[publication] Seamless Learning – Lernen überall und jederzeit #ZFHE #journal

Im Zusammenhang mit der iUNIG-Tagung in Graz zum Thema Seamless Learning haben wir auch ein Sonderheft der Zeitschrift für Hochschulentwicklung gemacht. Wir sind Herwig Rehatschek, Ursula Leopold, Michael Kopp, Manfred Rechberger, Patrick Schweighofer, Martin Teufel, Anastasia Sfiri und meine Wenigkeit.
Das Journal enthält sieben spannende Beiträge im Themenfeld:

Das vorliegende Sonderheft der ZFHE steht in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang mit dem Symposium „Seamless Learning“ an der Medizinischen Universität Graz am 8. September 2016. Das Generalthema des Symposiums (und der Sonderausgabe, die zugleich den Tagungsband darstellt) ist die Implementierung von Seamless Learning in allen Ausprägungen; die sieben enthaltenen Beiträge erörtern, wie das Lehren und Lernen mit Hilfe von digitalen Technologien die Grenzen der Bildungsinstitution hinter sich lassen kann.

  1. iMobilePhysics: Seamless Learning durch Experimente mit Smartphones & Tablets in Physik
  2. Potentiale von Smartwatches für Audience-Response-Systeme
  3. Seamless Learning oder Seam-aware Learning? Überlegungen aus einem medienübergreifenden Projekt
  4. Point of Learning: ein Projektbericht der Hohenheimer Lernorte
  5. Was nützt Seamless Learning als neues didaktisches Konzept in der Politikwissenschaft?
  6. Flexibilisierung von Studiengängen: Lernen im Zwischenraum von formellen und informellen Kontexten
  7. Walk this way!? – Konzepte der Stadtplanung für die (Aus-)Gestaltung von Seamless-Learning-Räumen

[Link zum Editorial @ ResearchGate]

[Link zum gesamten Heft]

[publication] An analysis of the use and effect of questions in interactive learning-videos

Our publication about „An analysis of the use and effect of questions in interactive learning-videos“ got published in the Open Journal Smart Learning Environments.

Abstract:

This study focuses on the positioning of interactive questions within learning videos. It is attempted to show that the position of a question’s occurrence has an impact on the correctness rate of its answer and the learning success. As part of the study, the interactive learning videos in which the questions are placed are used as teaching materials with a class. The pupils have been working with the videos for around one month and some interesting results could be obtained. It is shown that questions which are asked too early in the videos are answered incorrectly more often than other questions. This manuscript also recommends an adequate positioning of the first question in learning videos. The new hypothesis that the length of intervals between popping up questions plays a minor role at rather short learning videos is constructed in this publication. Moreover, the positive impact on the long-term learning success of the participants of learning videos is determined.

[Full Article @ ResearchGate]

[Full Article @ Springer]

Reference: Wachtler, J., Hubmann, M., Zöhrer, H., & Ebner, M. (2016). An analysis of the use and effect of questions in interactive learning-videos. Smart Learning Environments, 13(3). 10.1186/s40561-016-0033-3

[journal] Issue 09/16 of Emerging Technologies in Learning #ijet #research

Issue 11(9)Issue 11(9) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • An Analysis on Blended Learning Pattern Based on Blackboard Network Platform: A Case Study on the Course of Recruitment and Employment Management
  • Construction of Inductive Explanation Technology in Multimedia Teaching System of Introduction to Physical Education
  • Construction of Electronic Examination and Education Platform for Financial Management
  • An Online Learning System Based on Panoramic Technology for Sport Psychology
  • Design and Implementation of Webpage Addition Technology in Aerobics Courses
  • A Projection Color Auto-adjustment Technology in Landscape Design Teaching
  • Application of PPT Playing System in the General City Planning Course under a Multimedia Teaching Environment
  • Application of Model Display Technology in Multimedia Teaching of Ecological Architecture Course
  • Application of Continuous Animation Production Technology in Gymnastics Multimedia Teaching
  • A New Video Editing Technology in Practical Teaching for Animation Specialty
  • Design and Application of Multi-screen VR Technology in the Course of Art Painting
  • Exploration of Application Mode of MOOC-based Distance Education Mode in Digital Illustration
  • Analysis of the Learning Mode of the Elaborate Resource Sharing Course
  • Application of WeChat Teaching Platform in Interactive Translation Teaching
  • The Construction and Application of the WeChat-based Translation Teaching Model
  • Development of Intelligent Teaching System Based on 3D Technology in the Course of Digital Animation Production

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

[publication] Making macht Schule #making

Für das Magazin werkspuren durften wir einen kurzen Beitrag zu „Making macht Schule“ verfassen.

Einleitung:

In einigen Schulen werden bereits digitale Werkzeuge eingesetzt, um kreatives Gestalten zu ermöglichen und zu unterstützen. Diese Aktivitäten werden auch im deutschsprachigen Raum als „Making“ bezeichnet, also vom englischen „to make“ für „machen“. Making sind Aktivitäten, bei denen jede/r selbst aktiv wird und ein Produkt, ggf. auch digital, entwickelt, adaptiert, gestaltet und produziert und dabei (auch) digitale Technologien zum Einsatz kommen. Making-Aktivitäten sind dabei soziale Aktivitäten, die häufig in speziellen Werkstätten, z.B. den Fablabs, Makerspaces, Hackerspaces u.a., und unter Berücksichtigung ökologischer und gesellschaftlicher Gesichtspunkte, z.B. als Upcycling oder im Repair-Café, durchgeführt werden (vgl. Schön, Ebner, Kumar, 2014).

[Vorabversion @ ResearchGate]

Zitation: Schön, S., Ebner, M. (2016) Making macht Schule – Kreatives digitales Gestalten mit Kindern. Werkspuren 3/16, S. 24-25, ISSN 1420-0198, https://www.werkspuren.ch

[publication] R.I.P. E-Mail * 1965 – ✝ 2015 #tugraz #edmediaconf

Our publication about „R.I.P. E-Mail * 1965 – ✝ 2015“ at this year ED-Media conference is now online available. The presentation slides have been published right here.

Abstract:

For the ninth time, the Graz University of Technology has carried out a survey amongst its freshmen in order to find out their preferences and habits according to the use of modern IT- and Web- technologies. Besides the remarkable long-term changes in regards to the ownership of technology, the results of this year ́s (2015) survey yielded a sensation. The instant messaging client for smartphones “WhatsApp” has superseded e-mailing from its leading position of being the preferred communication media. E-mailing was displaced on second place for the first time after nine years of survey. A clear trend can be stated in regards to communication media. The influence of WhatsApp on other communication behavior, notably e-mail and SMS, as well as the lasting rise of WhatsApp itself are special focuses of this paper.

[Full publication @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Nagler, W., Ebner, M. & Schön, M. (2016). R.I.P E-Mail * 1965 – ✝ 2015. In Proceedings of EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2016 (pp. 464-473). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).

[publication] On Using Learning Analytics to Track the Activity of Interactive MOOC Videos #lak16

As part of the Workshop on Smart Environments and Analytics in Video-Based Learning at this year LAK`16 conference our contribution about „On Using Learning Analytics to Track the Activity of Interactive MOOC Videos“ got published.
Abstract:

It is widely known that interaction, as well as communication, are very important parts of successful online courses. These features are
considered crucial because they help to improve students‘ attention in a very significant way. In this publication, the authors present an innovative application, which adds different forms of interactivity to learning videos within MOOCs such as multiple-choice questions or the possibility to communicate with the teacher. Furthermore, Learning Analytics using exploratory examination and visualizations have been applied to unveil learners‘ patterns and behaviors as well as investigate the effectiveness of the application. Based upon the quantitative and qualitative observations, our study determined common practices behind dropping out using videos indicator and suggested enhancements to increase the performance of the application as well as learners‘ attention.

[Publication @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Wachtler, J., Khalil, M., Taraghi, B. & Ebner, M. (2016). On Using Learning Analytics to Track the Activity of Interactive MOOC Videos. Paper presented at LAK 2016 Workshop on Smart Environments and Analytics in Video-Based Learning, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 26/04/16 – 26/04/16, pp. 8-17

[publication] How OER Enhances MOOCs—A Perspective from German-Speaking Europe #OER #MOOC #imoox

Our chapter on „How OER Enhances MOOCs—A Perspective from German-Speaking Europe“ got published as part of the book Open Education: from OERs to MOOCs.

Abstract:

In this chapter, we discuss why OER and MOOCs are a necessary and pow- erful combination, especially in German-speaking Europe. We begin with an introduc- tion to open online courses and an overview of copyright law in Germany and Austria. We then describe the evolution of OER MOOCs in Austria and Germany, especially the development of two MOOC platforms. Finally, we present examples of the impact of OER on MOOCs to conclude that an approach combining OER and MOOCs can be very valuable to foster new and innovative didactical approaches as well as future education.

[Full chapter @ Springer]

[Draftversion @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Ebner, M., Lorenz, A., Lackner, E., Kopp, M., Kumar, S., Schön, S., Wittke, A. (2016) How OER enhance MOOCs – A Perspective from German-speaking Europe. In: Open Education: from OERs to MOOCs. Jemni, M., Kinshuk, Khribi, M. K. (Eds.). Springer. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. pp. 205-220

[publication] Learning Analytics and Spelling Acquisition in German-A First Prototype #IdERblog

At this year HCII conference we present a short overview about the IderBlog-project, titled „Learning Analytics and Spelling Acquisition in German-A First Prototype

Abstract:

Data-driven learning in combination with emerging academic areas such as Learning Analytics (LA) has the potential to tailor students’ education to their needs [1]. The aim of this article is to present a web-based training platform for primary school pupils who struggle with the acquisition of German orthography. Our objective is the improvement in their writing and spelling competences. The focus of this article is on the development of the platform and the details concerning the requirements and the design of the User Interface (UI). In combination with Learning Analytics, the platform is expected to provide deeper insight into the process of spelling acquisition. Furthermore, aspects of Learning Analytics will help to develop the platform, to improve the exercises and to provide better materials in the long run.

[Draft version @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Ebner, M., Ebner, M., Edtstadler, K. (2016) Learning Analytics and Spelling Acquisition in German-A First Prototype. International Conference on Learning and Collaboration Technologies. pp. 405-416. Springer International Publishing

[journal] New Issue (Emerging Technologies for Learning) #ijet #research #OpenAccess

Bildschirmfoto 2015-12-14 um 21.49.16Issue 11(8) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • Evaluation of Several New Models to Teach English as a Second Language
  • Teaching Model of College English Using a Computer Network
  • Application of Teaching Quality Assessment Based on Parallel Genetic Support Vector Algorithm in the Cloud Computing Teaching System
  • Research and Implementation of Multimedia Server Management in Distributed Multimedia Distance Education System
  • Application of E-Learning Assessment Based on AHP-BP Algorithm in the Cloud Computing Teaching Platform
  • Research on the Impact of Multimedia Computer-based English Teaching in High School
  • Study on the Integration Mode of Computer Network Technology and College English Curriculum
  • Computer Network Assisted Teaching of College English Reading
  • Research on Key Techniques for Enginery Teaching Platform Based on Computer Dynamic Simulation Technique
  • Computer English Teaching Model Based on Multimedia Platform
  • College English Teaching Design and Practice Based on Cross-cultural Theory
  • Research and Software Development of Active Learning Mode for College Students Based on Computer Network

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

[publication] Use Cases and Architecture of an Information system to integrate smart glasses in educational environments #edmedia

Our publication about „Use Cases and Architecture of an Information system to integrate smart glasses in educational environments“ at this year ED-Media conference is now online available. The presentation slides have been published right here.

Abstract:

Wearable devices, such as smart glasses, are nowadays easily available on the market; therefore, these devices could be used to evaluate more and more use cases in educational domain. After a short introduction to smart glasses functionality, features and user interaction techniques, several use cases are defined and described. To integrate smart glasses into the educational domain, specialized information systems and infrastructure is necessary. A basic concept of a suitable information system is defined and explained by a sample use case. The main advantage of using smart glasses in educational domain is that users can interact with the device hands-free therefore (fine motor skills) tasks can be performed while receiving visual and vocal support simultaneously. Additionally the teacher/observer can evaluate the performance remotely. Wearable devices become better available and cheaper, but should only be used in suitable use cases where the learning experience could be improved.

[Full publication @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Spitzer, M. & Ebner, M. (2016). Use Cases and Architecture of an Information system to integrate smart glasses in educational environments. In Proceedings of EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2016 (pp. 51-58). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)..