Beiträge

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[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/.

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[ijet, journal] Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning Vol. 19 / No.06 #ijet #research

Issue 19(06) of our journal on emerging technologies for learning got published. Enjoy the readings as usual for free :-).

Table of Contents:

  • Exploring the Impacts of Implementing Block Mode of Teaching in Higher Education
  • Where Is the Teacher in Data Analytics in Education?
  • Integration of AI and Metaheuristics in Educational Software: A Hybrid Approach to Exercise Generation
  • A Virtual Reality Game to Promote the Role of a Healthy Diet in Male Reproduction
  • The Effect of ChatGPT on Education in the UAE
  • Designing, Coding and Embroidering

[Link to Issue 19/06]

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

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[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 🙂

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[mooc] DigitEx – Exkursionen digital gedacht! #imoox #ludwigsburg

Unsere Partner aus Ludwigsburg hat nun auch einen MOOC gestartet zu „DigitEx – Exkursionen digital gedacht!„

Entdecken Sie die innovative Fortbildung für digital gestützte Exkursionen der Pädagogischen Hochschule Ludwigsburg!
Unser Kurs im blended-learning Format richtet sich an Lehrkräfte aller Schulformen und bietet flexible Lernmöglichkeiten. Das Ziel der Fortbildung ist die lernwirksame und adaptive Anwendung von digitalen Technologien im Unterricht und an außerschulischen Lernorten.
Der Kurs wird als Open Educational Resource (OER) angeboten und ist modular aufgebaut. Er kann je nach Vorkenntnissen vollständig oder punktuell bearbeitet werden und ermöglicht jederzeit einen flexiblen Start und eine Pause. Unser Kurs bietet Ihnen in allen 6 Modulen informative Videos, zusätzliche Literatur, Praxisbeispiele und vielfältige Möglichkeiten zur direkten Kommunikation mit uns, entweder per Video-Konferenz oder im Forum.
Nutzen Sie diese Gelegenheit, Ihre digitalen Fähigkeiten zu erweitern und melden Sie sich an!

Selbstverständlich ist der Kurs kostenlos und wir freuen uns auf viele Anmeldungen: [Link zur kostenlosen Anmeldung]

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[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

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[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/

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[mooc] Qualitätsvoller Physikunterricht in der Sek. I #imoox

Es freut uns, dass diese Woche der MOOC zu „Qualitätsvoller Physikunterricht in der Sek. I“ gestartet ist:

In diesem Mooc werden verschiedene Lektionen angeboten. Der Schwerpunkt sind die Themen, die die Qualität von Physikunterricht in der Sekundarstufe I beeinflussen. Unter anderem geht es um Lernendenvorstellungen, die Rolle von Mathematik im Physikunterricht, die Bedeutung von Aufgaben für Lernprozesse und das Interesse von Schülerinnen und Schülern. Es werden auch die wichtigsten Unterrichtskonzeptionen für die Sekundarstufe I vorgestellt. Es werden jeweils Videos, interaktive Übungen und Quizzes angeboten.
Der Mooc richtet sich an Lehrpersonen aller Schularten, die Physik in der Sekundarstufe I unterrichten. Daneben sind auch Studierende des Lehramts Physik in Bachelor und Master sowie Lehrende in der Physikdidaktik herzlich eingeladen, den MOOC zu absolvieren.
Das Zertifikat des MOOC ist für aktive Lehrpersonen an der PH Wien als Fortbildung anrechenbar.

Die vielen Kooperationspartner versprechen sicherlich einen tollen Kurs, darum gerne das kostenslosen Angebot wahrnehmen: [Anmeldung zum kostenlosen MOOC]

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[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

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Happy summertime

With this post, I want to say goodbye to the summer holiday 2024. Not much is planned, apart from enjoying time with my loved ones and finding a little peace and quiet from an everyday life that has us rushing through life more and more.
So may I wish all readers a wonderful summer 2024 and see you again in autumn 🙂

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[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