[publication] Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite! #tugraz #research

Our research about „Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!“ was published at this year’s ED-Media conference in Brussels.

Abstract:
This paper explores the challenges and first experiences of implementing federated virtual learning management within the European University Alliance Unite!. Through the lens of Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI), the study investigates the complexities inherent in connecting Learning Management Systems (LMS) across diverse institutional contexts. This research examines the general hurdles faced by European university alliances in adopting federated LMS. Additionally, it outlines the LMS infrastructure of Unite! in early 2024 and discusses the pilot initiatives undertaken to utilize LTI for connecting LMS platforms at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). The pilots involve integrating Unite!’s Metacampus with various platforms, including Moodle-based systems from TU Graz. Drawing from these pilot experiences, the paper presents insights and lessons learned regarding the efficacy of LTI in facilitating cross-platform connectivity within Unite! and offers implications for future implementations.

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

Reference: Schön, S., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Gasplmayr, K., Hohla-Sejkora, K., Leitner, P. & Taraghi, B. (2024). Federated virtual learning management in a European University alliance: General challenges and first experiences using LTI to connect LMS in Unite!. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 123-136). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224514/.

[publication] The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance #tugraz #unite #research

Our this year’s publication at ED-Conference 2024 in Brussels was about Teaching Management Patterns and titled „The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance

Abstract:
This paper introduces Teaching Management Patterns (TMP) as a descriptive and communicative framework for addressing challenges and decision-making processes related to IT infrastructure in the Unite! European university alliance. The aim is to support decision-making and consultation in utilizing the alliance’s IT infrastructure effectively. TMP offer abstract descriptions for educational scenarios, considering factors such as organizational structures, technical capabilities, legal frameworks, and didactic requirements. The paper presents the development of these patterns specifically for the Unite! alliance, highlighting their role in decision support for using the transversal, alliance wide learning management system, Metacampus. Three exemplary cases are presented to illustrate the challenges, including continuing education for staff, joint lectures involving multiple universities, and research contributions. The patterns are categorized based on their compatibility with Metacampus, providing visual representations. The paper also introduces a decision tree as a counseling tool for determining the appropriateness of using Metacampus, considering legal and organizational restrictions. In conclusion, TMP offer a systematic approach for addressing IT infrastructure complexities in a European university alliance. The presented patterns and decision tree serve as valuable consultation tools for decision-making processes regarding the use of the alliance’s IT infrastructure.

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

Reference: Schön, S., Gasplmayr, K., Ebner, M., Alcober, J., Hoppe, C., Koschutnig-Ebner, M., de Silva, F.M. & Taraghi, B. (2024). The Development of “Teaching Management Patterns” from the Perspective of IT Infrastructure as a tool for consulting and further development in a European university alliance. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 137-146). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224515/.

[publication] The use of programming tasks in interactive videos to increase learning effectiveness at MOOCs #tugraz #mooc

Our publication at this year’s ED-Media conference titled „The use of programming tasks in interactive videos to increase learning effectiveness at MOOCs“ is now available online.

Abstract:
The importance of digital technologies, especially videos, increased over the course of the last few years. Whether they are used to watching the latest news or for entertainment purposes, one could say they have become almost omnipresent in everyday’s life. This development has also influenced education. Therefore, we want to examine the effects of interactive overlays such as programming tasks in interactive learning videos. For this purpose, a MOOC course was created to gain information about participants` learning success. To evaluate whether the interactive elements have a positive effect, two test groups completed the course. The results revealed that the test group with overlays performed better on average than the group without. Some limitations had to be considered, such as the smaller peer group that watched the videos without interactive elements.

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

Reference: Geier, G., Weiß, M., Wachtler, J. & Ebner, M. (2024). The use of programming tasks in interactive videos to increase learning effectiveness at MOOCs. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 38-47). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224503/.

[publication] WhatsApp’s Reign and Email’s Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023) #tugraz #study

Our publication at this year’s ED-Media conference was the result of the annual evaluation „WhatsApp’s Reign and Email’s Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023)

Abstract:
Within the last 12 years, more than 11.800 students participated in annual surveys during the university’s “Welcome Days” amongst study beginners at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria. This paper presents an analysis of the digital communication tool from 2011 to 2023. The 2023 iteration provided insights into the prevailing trends, including the dominance of WhatsApp for both general and learning use, the notable reliance on email, and the increasing role of privacy-focused applications such as Signal and Telegram. We also observed a sustained interest in multipurpose devices over single-function gadgets, an upsurge in smartwatch usage, and a diversification in social media and leisure platforms, reflecting a shift towards more engaging and interactive digital experiences. This paper contributes to the discourse on educational technology by highlighting the intersection of student preferences, technological advancement, and institutional support, setting a precedent for future-proofing learning support in higher education.

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

Reference: Nagler, W., Mair, B., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S. & Schön, S. (2024). WhatsApp’s Reign and Email’s Consistency: A Longitudinal Study of Communication Preferences of Study Beginners at TU Graz (2011-2023). In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 73-82). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 22, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/224506/.

[mooc] Informatik-Fit (2024/25) #imoox #tugraz

Heute startet ein weiterer Brückenkurs der TU Graz – „Informatik-Fit (2024/25)„. Damit wollen wir unsere zukünftigen Studierenden unterstützen, sich auch in diesem Fachbereich ein wenig einzuarbeiten:

Die Vielfalt der Probleme, die in der Informatik behandelt werden, macht eine kurze und dennoch vollständige Definition dessen, was Informatik ist, unmöglich.
Unmöglich ist es auch, alle Themen in einem Einführungskurs unterzubringen.
Irgendwo müssen wir aber trotzdem anfangen und so haben wir versucht, die wichtigsten Grundbegriffe und Ideen der Informatik auszuwählen und diese so zu vermitteln, dass sich die Teilnehmer:innen schnell ein breiteres Bild von der Informatik machen können.
Darüber hinaus soll es für die Teilnehmer:innen möglich sein, Zusammenhänge zwischen den einzelnen Themen zu erkennen bzw. herzustellen. 

Hier gibt es den Trailer zum MOOC:

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Die Anmeldung ist natürlich frei und der Kurs kostenlos: [Link zur Anmeldung]

Hinweis: Es wird bei diesem MOOC erstmals ein Chatbot zum Einsatz kommen – nachdem die ganze Welt über Künstliche Intelligenz redet, wollen wir uns auch bei iMooX dem Thema widmen und praktisch erproben, wie ein solcher Bot beim Lernen helfen kann. Viel Spaß beim Testen bzw. Lernen 🙂

[open education] OER about OER #training #OER

We are excited to announce the publication of our new resource: OER about OER  – Materials, Tools, and Methods. This collection, was initiated by Sandra Schön and me and enriched by the Unite! OER Courses project is designed to support educators, trainers, and institutions in developing and delivering Open Educational Resources (OER) courses.

The document includes practical insights into planning and running OER trainings, introduces open licenses, and provides templates, exercises, and creative methods like the „OER business model cards“ to help spark
discussions on sustainable OER use. Whether you’re new to OER or looking to deepen your knowledge, this resource is a valuable tool for expanding your understanding and application of OER in educational settings.

You can access the full document at https://doi.org/10.3217/5bq59-j6c60

Cite it: Schön, Sandra & Ebner, Martin (2024). OER about OER. Materials, tools & methods. A collection of Open Educational Resources materials, tools and methods. Report of the Unite! OER Courses project, August 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3217/5bq59-j6c60

[publication] Digital Learning during COVID-19. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Distance Learning at Universities in Austria #covid19 #edmedia #research

At this year’s EDMedia conference in Brussels we published a paper titled „Digital Learning during COVID-19. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Distance Learning at Universities in Austria„.

Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected universities in Austria, leading to a rapid shift to distance learning. This study analyzed 59 surveys conducted between March 2020 and October 2021. The quality of distance learning varies among universities and lecturers. Effective communication and access to information along with an appropriate workload for online teaching are key aspects. Adequate examination dates, seats, and time to complete courses are necessary. Students appreciated video recordings and some examination formats but preferred face-to-face exams in the future. This shows that online teaching is useful as a complement but not in itself. Using blended and hybrid learning methods can preserve the identified advantages.

[article @ conference homepage]
[article @ researchgate]

Reference: Brünner, B., Findenig, K. & Ebner, M.(2024). Digital Learning during COVID-19. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Distance Learning at Universities in Austria. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 980-988). Brussels, Belgium: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). https://learntechlib.org/primary/p/224617/

[publication] Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Video Editing in Educational Content Production: A Time Efficiency and Learner Perspective Study #tugraz #research

Out publication „Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Video Editing in Educational Content Production: A Time Efficiency and Learner Perspective Study“ was published.

Abstract:
Automated editing technology offers notable efficiencies in educational video production. This study contrasts the time-saving benefits of automated editing against manual professional editing. Raw learning video footage was recorded in a professional studio with a green screen and presented in a frontal lecture style. The raw footage underwent editing by both an automated tool and professional editors. Time comparison results revealed significant savings with the use of automated tools. The paper further investigates the impact of automated editing on the learning video quality from the learners’ viewpoint. An online survey with 129 participants evaluated their perceptions of potential learning outcomes after viewing automatically and manually edited versions of two videos. The survey found a statistically significant difference in perceived learning potential from one of the videos, although not for both. Additionally, the study considers how differences in study group characteristics might influence these results. In summary, while automated editing presents a compelling case for production time reduction, its impact on the perceived quality of educational videos remains uncertain, necessitating additional research to understand the subtleties of learner interaction with video content.

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

Reference: Nußbaumer, D., Mair, B., Schön, S., Edelsbrunner, S., Ebner, M. (2024). Evaluating the Efficacy of Automated Video Editing in Educational Content Production: A Time Efficiency and Learner Perspective Study. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2024. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14722. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61672-3_15

[publication] Exploring the Use of Generative AI in Education: Broadening the Scope #tugraz #AI #research

Our publication „Exploring the Use of Generative AI in Education: Broadening the Scope“ was published in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science.

Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) already plays a significant role in education and society altogether. With the rapid and largely impactful development in the field of generative AI, we must consider the potential changes and shifts of the new normal. Generative models like ChatGPT, Google Bard, Bing Chat, DALL-E, and many others, are proving to be powerful allies and assistants in practically every branch and aspect of life. Given their proficiency in language and their technical capabilities, we must acknowledge their significance and ensure they are not overlooked. In this work, we focus on their impact on education and what is the feedback from the educational community. We want to determine exactly how generative AI is used and how it can be used in education. Our goal is to review more, and new papers, to classify the papers based on the subject the paper has covered, the type of the study, the educational level it concerns, and how is generative AI generally perceived. After the analysis, we conclude that it is perceived as generally positive, with most papers focusing on higher education, and STEM subjects while mostly using qualitative research methods.

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

Reference: Jahić, I., Ebner, M., Schön, S., Edelsbrunner, S. (2024). Exploring the Use of Generative AI in Education: Broadening the Scope. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2024. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14724. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61691-4_19

[publication] Promotion of Emotional Learning in Technical and Social Domains: A Systematic Review #tugraz #research #hcii

Our publication, „Promotion of Emotional Learning in Technical and Social Domains: A Systematic Review, “ was published.

Abstract:
Different learning approaches and new Learning Environment Systems (LES) are evolving rapidly these days and are designed by taking more and more individual skills and personal characteristics and preferences into account. Also Emotional Learning is gaining more importance when it comes to different learning environments in the technical domain as well as in the social context. Emotional Learning can help to support the overall engagement in learning and approaching learning achievements significantly. This paper should give some deeper insights into Emotional Learning, which possibilities exist to support it in a meaningful way and how feedback of emotional states can be obtained in Learning Environment Systems in higher education. For this purpose a literature review was chosen as the underlying research method to explore and find the necessary answers in various scientific articles, encyclopedias and relevant conference papers from different sources. The outcome will show different state-of-the-art approaches and tools to promote Emotional Learning and how to incorporate emotional learning support in Learning Environments.

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

Reference: Struger, P., Brünner, B., Ebner, M. (2024). Promotion of Emotional Learning in Technical and Social Domains: A Systematic Review. In: Zaphiris, P., Ioannou, A. (eds) Learning and Collaboration Technologies. HCII 2024. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14723. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61685-3_18