[publication] A Field Study of a Video Supported Seamless-Learning-Setting with Elementary Learners

It’s a great honor that our publication about „A Field Study of a Video Supported Seamless-Learning-Setting with Elementary Learners“ got published in the Journal of Educational Technology & Society.

Abstract:

Seamless Learning shall initiate human learning processes that exceeds lesson and classroom limits. At the same time this approach fosters a self-regulated learning, by means of inspirational, open education settings. Advanced learning materials are easily accessible via mobile digital devices connected to the Internet. In this study it was explored whether and to what extent an open learning approach can be initiated by support of videos and incentives. The study took place in a real-world setting during a conventional mathematics class in an Austrian secondary school with N = 85 children of average age of 10, 6 years. For the investigation a traditional face-to-face maths-teaching environment was completely replaced by an open learning environment. In our study, the elementary learners were able to select their own learning pace and preferences via example videos. In addition to the use of an open education approach and videos, their learning was also incentivised via a reward system of “stars.” A pre-test-post-test-control-group study showed that the learning performance significantly increased. The reason was due to the combination of a novel teaching and learning setting and coupled incentives to foster the learning process.

[Full article @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Fößl,T., Ebner, M., Schön, S., & Holzinger, A. (2016). A Field Study of a Video Supported Seamless-Learning-Setting with Elementary Learners. Educational Technology & Society, 19 (1),321–336.

[publikation] Kreative digitale Arbeit mit Kindern in einer viertägigen offenen Werkstatt #makerdays

Das Ergebnis der Makerdays haben wir nun verschriftlicht und im Beitrag „Kreative digitale Arbeit mit Kindern in einer viertägigen offenen Werkstatt“ in der Zeitschrift medienimpulse veröffentlicht.
Zusammenfassung:

Die Veranstaltung „Maker Days for Kids“ war eine kreative digitale Werkstatt, die im April 2015 vier Tage lang für Kinder von 10 bis 14 Jahren geöffnet hatte. Aufbauend auf einer kurzen Einleitung zur Maker-Bewegung werden das Konzept der Veranstaltung, z. B. die Einführungsworkshops, die Rolle der Peer-TutorInnen, Challenges und Selbstlernmaterialien, sowie Erfahrungen damit vorgestellt. Durch eine detaillierte Erfassung der Anwesenheit, Teilnahme an unterschiedlichen Angeboten und der Nutzung der Infrastruktur ist es zudem möglich, Besonderheiten von SchülerInnen unterschiedlicher Schularten und von Buben und Mädchen genauer zu betrachten. Insgesamt haben 69 Kinder an der Vorbereitung bzw. bei der offenen Werkstatt teilgenommen und dabei u. a. Traumhäuser modelliert und am 3D-Drucker ausgedruckt, Games programmiert oder LED-Lampen in Acrylbildern montiert. Mehr zum Projekt: https://makerdays.wordpress.com

[Full article @ ResearchGate]

[Full article @ medienimpulse]

Referenz: Schön, S., Ebner, M., & Reip, I. (2016). Kreative digitale Arbeit mit Kindern in einer viertägigen offenen Werkstatt. Medienimpulse [Elektronische Ressource], 2016(1).

[publication] Potential of EPUB3 for Digital Textbooks in Higher Education #ebook #tugraz

Our publication about „Potential of EPUB3 for Digital Textbooks in Higher Education“ for this year Smart Learning Excellence Conference in Dubai is now online available. The slides have been already published here.
Abstract:

The e-book market is currently in a strong upswing. This research study deals with the question which practical uses the e-book format EPUB3 offers for (higher) education. By means of a didactic content analysis, a range of interactive exercise types were developed as a result of conversations with teachers. For this purpose, a didactic and technical concept has been developed. Different kinds of exercises were prototypically implemented in an e-book. Finally, a brief overview reflects the present state of the current e-book readers. A subsequent discussion illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of the format. In summary , it can be remarked that EPUB3 is suitable for a variety of different exercises and that it is able to serve as a basic format for forthcoming digital textbooks. Furthermore the openness of EPUB3 will assist Open Learning and Teaching in a meaningful way

[Full text @ ResearchGate]

Reference:
Ebner, M., Gailer, C., Khalil, M., Kopp, M., Lackner, E., & Raunig, M. (2016). Potential of EPUB3 for Digital Textbooks in Higher Education. Conference proceeding of the 8th e-Learning Excellence Conference, 2016. Dubai, UAE. pp. 1-14

[publication] Das digitale Übungsheft #math #research #tugraz

Für die Ausgabe 2016 (1) des Magazins L.A. Multimedia haben wir einen Beitrag verfasst wo wir kurz die innovative Softwareapplikation neo-lernhilfen beschrieben haben. Für alle Mathematiker, es lohnt sich wirklich ein Blick darauf.
Zusammenfassung:

Das digitale Schulbuch ist in aller Munde. Eine bloße „Eins-zu-Eins-Übersetzung“ der Schulbücher in eine digitale Version schöpft die Möglichkeiten der digitalen Welt jedoch nur unzureichend aus. Hier gilt es, innovativ zu denken: Warum nicht auch Übungsbeispiele automatisch generieren, inklusive vollständigem Lösungsweg? Warum nicht auch Kompetenz-Checks individuell für jeden Lernenden automatisch erstellen?

[Preversion @ Researchgate (.pdf)]

Zitation: Neuherz, E., Ebner, M. (2016) Das digitale Übungsheft. L.A. Multimedia 2016 (1). S. 35-38

[publication] Online-Lehre in der Weiterbildung? #tugraz #lll

Für die 10 Jahres Feier von TU Graz Life Long Learning habe ich auch einen kleinen Beitrag zur Rolle der Online-Lehre geschrieben und mir Gedanken gemacht, wie wesentliche die Digitalität vor allem auf diesem Sektor ist.

[Full Article on Researchgate]

Zitation: Ebner, M. (2015) Online-Lehre in der Weiterbildung?. Life Long Learning. Publikation anlässlich des 10-jährigen Bestehens von TU Graz Life Long Learning. Eigenverlag. S. 32-34

[publication] MOOCs in Engineering Education: First Practical Experiences from two MOOCs #imoox #mooc

Our chapter about „MOOCs in Engineering Education: First Practical Experiences from two MOOCs“ in the book „Handbook of Research on Applied E-Learning in Engineering and Architecture Education“ got published.
Abstract:

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a phenomenon of these days. Therefore it seems just a consequent step to carry out research studies how MOOCs can be integrated best in our daily life. This work aims to describe first experiences from the implementation of two MOOCs on a new developed platform. Both courses are related to engineering education: one to physics and one to mechanics. First the concept as well as the development and then also the evaluation is pointed out. It can be concluded that there is potential for educational institutions, but also barriers which must be taken into account.

[Link to full chapter]

[Link to draft version @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Ebner, M., Kopp, M., Scerbakov, A., Neuböck, K. (2016) MOOCs in Engineering Education: First Practical Experiences from two MOOCs. In: Handbook of Research on Applied E-Learning in Engineering and Architecture Education. Fonseca, D., Redondo, E. (Eds.). pp. 224-236. doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-8803-2

[publication] How MOOCs can be used as an instrument of scientific research #emoocs2016 #mooc

Our paper on „How MOOCs can be used as an instrument of scientific research“ at this year EMOOCs conference is now online available.
Abstract:

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are an increasingly important phenomenon in the world of technology-enhanced learning. This development opens many opportunities for interdisciplinary interaction, not only for the purpose of researching MOOCs themselves, but for integrating them into various research settings. In this publication, we address the question of how MOOCs can be used as instruments in scientific research. Our suggestions are illustrated on the example of the „Dr. Internet“ project, which allowed us to gain practical experience in this area.

[Full paper @ ResearchGate]

[Conference Proceeding @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Zimmermann, C., Kopp, M., Ebner, M. (2016) How MOOCs can be used as an instrument of scientific research. In: Proceedings of the European Stakeholder Summit on experiences and best practices in and around MOOCs. Khalil, M., Ebner, M., Kopp, M., Lorenz, A., Kalz. M. (Eds.). BookOnDemand, Norderstedt. pp. 393 – 400

[publication] Portraying MOOCs Learners: a Clustering Experience Using Learning Analytics #emoocs2016 #mooc

Our paper on „Portraying MOOCs Learners: a Clustering Experience Using Learning Analytics“ at this year EMOOCs conference is now online available.
Abstract:

Massive Open Online Courses are remote courses that excel in their students‘ heterogeneity and quantity. Due to the peculiarity of being massiveness, the large datasets generated by MOOCs platforms require advance tools to reveal hidden patterns for enhancing learning and educational environments. This paper offers an interesting study on using one of these tools, clustering, to portray learners‘ engagement in MOOCs. The research study analyse a university mandatory MOOC, and also opened to the public, in order to classify students into appropriate profiles based on their engagement. We compared the clustering results across MOOC variables and finally, we evaluated our results with an eighties students‘ motivation scheme to examine the contrast between classical classes and MOOCs classes. Our research pointed out that MOOC participants are strongly following the Cryer’s scheme of Elton (1996).

[Full paper @ ResearchGate]

[Conference Proceeding @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Khalil, M., Kastl, C., Ebner, M. (2016) Portraying MOOCs Learners: a Clustering Experience Using Learning Analytics. In: Proceedings of the European Stakeholder Summit on experiences and best practices in and around MOOCs. Khalil, M., Ebner, M., Kopp, M., Lorenz, A., Kalz. M. (Eds.). BookOnDemand, Norderstedt. pp. 265 – 278

[publication] Cooperative Face-to-Face Learning with Connected Mobile Devices: The Future of Classroom Learning? #tugraz #research

Our chapter about „Cooperative Face-to-Face Learning with Connected Mobile Devices: The Future of Classroom Learning?“ got published as chapter of the book Mobile, Ubiquitous, and Pervasive Learning.

Abstract:

Communication and collaboration among peers influence learning outcomes in a positive way. Therefore our research work focuses on enhancing face-to-face group learning with the usage of mobile devices by developing a learning game for iPhone/iPad devices called MatheBingo. The app allows up to four learners to connect to each other through their mobile devices and learn together in a face-to-face setting. An initial evaluation in this field of research indicates the usefulness of such activities and how they uniquely motivate children to learn. It can be summarized that the connection of mobile devices is an important step towards the future of face-to-face classroom learning.

[Link to full chapter @ Springer]

[Link to Draft version @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Ebner, M., Schön, S., Khalil, H., Zuliani, B. (2016) Cooperative Face-to- Face Learning with Connected Mobile Devices: The Future of Classroom Learning? In: Mobile, Ubiquitous, and Pervasive Learning Fundaments, Applications, and Trends, Edition: 1st, Publisher: Springer, Editors: Alejandro Peña-Ayala, pp.121-138

[publication] Prospective Teachers – Are They Already Mobile? #research #mlearning

Our chapter about „Prospective Teachers – Are They Already Mobile“ got published as chapter of the book Mobile, Ubiquitous, and Pervasive Learning.

Abstract:

This research study investigated the prospective teachers’ purposes of using mobile phones and laptops, as well as the significant differences across genders and grades. Furthermore, the frequency of connecting to Internet via both mobile devices was investigated comparatively. The study was designed based on cross-sectional survey and casual-comparative methodologies in order to first determine specific characteristics of the relevant population, and to determine the possible causes for differences in terms of variables investigated. A total of 650 prospective Turkish teachers participated in the study. The results point out that, compared to mobile phones, laptops were used more frequently for various purposes, particularly the educational ones. However, in-class use of both laptops and mobile phones for educational purposes was not very common. Mobile phones were used less for educational purposes, but more for communication and entertainment purposes. Though there were statistically significant differences in terms of some purposes, given the lack of practical significance, both male and female prospective teachers can be said to use mobile phones and laptops for various purposes with similar frequencies. The same was also true for the grade variable: all prospective teachers from first to fourth years used mobile phones and laptops for various purposes with similar frequencies in practice. The present study also revealed that, for prospective teachers, connecting to the Internet via mobile phones is not very common and even significantly less common than doing so via laptops. The findings in general suggested a need to raise awareness among prospective teachers about the mobile learning potential of mobile phones in general and in-class use of laptops in particular.

[Link to full chapter @ Springer]

[Link to Draft version @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Süleyman, N. S., Özlem, G., Ebner, M. (2016) Prospective Teachers – Are They Already Mobile? In: Mobile, Ubiquitous, and Pervasive Learning Fundaments, Applications, and Trends, Edition: 1st, Publisher: Springer, Editors: Alejandro Peña-Ayala, pp.139-166