition, String Matching is a suitable method used to develop Gramabot. Based on the results of the evaluation, it can be concluded that Gramabot can help students understand basic level grammatical material.

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

Reference: Kharis, M., Schön, S., Hidayat, E., Ardiansyah , R. ., & Ebner, M. (2022). Mobile Gramabot: Development of a Chatbot App for Interactive German Grammar Learning . International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 17(14), pp. 52–63. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v17i14.31323

[publication] MicroCredentials – the Next Big Step to Open Higher Education for the Society #microcredentials #tugraz

I just wrote a short essay about “MicroCredentials – the Next Big Step to Open Higher Education for the Society” for the Education Technology Insights journal and described our ideas about the future of microcredentials together with iMooX.at

[article @ journal’s website]
[draft @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Ebner, M. (2022) MicroCredentials – the Next Big Step to Open Higher Education for the Society. Education Technology Insights