CSEDU 2012 Abstracts

Area 1 - Information Technologies Supporting Learning
Full Papers Short Papers
Area 2 - Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
Full Papers Short Papers
Area 3 - Social Context and Learning Environments
Full Papers Short Papers
Area 4 - Domain Applications and Case Studies
Full Papers Short Papers
Area 5 - Ubiquitous Learning
Full Papers Short Papers

Area 1 - Information Technologies Supporting Learning

Full Papers
Paper Nr: 26
Title:

AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS OF ASYNCHRONOUS DISCUSSIONS
Authors:

Breno Fabrício Terra Azevedo, Patricia Alejandra Behar and Eliseo Berni Reategui
Abstract: This paper presents results of an automatic analysis of text contributions made by students in asynchronous discussions. The study was carried with the MineraFórum software. Data collected with the program were compared to appraisals made by teachers. Results show that the average of the analyses of posts made MineraFórum is similar to the average obtained in the analyses made by teachers.
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Paper Nr: 61
Title:

AUTOMATED EXTRACTION OF LECTURE OUTLINES FROM LECTURE VIDEOS - A Hybrid Solution for Lecture Video Indexing
Authors:

Haojin Yang, Franka Gruenewald and Christoph Meinel
Abstract: Multimedia-based tele-teaching and lecture video portals have become more and more popular in the last few years. The amount of multimedia data available on the WWW (World Wide Web) is rapidly growing. Thus, finding lecture video data on the web or within a lecture video portal has become a significant and challenging task. In this paper, we present an approach for lecture video indexing based on automated video segmentation and extracted lecture outlines. First, we developed a novel video segmenter intended to extract the unique slide frames from the lecture video. Then we adopted video OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to recognize texts in video. Finally, we developed a novel method for extracting of lecture outlines from OCRtranscripts. Both video segments and extracted lecture outlines are further utilized for the video indexing. The accuracy of the proposed approach is proven by evaluation.
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Paper Nr: 74
Title:

LEARNING BEHAVIOUR MINING BASED ON SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS
Authors:

Yu-Tzu Lin, Teng-Fai Seum and Herng-Yow Chen
Abstract: Social media have become a popular way to share and disseminate information, especially for young users. They bring new opportunities for education by providing a cooperative learning environment, which changes traditional instructional methods. In the cooperative learning environment, students can communicate and interact with each other and obtain new ideas from reflecting on others’ thinking and observing others’ behaviour. However, it is challenging for a teacher to organize group working in cooperative learning. Therefore, analyzing the social communication and deriving methodologies of learning behaviour mining can help understand the students’ learning and thus provide suitable instructional strategies. In this paper, we design a cooperative learning system and propose algorithms of learning behaviour mining based on social network analysis, by which the teacher can understand more about group working activities, including the discussion contrition of each student, the grouping criteria according to students’ characteristics, the evaluation strategies for team work, determination of active/passive or proficient/unproficient students, and detection of the group leader. These analyses provide teachers good suggestions for evaluating students’ performances, setting up the group working and improving students’ learning.
Paper Nr: 92
Title:

A REVIEW OF E-LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES - Opportunities for Teaching and Learning
Authors:

Annemieke Craig, Jo Coldwell-Neilson, Annegret Goold and Jenine Beekhuyzen
Abstract: The number of different e-learning technologies available to support teaching and learning is growing exponentially. A major issue for faculty and educational developers in higher education is to determine which e-learning technology is most appropriate to support their particular teaching needs and provide optimum learning opportunities for students. Over the last few years a vast amount of literature has been published on e-learning technologies and how they are used in education Therefore the decision to use a particular technology should be based on sound research and clear evidence. This paper reviews many of these e-learning technologies and provides information regarding their use and the opportunities afforded by them.
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Paper Nr: 125
Title:

A LIGHT-WEIGHT SEMANTIC INTERPRETATION MECHANISM FOR A SKETCH-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Authors:

Stefan Weinbrenner, Jan Engler, Pouyan Fotouhi-Tehrani and H. Ulrich Hoppe
Abstract: Free-hand drawing of diagrams or sketches is a natural form of expression that is very useful in learning scenarios. It is easily supported by tablets or tablet PCs. Often such sketches are the basis of reasoning processes, also in collaborative scenarios. They can also indicate misconceptions. Therefore it is desirable to support a semantic interpretation of sketches in a way that could be easily combined with other parts of a learning environment or with an ITS. Our solution introduces a multi-agent architecture based on the blackboard paradigm. Inspired by the CogSketch system, it supports the introduction of user-defined "glyphs" as external representations of concepts, it provides a set of basic geometrical/topological primitives and allows for the addition of more domain-specific semantic relations.
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Paper Nr: 140
Title:

OVERVIEW OF MATH LESSONS AUTHORING SYSTEM (MLAS)
Authors:

Samer F. Khasawneh and Paul S. Wang
Abstract: Web-based Mathematics Education (WME) provides new and promising way to use the web to improve mathematics education. However, WME lessons still require substantial programming skills to create and modify. MLAS enables teachers, who might not have the required programming know-how, to create and customize web-based mathematics lessons. MLAS is an on-web lesson authoring system with simple, yet powerful, graphical user interface. Dynamic lessons can be generated with little effort and time by using lesson templates. When authoring a lesson, a teacher may include one or more interactive virtual manipulatives from MLAS. The manipulatives can be customized and can interact with one another or questions and comments in the lesson page. MLAS offers a growing library of virtual manipulatives that are fully customizable, editable, and reusable. The MLAS library is easily expandable by adding new manipulatives contributed by teachers and other experts.
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Paper Nr: 161
Title:

MANAGING HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCIES - Teaching and Learning with a Virtual Humanitarian Disaster Tool
Authors:

Olatokunbo Ajinomoh, Alan Miller, Lisa Dow, Alasdair Gordon-Gibson and Eleanor Burt
Abstract: The importance of specialist intervention in the form of humanitarian aid from governments, NGOs and other aid agencies during a humanitarian emergency cannot be over-emphasised. Humanitarian aid is the assistance provided in response to a humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian aid may be logistical, financial or material and its central aim is to alleviate human suffering and save lives. This paper describes an inter-disciplinary project that created the Virtual Humanitarian Disaster learning and teaching resource (VHD) that is centred on the events occurring in the aftermath of an earthquake. To facilitate learning, scenarios with integrated task dilemmas have been modelled which will provide the opportunity for users of the resource to explore the inter-relationships between the key areas of activities which are important to the NGOs and other bodies which deliver humanitarian aid. Such areas include geo-political relationships, legal and regulatory requirements, information management, logistic, financial and human resource management imperatives. The VHD is primarily aimed at students. It creates a more flexible learning and teaching environment when compared with traditional classroom methods. The resource enables students to make decisions concerning critical situations within the controlled environment of a virtual world, where the consequences of any wrong decisions, will not directly impact on lives and property. The VHD has been embedded within an undergraduate module of the School of Management as it specifically relates to the final thematic area within which the module engages, namely the strategic and operational challenges faced by NGOs operating in the “humanitarian relief industry”. We demonstrate that virtual worlds can be used to enhance learning and make it more engaging. The VHD affords students the opportunity to explore given scenarios in accordance with a specified budget and in so doing, they realise module outcomes in a more active and authentic learning environment.
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Paper Nr: 166
Title:

VISUALIZATION OF OBJECT-ORIENTED (JAVA) PROGRAMS
Authors:

Cornelis Huizing, Ruurd Kuiper, Christian Luijten and Vincent Vandalon
Abstract: We provide an explicit, consistent, execution model for OO programs, specifically Java, together with a tool that visualizes the model This equips the student with a model to think and communicate about OO programs. Especially for an e-learning situation this is significant. Firstly, such a model supports the interaction with teachers and provides a sound basis for the understanding of other e-learning material concerning programming. Secondly, the tool supports acquiring proficiency with the model in an e-learning setting by giving precise information to hone his/her conceptualization of program execution. The model is advanced in that it accommodates multi-threading. The tool is flexible in that it directly uses the Java Virtual Machine for the visualization: extensions and adaptations can thus make use of the information the actual execution provides. A case in point is modeling the execution of code involving user interaction through the Graphic User Interface library. We consider several options here.
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Paper Nr: 173
Title:

ViPS - An Intelligent Tutoring System for Exploring and Learning Physics through Simple Machines
Authors:

Lakshman S. Myneni and N. Hari Narayanan
Abstract: Students tend to retain naive understandings of concepts such as energy and force even after completing physics lessons in science classes. We developed a learning environment called the Virtual Physics System (ViPS) to help students master these concepts in the context of pulleys, a class of simple machines that are difficult to construct and experiment with in the real world. Several features make ViPS unique: it combines simulation and tutoring, it customizes tutoring to address common misconceptions and it employs a peda-gogical strategy that identifies student misconceptions and guides students in solving problems through virtual experimentation. This paper describes the ViPS system and studies in which we evaluated its efficacy. Our results indicate that ViPS is effective in helping students learn and overcome their misconceptions.
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Paper Nr: 175
Title:

PROGRAMMING EXERCISES EVALUATION SYSTEMS - An Interoperability Survey
Authors:

Ricardo Queirós and José Paulo Leal
Abstract: Learning computer programming requires solving programming exercises. In computer programming courses teachers need to assess and give feedback to a large number of exercises. These tasks are time consuming and error-prone since there are many aspects relating to good programming that should be considered. In this context automatic assessment tools can play an important role helping teachers in grading tasks as well to assist students with automatic feedback. In spite of its usefulness, these tools lack integration mechanisms with other eLearning systems such as Learning Management Systems, Learning Objects Repositories or Integrated Development Environments. In this paper we provide a survey on programming evaluation systems. The survey gathers information on interoperability features of these systems, categorizing and comparing them regarding content and communication standardization. This work may prove useful to instructors and computer science educators when they have to choose an assessment system to be integrated in their e-Learning environment.
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Short Papers
Paper Nr: 10
Title:

HUMAN MOTIVATION PRINCIPLES AND HUMAN FACTORS FOR VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES

Authors:

Azam Esfijani, Farookh Khadeer Hussain and Elizabeth Chang
Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to investigate, from a theoretical point of view, virtual universities in comparison with Social Networking Services (SNS). The theoretical framework constitutes of the Human Motivation Theory (HMT) and the Human Factors (HF) in which Facebook as the most popular SNS is compared with virtual university in general. The main features of these technologies were compared in order to consider whether they comply with mentioned theories. Using an exploratory research methodology, this study concludes that SNSs are more adopted with HMT than virtual university. In the other word, Facebook applications as the most popular virtual community with over 500,000,000 users worldwide, is more compliant with HMT to gratify users’ needs. Also, from the perspective of human factors, it is more successful than the virtual university.
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Paper Nr: 23
Title:

HTML5, MICRODATA AND SCHEMA.ORG - Towards an Educational Social-semantic Web for the Rest of Us?
Authors:

Lars Johnsen
Abstract: The aim of this short position paper is to argue that the combination of the HTML5 platform, embedded microdata and schema.org vocabularies may pave the way for an educational social-semantic web, a network of structured learning content and supporting compliant software to which “the rest of us” may contribute.
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Paper Nr: 27
Title:

TEAM LEARNING PROGRAM FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERS USING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING - Case Study of the “Upper Process” in IT Engineering
Authors:

Minoru Nakayama, Manabu Fueki, Shinji Seki, Toshikazu Uehara and Kenji Matsumoto
Abstract: This paper reports the case of an educational practice and evaluation of team learning in an Engineering course. This course uses project-based learning and is supported by a learning management system. Its subject is the “Upper Process” of Information Technology systems development. The course was conducted at a computer college which trains information technology engineers to meet the demands of industry. The course content consists of team practice sessions to understand “requests for proposals” (RFP) and to learn how to propose “requirement definitions”. Student’s communication skills are also taught throughout the team learning sessions. To assess what was learned, the results of the team learning sessions were evaluated and self evaluations of learning activities were conducted. After this, a feasibility study of the team learning activity was discussed. Also, the evaluation scores of the functions of the learning management system were correlated with the assessment scores.
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Paper Nr: 35
Title:

PRO-INOVA - Virtual Platform for Innovation Management in Doctoral Schools
Authors:

Gheorghe Sebestyen, Marius Bulgaru and Laura Grindei
Abstract: Innovation is an important goal in any doctoral study program. In order to offer support for research and innovative developments we implemented a platform that manages information contained in patent repositories. The platform assures functionalities for information retrieval, content harvesting, patent repository administration and domain specific ontology management. The platform has also an eLearning component that teaches the students the steps of patenting an innovative idea. The platform offers support for gathering and preserving experience for research teams. This experience is benefic mainly for new researchers and PhD students.
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Paper Nr: 42
Title:

ForMath - Intelligent Tutoring System in Mathematics
Authors:

Piotr Brzoza, Ewa Łobos, Janina Macura, Beata Sikora and Marek Zabka
Abstract: The paper presents main ideas, aims and implementation of ForMath — intelligent tutoring system in mathematics which is a project developed at Silesian University of Technology. Up till now, the project has contained mathematical problems for engineering students, but in the future it will be adapted to other courses. The proposed platform has both the advantages of e-learning courses and innovative elements such as interactivity (hints or theory on the user’s request, suggested individual path, remedial sessions when necessary) and the accessibility of the system for students with disabilities.
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Paper Nr: 56
Title:

JAPANESE TEXT PRESENTATION SYSTEM FOR PERSONS WITH READING DIFFICULTY - Design and Implementation
Authors:

Kyota Aoki and Shinjiro Murayama
Abstract: There are many pupils with reading difficulty in Japanese schools. The dyslexia is the disability about reading and writing texts. We use Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana characters in Japanese sentences. We propose the Japanese text presentation system that eases the difficulties about reading Japanese texts with or without dyslexia. The kanji is an ideograph. The hiragana and the katakana are phonograms. The reading difficulties include 2 types. One is a difficulty about reading the kanji. Another is the difficulty about tracing the reading sequence. This paper proposes a system that presents the Japanese sentences with suitable presentation method for each pupil with reading difficulties. The main function of the proposed system is 3 levels of highlighting/masking that are independently controlled. The highlighting only is not enough to prevent the error about the reading sequence of character chunks. The 3 level highlighting/masking enables to adapt the presentation to wide varieties of reading difficulties. The proposed system also proposes the function to measure the reading ability of the pupil with recording their operations. This paper proposes the plan and the implementation of the Japanese text presentation system.
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Paper Nr: 58
Title:

SPREADSHEETS FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING - Creative Ideas for Informatics and Foreign Language Lessons
Authors:

Barbara Sabitzer
Abstract: On the one hand, spreadsheets are a very useful tool for language lessons, but unfortunately almost unknown by language teachers, often due to missing ICT-competences. On the other hand, spreadsheets are taught in informatics or ICT lessons, but mainly in a mathematical or an economical context; even thought, it could also be taught in many other context, especially for languages. This paper will give some creative ideas to benefit both subjects: Ideas for the use of spreadsheets in foreign language learning are presented, not only for writing vocabulary lists, but also for language games and oral exercises. These tasks as well as some ideas for interdisciplinary projects may be applied also in informatics for revising and introducing functions of spreadsheet analysis software in informatics. Interdisciplinary learning, especially ICT-supported language lessons are seen as more interesting and motivating than lessons related only to one specific subject.
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Paper Nr: 63
Title:

OBSERVATION AND SUPPORT IN A COLLABORATIVE PEDAGOGICAL DEVICE - A Multi-agent System to Control and Monitor Pedagogical Activities
Authors:

Insaf Tnazefti-Kerkeni, Henda Belaid-Ajroud and Bénédicte Talon
Abstract: This article discusses the agentification of coordination and control of a collaborative pedagogical device. It presents the advantage of a multi-agent system to instrument some features of a collaborative educational device and describes its implementation in the context of a pedagogical engineering studio. The article interests at first in the context of insertion of the device: why and how the MAETIC device is proposed to work out vocational skills training with ICT. The article then describes the function of the MACCADAM studio and the specific devices it generates. It then presents the benefits of a multi-agent system in this context and described the monitoring system proposed for the management of the actors. The article ends on the progress of work and the prospects so far.
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Paper Nr: 65
Title:

REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TOOLS IN VIRTUAL WORLDS
Authors:

Ishbel M. M. Duncan and Natalie J. Coull
Abstract: Virtual Worlds have been used for online gaming, socialising, business advertising and education. As the educational uses become more sophisticated from early information advertising and teaching resources to simulated laboratory and scenarios, it is necessary to determine requirements for tools and virtual systems to achieve the optimal support possible. This paper discusses the current educational uses of Virtual Worlds and applies this to a set of support requirements derived for an evaluated support tool for learning to program. The result is a layered approach, or checklist, to support learning and evaluation for effective and adaptive online educational support tools including virtual world educational systems.
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Paper Nr: 76
Title:

NEW FRONTIERS IN MUSIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE IEEE 1599 STANDARD
Authors:

Adriano Baratè and Luca A. Ludovico
Abstract: IEEE 1599 is an international standard conceived for a comprehensive description of music. Inside a unique XML document, all the data and meta-data related to a single music piece can be coded, ranging from catalogue to structural, from notational to performance, from audio to graphic information. This format is particularly fit for computer-supported music education, since it allows a number of applications such as evolved score following, real-time comparison among different performances, studies on score transcriptions, musicological analyses, etc. After describing the key features of the standard, a number of case studies will be presented in order to demonstrate its applicability to music education.
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Paper Nr: 84
Title:

SUPERVISING AND MANAGING PROJECTS THROUGH A TEMPLATE BASED E-PORTFOLIO SYSTEM

Authors:

Catarina Félix and Álvaro Figueira
Abstract: We report an integration process that involves the Moodle learning management system and an in-house developed e-portfolio system - SPD – and the institution information system. SPD is a system developed to create, evaluate and maintain digital portfolios assigned and assessed by a jury to keep a high quality level of the projects registered. The SPD system uses information imported from Moodle’s database, in order to fill in its own database for users and courses and for propagating the existing session between systems. It also keeps projects ordered by development phases, determining whatever can be done and by whom, making them available for consult only after being accepted by the jury. To aid the rapid creation of projects and development of its documentation a set of pre-defined templates are made available.
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Paper Nr: 101
Title:

TRACESHEETS - Spreadsheets of Program Executions as a Common Ground between Learners and Instructors
Authors:

Soichiro Fujii and Hisao Tamaki
Abstract: We propose the use of spreadsheets representing program executions in introductory programming courses. Each row of a spreadsheet is a snapshot of the execution at each time step showing the values of variables and each column corresponds to a particular variable showing the entire history of its updates. We call such a spreadsheet a tracesheet. We discuss the motivation and potential benefits of the use of tracesheets in introductory programming courses, discuss some design issues, and report on a preliminary implementation of a tracesheet generator for Java.
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Paper Nr: 110
Title:

GRAPHICAL SIMULATION OF NUMERICAL ALGORITHMS - An Aproach based on Code Instrumentation and Java Technologies
Authors:

Carlos Balsa, Luís Alves, Maria J. Pereira, Pedro J. Rodrigues and Rui P. Lopes
Abstract: We want to create a working tool for mathematics teachers and a corresponding learning tool for students, namely a graphical simulator of mathematical algorithms (GraSMa). To achieve it we try two different strategies. We started by annotating manually the original algorithm with inspector functions. Now we are testing a new approach that aims at automatically annotating the original code with inspector functions. To achieve this we are developing a language translator module that enables us to comment automatically on any code written in Octave language. The run of the annotated code gated by one of these two ways, records in a XML (eXtensible Markup Language) file everything that happened during the execution. Subsequently, the XML file is parsed by a Java application that graphically represents the mathematic objects and their behaviour during execution. The final application will be accessed on-line through a website (WebGraSMa) which is currently under development. In this paper we report and discuss about the procedures followed and present some intermediate results.
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Paper Nr: 119
Title:

LEARNING SUPPORT FOR TENSE SELECTION OF ENGLISH COMPOSITION BY ASKING BACK QUESTIONS
Authors:

Hiroki Hidaka, Yasuhiko Watanabe, Kenji Umemoto, Yuusuke Taniguchi and Yoshihiro Okada
Abstract: There are several differences between Japanese and English expressions, such as the usage of tenses. Japanese speakers generally use the past tense in Japanese sentences whether the past actions or events have some connection with the presents. Because of the usage of the past tense in Japanese, Japanese speakers often mistakenly use the past tense in English sentences when they should use the present perfect tense. In order to select suitable tenses in English sentences, Japanese speakers should pay attention to the presence of connection between the past and the present because they are not described clearly in Japanese sentences. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose a learning support method for English composition by using asking back questions. Our system asks users back, make them pay attention to the presence of connection between the past and the present, and help them to determine which tense is suitable, the past tense or the present perfect tense.
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Paper Nr: 121
Title:

SPREADING EXPERTISE SCORES IN OVERLAY LEARNER MODELS
Authors:

Martin Hochmeister
Abstract: Intelligent tutoring systems adapt learning resources depending on learners’ models. Successful adaptation is largely based on comprehensive and accurate learner models. By exploiting the network structure of ontology overlay models, we infer new learner knowledge and calculate the knowledge level we refer to as expertise scores. This paper presents a novel score propagation algorithm using constrained spreading activation and heuristics based on relative depth scaling. The algorithm spreads expertise scores amongst topics in a learner’s overlay model. We compared this novel approach with a baseline algorithm in the domain of programming languages and asked human experts to evaluate the calculated scores. Our results suggest that the novel algorithm tends to calculate more accurate expertise scores than the baseline approach.
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Paper Nr: 132
Title:

TRACING THE EMMERGING USE OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION - A Literature Review
Authors:

Marta Pinto, Francislê Souza, Fernanda Nogueira, Ana Balula, Luis Pedro, Lúcia Pombo, Fernando Ramos and António Moreira
Abstract: Communication Technologies being used in Higher Education Institutions worldwide are producing changes in the design of teaching and learning practices, giving rise to learning paradigms such as e-learning, b-learning and m-learning. Research embraces different perspectives on how the use of Internet and Communication Technologies potentiate innovation and disruptiveness of more traditional forms of education, as well as promotion of changes in the way teachers and students work and in the roles they adopt. The present review suggests that web 2.0 technologies has promoted new forms of communication, interaction and sharing between users and content in formal education settings. Furthermore, the realization of how vast and disperse the body of literature is, revealed as significant the main goals of the project “Portuguese Public Higher Education Use of Communication Technologies”, that aims to characterize Portuguese higher education institutions according to their use and best practices, disseminating the information obtained through an online information visualization tool. The ultimate goal of the project is to contribute towards making valuable and up-to-date information available to Higher Education Institutions and users, facilitating and potentiating research in the area.
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Paper Nr: 134
Title:

GENERIC USER MODELING FOR ADAPTIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS
Authors:

Alexander Heimbuch, Christian Saul and Heinz-Dietrich Wuttke
Abstract: Personalization is becoming a crucial factor in many areas of life including education. Currently, established e-learning systems mostly neglect the potential of user-specific adaptations such as optimized user orientation, sequencing or presentation by not considering an (appropriate) user model. But, a user model is the crucial factor how good and accurate the adaptations work. For that reason, this paper presents a generic approach for user modeling in the context of Adaptive Assessment Systems (AASs). The approach (1) enables recording skills and user characteristics, and the derivation of adaptable parameters; (2) allows incorporating additional parameters to determine specific properties and (3) ensures the interoperability through the use of established standards and specifications. In order to be generic and flexible in configuration, the overlay approach was used in combination with Bayesian networks. In addition, the interoperability of the approach is ensured through the use of the IMS LIP specification. Finally, the implementation of the approach is demonstrated in the AAS askme!. The work presented in this paper contributes to accurate characterizations of users, which in turn allows adequate levels of adaptability to reflect the real intelligence of an e-learning system.
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Paper Nr: 139
Title:

EFFECTIVE POLICY BASED MANAGEMENT OF 3D MULE - An Exploratory Study Towards Developing Student Supportive Policy Considerations

Authors:

Indika Perera, Colin Allison and Alan Miller
Abstract: Learning environments that are based on 3D Multi User Virtual Environments (3D MUVE) can be referred as 3D Multi User Learning Environments (3D MULE). 3D MULE used in various educational and research activities show proven success sufficient to warrant their consideration as a mainstream educational paradigm. They introduce a platform for diverse learning activities with a novel set of challenges for teachers and students. Without suitable learning management practices, 3D MULE users can encounter difficulties during their learning interactions through 3D MUVE functions, although the learning environment is dynamic and engaging. To overcome this challenge, we researched learner supportive policy considerations for 3D MULE management. This paper presents an exploratory study with student engagements (N=32) that identifies key factors, self-regulation and environment management, for policy considerations. Moreover, the paper critically examines the importance of constructive alignment of learning activities with the 3D MULE features for useful learning experiences.
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Paper Nr: 144
Title:

THE METAFORA PLATFORM TOOLS AND LEARNING TO LEARN SCIENCE TOGETHER
Authors:

Z. Smyrnaiou and R. Evripidou
Abstract: As Science and Mathematics teaching and learning in Europe decays, the Metafora project offers a proposal for the promotion of a new pedagogy based on online social learning through the use of the platform’s tools. Our Pilot study aimed at exploring how students can enhance their science learning by engaging in meaning generation processes using the Metafora tools. These processes include making sense of motion in Newtonian space using one of the tools, the 3D Juggler Microworld. The students also engaged in group discussion and argumentation using Lasad and collaborative planning of actions using the Planning tool of the Metafora platform. The role of the tools is promising in enhancing students’ scientific meaning making. Yet, further research is needed in exploitting the tools’ potential to contribute in collaborative, social learning and enhance the learning climate with an emphasis on togetherness which seems to be missing from our schools.
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Paper Nr: 159
Title:

USER’S ACCESS TO THE ROBOTIC E-LEARNING SYSTEM - SyRoTek
Authors:

Miroslav Kulich, Karel Košnar, Jan Chudoba, Ondřej Fišer and Libor Přeučil
Abstract: SyRoTek is an e-learning platform for mobile robotics, artificial inteligence, control and other related domains that provides access to mobile robots moving in the restricted area. The user is able not to only observe a gathered data using internet interface, but also control the robots in real-time. Unlike majority of existing e-learning robotic systems developed in the world in which the user can only tele-operate robots, behaviour of the robots in the SyRoTek system can be modified, as the system allows to run own algorithms developed by the user. The paper presents two interfaces providing access to the user: web pages and extension of IDE NetBeans. Furthermore, two courses based on SyRoTek taught at two universities are described and discussed.
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Paper Nr: 160
Title:

BI-DIRECTIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM BASED ON POSITION PATTERN TECHNOLOGY
Authors:

Sanghoon Kim, Joonkyo Kim, Jaehyun Park and Seung-Gol Lee
Abstract: A bidirectional interactive education becomes one of the important issues in computer-supported education area. The current computer-supported education system is often composed of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) for a teacher and personal computers or tablets such as iPad and Android tablets for students. Even though a tablet is good for providing various multimedia materials to the students, however, it cannot support the sufficient functionality to capture their feedbacks, especially handwriting inputs. This paper introduces a bidirectional interactive education system based on a position pattern technology. The proposed system consists of an IWB for a teacher, and digital pens and smart papers for students. In the proposed system, a teacher can communicate interactively with his/her students via an IWB and smart papers. Therefore, it is believed to be very useful framework for the computer-supported collaborative learning either in a classroom locally or in distance learning over the Internet.
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Paper Nr: 171
Title:

EXPERIMENTING WITH ENGLISH COLLABORATIVE WRITING ON GOOGLE SITES
Authors:

Nicole Tavares and Samuel Chu
Abstract: A considerable amount of research in recent years has shown the advantages of integrating Web 2.0 technologies with language teaching. Specifically, this paper will shed light on the positive effects of web-based collaborative writing on Google Sites based on a project carried out in four primary schools in Hong Kong, as revealed by the qualitative data samples of students’ and teachers’ comments and revisions, as well as the result of focus group interviews. Both students’ and teachers’ revisions and feedback not only endorse but also expand on the benefits of using Google Sites in the linguistic, discourse and motivational domains for students as suggested by previous research findings. Key observations based on the present study will also be highlighted to offer insights into ways of merging Web 2.0 technologies and language teaching in a second or foreign language context like that of Hong Kong.
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Paper Nr: 176
Title:

EVALUATING ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS UNDERGRADUATE FIRST YEAR TRANSITION - A Case Study
Authors:

Clive Holtham, Rich Martin, Ann Brown, Gawesh Jawaheer and Angela Dove
Abstract: Rapidly changing demands from employers of students of business meant substantial redesign of the first year undergraduate experience whose underlying pedagogy drew on the concept of “high-engagement” learning. This paper focuses on the question of how engagement can be evaluated. It is argued that a variety of “sensors” are needed for evaluation, both quantitative and qualitative. Of particular interest is the use of Moodle logs as an emerging powerful sensor.
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Paper Nr: 184
Title:

SCAFFOLDING THE STORY CREATION PROCESS
Authors:

M. Hall, L. Hall, J. Hodgson, C. Hume and L. Humphries
Abstract: Comic books provide an appropriate and structured context for education and personal or peer reflection. In this paper we discuss the benefits of comic books and technology in a pedagogical context, including the mechanism of scaffolding and how this interaction impacts upon the child's environment. Our studies into the educational benefits of comic books have lead to the development of an interactive comic book application. The application is being developed for the purpose of narrative inquiry through the creation and completion of a story scaffold. The analysis of the data will help evaluate the child’s social and cultural interaction with the story.
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Paper Nr: 190
Title:

WEB TOOLS FOR CHEMICAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION COUPLING FUNDAMENTALS WITH PROCESS DESIGN - The Distillation Case Study
Authors:

M. G. Rasteiro, A. Ferreira and J. Granjo
Abstract: In this paper the “Unit Operations and Separation Processes” area of a virtual platform called LABVIRTUAL (http://labvirtual.eq.uc.pt) is presented. The objective is to support the study of students engaged in a Chemical Engineering degree, especially in Portuguese-speaking countries. It is argued that these web tools support the autonomous study of the students, contributing to develop their critical and creative thinking, and enabling more practical approaches to the different chemical processes. Moreover, it is shown how coupling, in the same platform, sections directed to basic concepts/mechanisms, with sections directed to process design, contributes to knowledge integration and to a better understanding of the design methodologies for each process.
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Paper Nr: 191
Title:

RECMOODLE - AN EDUCATIONAL RECOMMENDER SYSTEM
Authors:

Dhiego Carvalho, Carlos Tadeu Queiroz de Moraes, Dante Barone and Leandro Krug Wives
Abstract: This paper proposes a recommender system for the Moodle platform that uses Apache Mahout as a recommendation engine. In this system, students receive personalized and adaptive recommendations based on forum discussions and learning materials available in the environment, according to their interactions. The recommendation method developed is based on the Moodle's activity log. In this paper, we compare four different ways to process user's preferences and present recommendations. Three of them exist in the literature, and one is proposed by us. The test set uses data from a real case scenario, i.e., the activity log from a graduation course that is given in our institution. We have found that the proposed approach produced the best set of recommendations.
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Paper Nr: 198
Title:

A SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CHANGES IN COURSE MATERIAL
Authors:

Essam Zaneldin
Abstract: Existing course management systems do not consider the management of course material changes, particularly courses that require more than one instructor. It is also important to communicate these changes to students registered in the course. Moreover, having one single repository of course material at the department level is very useful and can help the course assessment committee in each department to easily access course grades to perform quantitative course assessment. Existing learning systems lack three important features: (1) tracking changes made to course material; (2) informing instructors and students when a new material is uploaded and when an existing material is changed; and (3) managing changes. To overcome the above drawbacks, a course material change-management system was developed using Visual Basic programming language and Access database and was tested using a hypothetical case study. The novel aspect of the developed system is the effective management of changes made to course material and communicating these changes to instructors and students in a timely manner.
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Paper Nr: 203
Title:

DESIGN OF PROACTIVE SCENARIOS AND RULES FOR ENHANCED E-LEARNING
Authors:

Sandro Reis, Denis Shirnin and Denis Zampunieris
Abstract: We show in this position paper how we designed Proactive Scenarios for an automatic and enhanced management of the online assignments on MoodleTM for both student and teacher users, through their implementation with Proactive Rules to be run on top of our prototype Proactive Engine developed for this LMS. According to the diversity of issues that arise from the users activity on LMS, Proactive Scenarios are of two main types, which differ in their main goals, features and complexity. Meta Scenarios are devoted to capture major events of interest and to trigger off the dedicated Target Scenarios, which will undertake the appropriate actions. These Proactive Scenarios will thus take care of specifically predefined situations such as notifications, reminders, problem prevention, user guiding etc. In our opinion, LMS supplemented by such capabilities could provide a boosted effect on the students’ learning process as it takes an individual approach for each user and therefore could be characterized as a type of intelligent tutoring system. However, in order to sustain or modify the direction of our research activity, we now consider to undertake empirical studies on real-life online courses using the Enhanced E-learning Platform, which runs our Proactive Scenarios.
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Paper Nr: 207
Title:

INTERACTION WITH A DIGITAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF A UNIVERSITY
Authors:

Emily Bagarukayo and Theo P. van der Weide
Abstract: We discuss the position of the Digital Learning Environment (DLE) in a general architecture for an educational institution, and discuss its efficiency and effectiveness. Then we discuss the related generic educational approach in terms of the architectural model of competence and Blooms Digital Taxonomy when using a DLE. We discuss the completeness of such a methodology by relating the DLE to the methodology framework. As a case study and proof of concept we look at the DLE of Radboud University, Nijmegen by studying how it was implemented and how it has made the learning process more efficient. We show some figures that give an impression of the effects of the DLE on learning.
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Paper Nr: 208
Title:

DESIGNING ELEARNING MODELS - The Agora Framework
Authors:

José Rangel-Garcia and Jorge Buenabad-Chávez
Abstract: This paper introduces the Agora Framework (AF), a modelling tool to help design, evaluate and deploy eLearning models. An eLearning model in AF resembles a business model, and consists of various blocks, each block addressing one main aspect of the eLearning business, such as: learners (consumers), eLearning types (products) to be delivered, pedagogical basis for course design, hardware and software resources, among others. We describe how to use AF in designing an eLearning model, and outline the role that AF may play within an eLearning engineering.
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Paper Nr: 214
Title:

NETWORKING BETWEEN LMS MOODLE AND EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS
Authors:

Mikuláš Gangur
Abstract: The contribution introduces the use of a prediction market as a support tool in the educational process and its networking with LMS Moodle. The prediction market FreeMarket has been running at the Faculty of Economics as the part of the financial engineering courses. The quality of the predictions estimates depends on the trade activity of the market participants. That’s why it’s necessary to motivate students to trade on such a market. The paper presents one of the methods to increase the activity of students. The results of the market trades form a supplement to the final students’ evaluation in the relevant courses in the form of credits that are added to the total score of each student. FreeMarket points that students earn on the market are transferred to the credits according to the declared rate. The interconnection between FreeMarket and LMS Moodle is described together with the description of the process that transfers FreeMarket points to LMS Moodle gradebook. These processes update the students’ assignment score automatically and periodically. In the next the interconnection between LMS Moodle and application for exam report generating is explained. Finally the technological solution of networking is described.
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Paper Nr: 215
Title:

eLSaaS: A FRAMEWORK FOR MOBILE LEARNING CONTENT ADAPTATION
Authors:

Ivan Madjarov and Omar Boucelma
Abstract: As a typical Internet application, an m-learning system is an innovative approach for delivering well-designed, learner-centred, interactive and facilitated learning environments to anyone, anywhere at any time. Cloud computing is a technology and a business model that allows access to an extensible set of storage and computing facilities with a provision and pay as you go model. This position paper discusses the problem of content adaptation for mobile devices in a cloud context. A device independent model is presented in order to achieve automatic adaptation of the content based on its semantics and the capabilities of the target device. An m-learning software as a service cloud framework is presented for adapting, displaying and manipulating learning documents on smart devices. Some aspects of services integration in the cloud for m-learning are also discussed.
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Paper Nr: 221
Title:

AN EFFICIENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL EXPLORATION USING EXTRACTED CONCEPTS
Authors:

Tetsuro Takahashi and Richard C. Larson
Abstract: There are huge amount of Open Educational Resources (OER) provided by academic institutes now. Learners have an advantaged environment in which they can use the educational materials for free in their learning. General text search techniques, however, are not enough to provide an efficient search function for them. This drawback makes it difficult for learners to fully exploit the promising OER. We propose to solve the problem by providing an environment in which learners can search for educational materials efficiently using a set of concept networks derived from the existing OER. The result of experiment with the actual OER shows the availability of the proposed method.
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Paper Nr: 222
Title:

SMILE - SMARTPHONES IN LECTURES - Initiating a Smartphone-based Audience Response System as a Student Project
Authors:

Linus Feiten, Manuel Buehrer, Sebastian Sester and Bernd Becker
Abstract: In this position paper we are presenting the recent progress in developing our audience response system, SMILE, whose aim is to bring more interactivity into academic lectures. Development started in December 2010 with a programming task force of undergraduate Computing Science students. The constant integration of students as developers is a main concept of SMILE. A first prototype included a multiple-choice quiz module and a slider-based real-time feedback module. The client runs as a native Android-smartphone/tablet app or as a JavaScript web-browser application on any platform. In the winter semester 2011/2012 we have been applying the prototype permanently in a first year Computing Science lecture with approx. 90 attending students. This has been accompanied by a formative evaluation in cooperation with learning psychologists. Final results of the evaluation will be subject to a later publication later. Here we are sharing first tendencies already observable and details of the conception and the ongoing development phases.
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Paper Nr: 223
Title:

LEARNET - A Location-based Social Networking Methodology for Learner Group Forming
Authors:

Jessica G. Benner, Mohd Anwar and Hassan A. Karimi
Abstract: The benefits of collaboration in learning have widely been discussed in the literature. Our position is that location-based social networks can facilitate location-based group formation for learners and support face-to-face collaboration. In this paper, we present a methodology (LearNet) that is focused on the learner’s past and current location(s) as a key criterion for recommending peers for collaboration. LearNet is a component of OnLocEd, a location-based social networking model for online learners that can help learners discover content, events, and people in proximity to their current location. LearNet utilizes OnLocEd’s location-based features to recommend learner group forming in the social navigation network system (SoNavNet).
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Paper Nr: 21
Title:

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATICS FOR FUTURE DOCUMENTALISTS IN THE EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA
Authors:

M. Gestal, D. Rivero, J. R. Rabuñal, J. Dorado and A. Pazos
Abstract: In recent years, there has been an expansion in the use of IT tools. However, using these tools efficiently has been detected by the teachers as one of the main weaknesses of the students of the Humanities and Documentation Degrees at the University of A Coru˜na. Taking advantage of the introduction of the European Higher Education Area, the need to improve these weaknesses providing the student with the basics of the most common computer applications is considered. This article describes the ”Applied Informatics” subject that is currently taking place at the University of A Coruña, as part of the Documentation and Information Degree.
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Paper Nr: 31
Title:

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT SITUATION AND PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF E-LEARNING APPLICATION FOR STRESS PREVENTION OF ROAD TRANSPORT DRIVERS AND SME
Authors:

Ivan Atanasov Kolarov
Abstract: Prevention of work stress is among the priorities of the European Commission as stated in the Health and Safety policy published in March 2002. The case of the road transport drivers (freights and passengers) is worthy to be considered separately, since their work accidents might affect not only their own health but also other people's - road traffic participants, service personnel, etc. Aim of this paper is to analyze current situation and to propose a methodological dossier of virtual learning environmental (VLE) for stress prevention activities of road transport drivers and SME on the base of achievements in areas such as e-learning and risk prevention. It is proposed the VLE to be composed of 6 learning modules: What is stress? Causes of stress (stress related hazards); Effects of stress; Stress risk assessment; Stress management; Prevention of work stress. The training content will be complemented with examples on Physical and Physiological exercises and techniques. There is short a description of VLE organization, as well.
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Paper Nr: 81
Title:

EVALUATION OF E-LEARNING TOOLS BASED ON A MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING
Authors:

Eduardo Islas-Pérez, Yasmín Hernández-Pérez, Miguel Pérez-Ramírez, Carlos F. García-Hernández and Guillermo Rodriguez-Ortiz
Abstract: This paper shows a benchmarking of different e-learning tools based on the definition of a set of criteria which are useful and desirable characteristics of learning management systems. The final results show the evaluation from different perspectives. The evaluation is carried out using a methodology based on such set of criteria as well as a mixture of Multi-Criteria Decision Making methods to evaluate different modern technologies applied in training and e-learning systems. The criteria are grouped in a three-dimensional model in accordance with their use and application in training processes. The proposed model organises the set of criteria in three axes according to their functional scope, the Management, the Technological and the Instructional axes. Applying this methodology we evaluated different learning technologies and then we compare them from different points of view. The objective of this work is to help e-learning users and developers make good decisions about which tools have the best features for developing a system for management of resources, courses and learning objects.
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Paper Nr: 88
Title:

ONLINE DISTANT LEARNING USING SITUATION-BASED SCENARIOS
Authors:

Fabrice Trillaud, Phuong Thao Pham, Mourad Rabah, Pascal Estraillier and Jamal Malki
Abstract: This paper is an overview of our work to deal with scenario representation and management model in Online Distant Learning domain. Our approach is based on scenario structuring using the notion of “situation”. A “situation” is an elementary building block dividing the interactions between actors into contextual scenes. This pattern not only supports the scenario execution, but also its creation and evolution. After discussing the global methodology to manage ODL applications and introducing the situation-based scenarios, we show how our methodology and situation structuring can be applied to and enhance ODL.
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Paper Nr: 100
Title:

LEARNING STYLES FOR K-12 MATHEMATICS E-LEARNING
Authors:

Atakan Aral and Zehra Cataltepe
Abstract: This review paper analyzes significant studies in learning style and e-Learning fields in order to synthesize an answer to the question “Does considering learning styles improve e-Learning performance especially for K-12 mathematics education?”. Included studies can be categorized into the following topics: learning style models, learning style detection methods, considering learning styles in traditional education and e-Learning, considering learning styles in K-12 mathematics education. The review shows that applying different teaching methods for different learning styles could actually help a K-12 student understand a mathematics subject better.
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Paper Nr: 109
Title:

DIALOGICAL INTERACTIONS CONCERNING THE SCIENTIFIC CONTENT USING THE PLANNING TOOL, THE ARGUMENTATION TOOL AND FACE TO FACE COMMUNICATION
Authors:

Z. Smyrnaiou, E. Varypati and E. Tsouma
Abstract: This study is devoted to the qualitative analysis of dialogues conducted between students in a modern learning platform in which students learn how to learn together, argue and construct plans to resolve problems concerning scientific matters. The challenge-based scenario used in this research is related to the “Shots”. We are interested in the way students interact when using two types of pedagogical tools (Planning Tool, Argumentation Tool) in the Metafora Platform, as well as through Face to Face Communication. Results of analysis demonstrate that verbal communication has a coherent structure, when groups try to resolve the common challenge through the Argumentation Tool.
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Paper Nr: 113
Title:

MULTIPLEXING OF TUTORIALS IN DISTANCE EDUCATION USING TV BROADCAST NETWORK
Authors:

Arindan Saha, Aniruddha Sinha, Arpan Pal and Anupam Basu
Abstract: The demand of distance education in rural areas of developing countries like India is increasing due to unavailability of skilled teachers in rural India and limited or lack of infrastructural support. Moreover, in developing countries, the penetration of digital TV receivers is around 10% and remaining 90% uses analog TV receiver. Hence we propose a distance education solution which not only uses the exiting satellite broadcasting Television (TV) network but also maximizes the utilization of available bandwidth. In this paper we present a novel way of multiplexing of multiple tutorials simultaneously into one broadcast channel which is retrievable by the analog TV receiver. This multiplexing leads to a technical challenge of embedding multiple audio streams in a single analog channel which is overcome by treating them as a class of metadata.
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Paper Nr: 126
Title:

ANALYSIS OF THE BENEFITS OF COLLECTIVE LEARNING THROUGH QUESTION ANSWERING
Authors:

Iasmina-Leila Ermalai, Josep Lluís de la Rosa and Araceli Moreno
Abstract: Online collaborative learning between peers seems a viable complementary method to traditional learning, even as the input no longer comes from only one man – the tutor – but from a number of people with different levels of competence. Furthermore, nowadays an increasing number of people turn to social networks when they need to find answers, for reasons like trust, response time and effort. Thus social networks behave at times similarly to online collaborative learning networks. This paper presents a model of Questions & Answers (Q&A) learning where students are the ones that ask and also answer questions, as a method to increase and reinforce knowledge.
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Paper Nr: 130
Title:

A WATERMARKING SYSTEM FOR TEACHING STUDENTS TO RESPECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Authors:

Maria Chroni, Angelos Fylakis and Stavros Nikolopoulos
Abstract: Our work proposes a watermarking system for supporting the teaching process for educating students to respect intellectual property rights. In particular, we propose an educational tool, which we named WaterIP, that can be efficiently used by students to enable them to perceive how to protect their own ideas and how to respect others’ intellectual property. Our system uses an efficient technique for watermarking images by exploiting certain properties of a specific 2D representation of permutations, it has a friendly graphical user interface and shows interesting performance figures. The system provides students with two main working levels: (I) the student creates a secret key, i.e., the watermark, and embeds it into his own image, and (II) he makes the marks of a watermarked image visible in order to later extract the watermark from it using only, for pedagogical reasons, a ruler and a pencil. The watermarking method behind WaterIP can be applied to all educational levels beginning from early childhood up to preliminary and high schools. We demonstrate the educational effectiveness of ourWaterIP system by presenting ways of how it can be applied in class and show that WaterIP helps to understand what intellectual property rights really stand for.
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Paper Nr: 135
Title:

EFFECTIVE ONLINE TESTING - Nurturing the Digital Natives
Authors:

Gabriele Frankl, Peter Schartner and Zebedin Gerald
Abstract: This paper aims to take a glance at a flexible solution for online-testing at the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt (AAUK). We will present a recently implemented software that allows students to conduct their exams online and directly on their own devices, while at the same time preventing them accessing locally stored files or non-specified internet pages. A survey among the participating students showed that the general attitude of students is very positive. Especially among lecturers the demand for the secure exam environment (SEE) on their courses has increased tremendously. For the future we plan to further develop the secure exam environment and we intend to use larger lecture halls i.e. for synchronous online testing of approximately 250 students.
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Paper Nr: 146
Title:

THE LEARNING DESIGN IN EDUCATION TODAY - Putting Pedagogical Content Knowledge into Practice
Authors:

Isabel Azevedo, Dulce Mota, Carlos Vaz de Carvalho, Eurico Carrapatoso and Luis Paulo Reis
Abstract: This article describes the use of learning design to contextualise learning resources in a repository through the use of pre-defined templates. We advocate a close connection between a resource and its pattern of use in order to improve learning objects reuse. Moreover, we present the rationale for adopting and using learning design templates in the TREE repository.
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Paper Nr: 154
Title:

ATTITUDES OF INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD USERS
Authors:

Biró Piroska
Abstract: Thanks to the applications more and more IWBs are available for the institutions in Hungary. The most active and enthusiastic teachers who are ready for the latest challenges start to use the technical devices at once, they learn to use it and apply it in their everyday education. The aim of the research is to get a picture of active IWB users' opinions. 50 randomly selected teachers were asked whose schools have got several IWBs available. So, the results below reflect experienced teachers' opinion, since they have been using IWB from 1 to 5 years.
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Paper Nr: 157
Title:

LOW COST EXPERIMENTAL DEVICES FOR EDUCATIONAL SEISMIC NETWORKS
Authors:

George Hloupis, Ilias Stavrakas, Konstantinos Moutzouris and Dimos Triantis
Abstract: The current paper deals with the use of open source, low cost solutions for the development of educational seismic networks. The contribution of the current research is the minimization of sensors’ and accompanying hardware costs through newly implemented devices as well as their coupling to custom and public available software. Our effort is to deploy plug-n-play devices with initial cost under 10€ in their basic versions that can be easily operated by school teachers without the need of complicated instructions. Two solutions based on different microprocessors (with the accompanying software) along with preliminary guides for inquiring students into seismology are presented..
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Paper Nr: 162
Title:

ONLINE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION - E-Math for First Year Engineering Students
Authors:

Steen Markvorsen and Karsten Schmidt
Abstract: We consider the technology enhanced learning of first year engineering mathematics and in particular the application of E-learning objects and principles in the course Mathematics 1 which has a yearly intake of 750 students at the technical University of Denmark. We show that with non-linear multimedia technology and e-learning principles it is possible to strengthen and enhance the students’ desire and ability to prepare for the teaching and to read and enjoy the textual representations of the course materials.
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Paper Nr: 167
Title:

Q-BAT: A CUSTOMIZABLE VIDEOGAME FOR EDUCATION
Authors:

Olga Peñalba, Antonio Cerezo, Alejo Silos and Alvaro García-Tejedor
Abstract: This paper presents a videogame that can be customized by teachers to create materials for different learning purposes. It is a first-person 3D game that includes challenges the gamer must get through to successfully complete its mission. These challenges are formulated as questions, and can be edited using a simple web-based tool that saves a configuration XML file that is then read by the game. Every learning activity that can be designed as a sequence of questions can be carried out using our game, increasing the students’ motivation and probably enhancing their learning experience. In this way, the game, together with the editing tool, can be considered a simple authoring tool for educational game-based activities.
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Paper Nr: 181
Title:

USING ONTOLOGIES TO DESIGN COMPETENCY-BASED E-LEARNING APPLICATIONS
Authors:

Maria Bagiampou and Achilles Kameas
Abstract: Lately, the approaches based on the concept of Competency are widely used in the field of Education as well as in the field of Human Resources Development. Competency Modeling is considered to be essential for any kind of Pedagogical Design within the area of e-Learning applications, adding to them several new possibilities. One of the most popular representations of competencies and learning goals (which are considered a kind of competency) is that of ontologies. This kind of representation allows processing by machines and their incorporation in e-learning applications. The present paper contains the presentation of an ontology-based model for the description of the learners’ competencies, created through the combination and the extension of three existing ones. The ontology that we describe, was created as part of an experimental e-learning application for the description and management of competencies, learning goals and learning material about a specific field of knowledge.
Paper Nr: 182
Title:

TOWARDS PERSONALIZED TRAINING OF ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION OPERATORS
Authors:

Ricardo Molina, Guillermo Rodriguez, Yasmin Hernandez, Israel Paredes, Gustavo Arroyo and Liliana Argotte
Abstract: This paper presents an approach to personalize the training of operators of power electricity generation. Although the approach is described in the context of electric power generation, it can be adapted to other cognitive training environments. The training courses are personalized on the basis of job position and the operator‘s training history. The personalized training is complemented with the certification of labor competences.
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Paper Nr: 210
Title:

TOWARDS BUILDING PEDAGOGICAL AGENTS BASED ON EXPERIMENTS - A Preliminary Result
Authors:

Hanju Lee and Kazuo Hiraki
Abstract: Pedagogical agents are computer generated characters that supports learning. Pedagogical agents gained increasing interest in past decades, but research on pedagogical agents have produced mixed results on learning outcomes. We plan to adopt trial-and-error approach, based on knowledge gathered from field of cognitive science. While the main purpose of this paper is to discuss future direction of our work, it describes an experiment carried out as a preliminary step. Five participants were presented with word learning task, with and without physical image of pedagogical agent. The result suggests that pedagogical agent itself does not harm learning, even when it is irrelevant to learning material.
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Area 2 - Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment

Full Papers
Paper Nr: 39
Title:

ERP POST-IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING PROGRAM ASSESSMENT - Identifying Key Factors that Improve Cognitive Outcomes
Authors:

Biswadip Ghosh and Jason J. Woodfork
Abstract: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, feature a rich set of integrated business applications. To maximize the long term benefits from ERP implementations, organizations need to support end users with effective training during the post-implementation phase. Training programs that build the end-user’s cognitive skills and business procedural knowledge are particularly important as they allow the users to understand the broader scope of the ERP system implementation and the strong integration of multiple business processes and functions. Given the high cost and variety of ERP training programs, there is a need to create validated models to assess content and benefits of such training programs. Using a field study of a collaborative, team-based training program with the ERPSim simulation tool, this paper develops and validates a fuzzy logic model to assess cognitive outcomes. The study finds that training team characteristics, particularly heterogeneity and cooperation, are most important in achieving higher levels of cognitive outcome. The results of the study imply that for ERP implementation success, the end-users must be given suitable training programs that allow them to share and integrate cross functional knowledge. Moreover, the success of such training programs needs to be periodically measured to assess cognitive outcomes.
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Paper Nr: 46
Title:

IMPLEMENTING AN INCREMENTAL PROJECT-BASED LEARNING SOLUTION FOR CS1/CS2 COURSES
Authors:

Carlos Vega, Camilo Jiménez and Jorge Villalobos
Abstract: Cupi2 is a project that promotes an integral solution to problems in teaching/learning programming using a large and structured courseware, and a student-centred pedagogical model (Villalobos and Casallas, 2006a; Villalobos, Calderón, and Jiménez, 2009a; Villalobos, Calderón, and Jiménez, 2009b; Villalobos and Jiménez, 2010). As a cornerstone of Cupi2, we use incremental projects intended to motivate students, and to develop high-level programming skills throughout their learning. A critical factor of these projects is that they are specially designed so that students are engaged in activities that complete a scaffold of a complete program. However, both the scaffolds and the activities needed to complete these incomplete programs must be arranged carefully by the instructors in order to stress the adequate contents for students, and at the same time, to help those students acquire programming skills effectively. Jointly, scaffold versions need to comply with high quality standards, representing a high time consuming activity for instructors, and therefore, increased costs for institutions. In this paper, we describe the way we overcome these challenges by supporting the projects’ design in a scalable way with a software factory.
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Paper Nr: 55
Title:

A COMPETENCE-BASED INDUSTRIAL LEARNING APPROACH FOR FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE - A Result of the FP7-FoF Project ActionPlanT
Authors:

Dimitris Kiritsis, Ahmed Bufardi, Dimitris Mavrikios, Thomas Knothe, Hadrien Szigeti and Anirban Majumdar
Abstract: In this paper we propose a generic competence-based approach for Industrial Learning. The approach is composed of (i) an Industrial Learning model which serves to represent and understand competence-based learning, and (ii) a methodology which implements through a number of steps the Industrial Learning actions defined using the Industrial Learning model in industrial organisations. Both the model and the methodology are presented in details. A metrics-based method for evaluating the implementation of the approach is also described.
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Paper Nr: 93
Title:

INTEGRATING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING WITH K-12 SCIENCE EDUCATION - A Theoretical Framework
Authors:

Pratim Sengupta, John S. Kinnebrew, Gautam Biswas and Douglas Clark
Abstract: Computational thinking (CT) draws on concepts that are fundamental to computing and computer science, however, as an approach, it includes practices, such as problem representation, abstraction, decomposition, simulation, verification, and prediction that are also central to modelling, reasoning, and problem solving in many scientific and mathematical disciplines. Recently, arguments have been made in favour of integrating programming and CT with K-12 curricula. In this paper, we present a theoretical investigation of key issues that need to be considered for integrating CT with K-12 science. We identify the synergies between pro-gramming and CT on one hand, and scientific expertise on the other. We then present a critical review of literature on educational computing, and propose a set of guidelines for designing learning environments in science that can jointly foster the development of computational thinking with scientific expertise. Finally, we describe the design of a learning environment that supports CT through modelling and simulation to help middle school students learn physics and biology.
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Paper Nr: 136
Title:

AUTOMATIC ASSESSMENT OF SHORT FREE TEXT ANSWERS
Authors:

Fátima Rodrigues and Lília Araújo
Abstract: Assessment plays a central role in any educational process, because it is a common way to evaluate the students’ knowledge regarding the concepts related to learning objectives. Computer assisted assessment is a research branch established to study how computers can be used to automatically evaluate students’ answers. Computer assisted assessment systems developed so far, are based on a multitude of different techniques, such as Latent Semantic Analysis, Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence, among others. These approaches require a reasonable corpus to start with, and depending on the domain, the corpus may require regular updates. In this paper we address the assessment of short free text answers by developing a system that captures the way the teacher evaluates the answer. For that, the system first classifies the teacher question by type. Then concerning the type of question, the system permits the teacher define scores associated with subparts of the answer. Finally, the system performs the assessment based on these sub scores. For certain types of questions, paraphrases of answers are also considered in an attempt to obtain a more precise assessment. The system was trained and tested on exams manually graded by a History teacher. Based on the results obtained, we show that there is a good correlation between the evaluation of the instructor and the evaluation performed by our system.
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Paper Nr: 147
Title:

TOOL-SUPPORTED ASSESSMENT OF WIKI-BASED ASSIGNMENTS
Authors:

Zuzana Kubincová, Martin Homola and Roman Janajev
Abstract: Integrating wiki-based activities into education encourages development of students’ competencies that are important for their future professional life. As wikis support social learning and interaction, when working with them students learn to cooperate, plan and organize collaborative tasks, create concepts, express ideas, etc. Many teachers recognize undeniable benefits of a wiki in learning and try to involve it in their teaching. Since wikis were developed for collaborative work but not for use in education, they typically do not include proper tools for tracking and assessing the students’ activities, which makes the evaluation difficult for the teacher. In this paper we present a tracking and assessment tool, which we have proposed and developed and report on our experience with evaluation of wiki-based assignments using this tool as well. Since the evaluation of wiki-based assignments is a nontrivial problem not only from the technical point of view but also from the point of methodology, the assessment methodology is also discussed here.
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Short Papers
Paper Nr: 2
Title:

CONCEPTS NETWORK - Text Mining Technology allied with Pedagogical Practices to Qualify the Collective writing Process in Distance Learning
Authors:

Alexandra Lorandi Macedo, Patricia Alejandra Behar and Eliseo Berni Reategui
Abstract: The main goal of this article is to identify possibilities of pedagogical practices from the information generated by a tool called the Concepts Network. Such information is extracted from texts produced by participants / students in a Collective Text Editor - ETC. Thus, this study presents a tool and, from it, alternative teaching practices. The intention is to create conditions so that such practices are developed with quality and minimize the large work load required in digital work spaces in distance learning practices.
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Paper Nr: 20
Title:

TVT: A SOFTWARE VERIFICATION PACKAGE FOR THE INTERACTIVE LEARNING OF FORMAL PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES - An Educational Experience
Authors:

Rafael del Vado Vírseda, Fernando Pérez Morente and Eduardo Berbis González
Abstract: While Computational Logic plays an important role in several areas of Computer Science (CS), most educational software developed for teaching logic is not suitable to be used directly in other portions of the CS education domain where the application of logical notions is usually required. In this paper we describe the logic teaching tool TVT based on semantic tableaux that has been developed to help the students to use logic as a formal proof technique in other advanced topics of CS, such as the verification of algorithms, the algorithmic debugging of imperative programs, the formal design of invariants, and the design and derivation of algorithms from logical specifications, which are at the basis of the formal learning of programming techniques and good development of software. We present the design, implementation, and results of the evaluation of this tool by means of several educational experiences during the academic courses 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. From the results of these experiences we conclude that the use of the TVT tool in the current CS teaching can help our students to understand more advanced CS concepts and to clarify the formal process involved in the design and analysis of correct and efficient imperative programs.
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Paper Nr: 32
Title:

ASSESSING WRITING FLUENCY OF NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING STUDENT FOR AUTOMATED ESSAY SCORING - How to Automatically Evaluate the Fluency in English Essay
Authors:

Min-Chul Yang, Min-Jeong Kim, Hyoung-Gyu Lee and Hae-Chang Rim
Abstract: Automated essay scoring (AES) systems have provided a computer-based writing assessment comparable to expert raters. However, the existing systems are inadequate to assess the writing fluency of non-English-speaking students, while they detect grammatical errors relatively well. The writing fluency is one of the important criteria in essay scoring, because most of non-English-speaking students have much difficulty in expressing their thoughts in English. In this paper, we propose an automated essay scoring system focusing on assessing the writing fluency by considering the quantitative factors such as vocabulary, perplexity in a sentence, diversity of sentence structures and grammatical relations. Experimental results show that the proposed method improves the performance in automated essay scoring.
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Paper Nr: 40
Title:

VIDEO-CONFERENCE DEBATES - A Platform for Critical Thinking within Foreign Language Acquisition
Authors:

Ekaterina V. Talalakina
Abstract: The need to foster critical thinking has long been one of the key issues in education. It is essentially vital nowadays against the background of an increased volume of cross-cultural communications due to the present-day demand for collaboration to tackle pressing global issues through joint efforts of different nations. While the format of debates has been recognized by researchers as one of the most efficient tools of setting off critical thinking, it is up to the new technologies in education to make it possible to bring this platform to a cross-cultural level. Since a cross-cultural dialogue in most cases supposes the mastery of a foreign language, e-learning in the form of cross-border video-conference debates present an invaluable opportunity for educators to enhance the pedagogy of foreign language acquisition around the globe. The present paper focuses on a case-study of an on-going project of implementing the tool of synchronous cross-cultural video-conference debates.
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Paper Nr: 50
Title:

ON PRACTICAL ISSUES OF MEASUREMENT DECISION THEORY - An Experimental Study
Authors:

Jiri Dvorak
Abstract: In Educational Measurement field Item Response Theory is a dominant test evaluation method. A few years ago Lawrence Rudner has introduced an alternative method providing better results than IRT in some cases of measurement. However, his method called Measurement Decision Theory did not get much of interest in the community. In this article we would like to give MDT some of the focus we believe it deserves. In particular we are focusing on the practical issues necessary to successfully implement MDT into a daily life of Educational Measurement. We will summarize classification abilities. After that in the main part of this paper we will explain in depth calibration process which is a crucial part of MDT implementation. A basic calibration process will be described as well as its characteristics. Then, as a main result, an improvement of this basic process will be introduced.
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Paper Nr: 96
Title:

EXPLORING AND UNDERSTANDING THE ABSTRACT BY DIRECT MANIPULATION OF THE CONCRETE
Authors:

Oksana Arnold, Jun Fujima, Klaus P. Jantke and Yuzuru Tanaka
Abstract: In schools and in universities, there will always remain a certain very abstract, but highly relevant content. Remarkable percentages of learners, therefore, are facing severe difficulties and need some substantial support. The paper demonstrates an involved case of learning some of the most abstract contents in higher education by means of exploratory direct manipulation. Direct manipulation technologies allow for touching media objects, for moving, modifying and combining them, and for–even playfully–exploring the behavior of mechanisms. Webble technology has been used to represent content and to implement direct manipulation functionalities. The implementation reported is in practical use within some moodle environment.
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Paper Nr: 97
Title:

TOWARDS HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY ASSESSMENT - Framework for Students Satisfaction Evaluation
Authors:

Olga Cherednichenko and Olga Yangolenko
Abstract: This paper presents the framework of higher education quality assessment. The estimates of education quality can be used by the chiefs of higher education establishments (HEE) to take management decisions. The suggested approach is based on SERVQUAL method, supposing that education quality is the quality of provided service. Within the elaborated framework students fill in the questionnaire, their answers reflect the gap between perceived and expected education quality. The survey results are processed with the help of Rasch model. This approach was tested at the Information and management faculty of National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”.
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Paper Nr: 117
Title:

EXPERIENCES WITH WEB-BASED PEER ASSESSMENT OF COURSEWORK
Authors:

Hans Hüttel and Kurt Nørmark
Abstract: We describe experiments with a web-based system for peer assessment in a course on automata theory and program semantics. The paper describes the web-based assessment system, and experiences from the first round of use in 2011. We find a correlation between a high level of peer reviewing activity and a high grade obtained at written exam.
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Paper Nr: 124
Title:

TOWARDS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED PEER-TO-PEER ASSESSMENTS INTO MATHEMATICS EDUCATION - Experiences with iPad Mobile Tablet Technology
Authors:

Ghislain Maurice Norbert Isabwe, Frank Reichert and Svein Olav Nyberg
Abstract: This paper addresses technology supported formative assessment in university mathematics education. The challenges of formative assessment are the requirements for regular feedback and more student engagement in the learning process. This paper suggests integrating peer-to-peer assessment in mathematics education, using mobile tablet technology. The students are engaged in providing feedback to each other and the technology allows for fast and regular feedback provision. The paper presents the results of experiments with undergraduate engineering students, using iPad tablets and a learning management system. It is shown that mobile tablet technology can greatly contribute to the integration of peer-to-peer assessment into mathematics education; and providing peer-feedback is a practical approach to formative assessment.
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Paper Nr: 158
Title:

DISTANCE EDUCATION FOR ELDERLY - The Construction of a Pedagogic Architecture
Authors:

Leticia Rocha Machado, Patricia Alejandra Behar and Johannes Doll
Abstract: The prospect of a long life for a large population poses new challenges for both public policy and to the individuals themselves. In this context technological resources and the Internet represent an important channel and conducive to a continuing education. The distance education in this scenario can become a form of social inclusion for the many possibilities. But with new emerging paradigms there is a need to investigate how planning should be done online courses for seniors. Thus the pedagogic architecture, organizational structures and planning, can help in discussion and reflection on the subject. Therefore, the objective of this research is to build pedagogic an architecture for distance education toward the elderly population. The study will be from a qualitative and quantitative approach, consisting of three stages of development. In the steps we aim to build arrays of pedagogic architecture and apply them. Data collection will be held from participant observations, interviews, questionnaires and production technology of the participants. With the study is to develop the awareness that the elderly have the potential to learn through distance education, which will require cultural change through new learning.
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Paper Nr: 163
Title:

ADAPTIVE E-ASSESSMENT APPLICATION SCENARIO - A Framework and Concept for the Integration of askme! in Higher Education
Authors:

André Schulz and Christian Saul
Abstract: To provide the expertise to apply learned knowledge in practice is one main challenge of higher education. Especially, the engineering graduates need to solve complex problems in their profession and apply specific expertise in various contexts. These demands encompass less recalling of factual knowledge, but more comprehensive key competencies like problem-solving expertise. In this paper, the Adaptive Assessment System askme! is used to address this challenge. The authors discuss the general conditions of the education of a course in theoretical computer science offered for students of a Bachelor degree program. Furthermore, this paper provides an application scenario in which the applied learning platform Moodle will be extended by adaptive methods of assessment.
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Paper Nr: 188
Title:

UBIQUITOUS TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED LEARNING OF COMPLEX FINANCIAL CONCEPTS - Pedagogy Improvement in Face-to-face and Online Teaching Environments
Authors:

Irena Vodenska, Lou Chitkushev and Leo Burstein
Abstract: Technology-based finance education is designed to fully engage students during lectures and individual study times in order to increase their learning efficiency. Students are immersed in a new teaching environment where the emphasis is on achieving high knowledge retention rate by synchronously presenting the material through non-sequential links of learning objects such as graphics, multimedia files, and links to external documents. While studying, students have possibilities to refer to earlier material when learning more complex ideas in the later part of a lecture, as well as to relate to the material that may be following the topics being introduced. The integrative technology-enhanced approach to learning provides students with a possibility to maintain the overall view of the material, while absorbing detailed explanations of the individual study components. We have conducted a preliminary pilot program testing this approach, and found, based on student feedback, that the integrative technology-enhanced approach to teaching improves student overall learning experience in face-to-face as well as in online courses. Moreover, course material organization and instructor presentation of the material contribute significantly to the overall student satisfaction while technology per se is not a statistically significant factor for overall course experience.
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Paper Nr: 219
Title:

A NOVEL LEARNER SELF-ASSESSMENT APPROACH - Application to Pratical Works
Authors:

Karima Boussaha, Farid Mokhati and Nora Taleb
Abstract: This paper presents a novel approach for learner self- Assessment. The aim of this approach is to offer to learners an evaluation tool as a CEHL (Computing Environment for Human Learning) allowing comparing their productions (C++ object-oriented programs) with those elaborated by teacher. Considered as part of our platform E-TéléTP@AALP (Environnement des TéléTP Appliqués A l’Apprentissage des Languages de Programmation), the tool we are developing allows essentially: (1) generating two UML diagrams (UML class diagram and communication diagram) from the learner’s program, and (2) applying some matching algorithms for measuring degrees of similarity and dissimilarity between learner’s diagrams and teacher’s diagrams.
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Paper Nr: 231
Title:

SOURCE CODE VALIDATION AND PLAGIARISM DETECTION - Technology-rich Course Experiences
Authors:

Ivana Bosnić, Branko Mihaljević, Marin Orlić and Mario Žagar
Abstract: Learning various programming languages in a short amount of time is a challenging task. To help students tackle several programming languages during the course of a semester, while reducing the teaching assistants’ support efforts, a system named ORVViS was implemented and integrated with Moodle Learning Management System. ORVViS is used to assist students validate assignment solutions, and also to check for source code plagiarism. This paper presents the course Open computing, our motivation, system use cases, as well as our results and experiences. These observations helped us improve the assignments to better suit our teaching goals and help students learn the course concepts more quickly.
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Paper Nr: 78
Title:

A STANDARD AND INTEROPERABLE TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOR SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE ACQUIREMENT
Authors:

Enosha Hettiarachchi, Maria Antonia Huertas, Enric Mor Pera and Ana Elena Guerrero Roldan
Abstract: There are some subjects that require a high level of skill practice and knowledge acquisition. Many of these are related with mathematical content. In particular, logic for computer science is a good example. There are some interesting tools and systems available for e-assessments of this kind of subjects in higher education, but none of them is providing rich feedback in a qualitative manner. In this paper, we describe a technology-enhanced assessment system for assessing both skill and knowledge acquisition in online higher education while adhering to e-learning and e-assessment standards and specifications. This technological requirement is achieved through designing a system which allows the integration of existing partially effective tools with common Learning Management Systems (LMSs) according to standard conformance. The system is designed and developed in a way that it can be used as modules to existing systems or LMSs. The reason for doing this is that institutes who are interested in the system can use the tool as a module integrated to their existing system which maintains interoperability.
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Paper Nr: 99
Title:

INVESTIGATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIVERSE CLASSROOMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION DUE TO DISCREPANCIES IN BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Authors:

Dimos Triantis and Ioanna Leraki
Abstract: This work identifies and addresses problems that are common in first year classrooms of the Department of Electronic Engineering at the Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Athens. These classrooms are normally composed of different sets of students. The students are admitted trough different tracks and via different entry examinations. Furthermore, the diversity of the classroom is augmented due to the admission of students transferring from other similar regional departments and who have a significantly lower academic background than those admitted directly to the Department. Their performance in a rating test is directly related to their TEI entry grade. Transferees usually face progression difficulties. The course of action which has been adopted till today to support the weak cohorts of students is described. Last, the classroom’s performance in a core module of the first semester is recorded and studied against their performance in the rating test. Additional classroom management action plan is provided.
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Paper Nr: 127
Title:

EXPERIMENT WITH PERSONAL RESPONSE DEVICES - Advantages and Drawbacks Identified in Engineering Studies
Authors:

F. R. Lara, E. Herruzo, F. J. Jiménez, F. M. Pérez and C. Corredor
Abstract: This work presents the main results and conclusions drawn from a teaching experiment, in the studies of Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic School of Córdoba University (Spain), in the 2010 to 2011 course. This experiment was to use extensively, in one of the theory groups, an interactive system based on personal response devices. The main purpose of the meeting was to compare the results with other group in which the system was not used. Also we wanted to know the opinion of the teachers and students participating in this experiment. In this way we could know both the advantages and the disadvantages of its implementation, the technical dificulties and if it is a really useful teaching tool. The results can be interesting for teachers and educational supervisors who want to know the advantages and limitations of these systems.
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Paper Nr: 149
Title:

CONSTRUCTION OF BLENDED LEARNING METHOD IN A GRADUATE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ANDES - Systematization of the Experience
Authors:

María Fernanda Aldana Vargas, Gerardo Rey Arévalo and Inéride Álvarez Suescún
Abstract: In this paper the authors present the results of an ongoing process of systematization of the experience of the construction of blended learning mode in a postgraduate program at the Andes University. In this process the authors tried to solve how the process of construction and implementation of a blended learning mode in the design of a postgraduate courses program? In order to answer this question, we defined three principal categories, based on the systematizer team’s participation in this experience, as well as on its trajectory in the incorporation of IT in educational processes. These categories are: Interaction, Technopedagogical Design and Blended Mode.
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Paper Nr: 156
Title:

ASSURING THE QUALITY OF THE PRACTICUM IN THE EHEA WITH MOODLE AND GOOGLE DOCS - Design of a Tool for Facilitating the Practicum Monitoring
Authors:

Xavier Perramon, Josepa Alemany and Laura Panadès
Abstract: The introduction of the European Higher Education Area has a methodological impact on most university courses, but in some cases the main change comes from the access of a larger number of students to the courses. Specifically, the Practicum used to be an option for only a few students in most degrees, but after the EHEA its deployment will be much more generalised. In order not to degrade the quality of the Practicum monitoring process, measures should be taken for facilitating the task of Practicum supervisors. In this paper we present the implementation of a software tool designed to this end. A first version of the tool is based on the well-known Moodle e-learning platform. Since we detected some problems due to the coexistence of different versions of Moodle, we introduced other emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, and in particular Google Docs. We show that the combination of Moodle and Google Docs allows an efficient monitoring of the Practicum and helps to guarantee its quality, regardless of the version of Moodle in use.
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Paper Nr: 199
Title:

TEACHING METHODOLOGY OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors:

Ladislav Burita
Abstract: The article describes the content and methodology of teaching the foundations of information systems development. It presents the content and structure of the course, motivational aspects applied, and an illustrative example of a credit assignment – the result of student’s work. As a theoretical approach, the structured methodology for information systems development is applied. The physical model is created in the Microsoft Access database management system.
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Paper Nr: 206
Title:

A LANGUAGE COURSE FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS - A Proposal to Break Cultural and Literacy Barriers through ICTs and Design
Authors:

Gemma Delicado Puerto, Mercedes Rico García and Eva Mª Domínguez Gómez
Abstract: Despite of the economic crisis Europe and Spain are facing, foreign-born workers are still increasingly becoming a crucial part of the European community and an important component of the local workforce. Taking the necessity of training newly arrived population into account, this paper aims to share with the scientific community an A1/A2 blended course of Spanish as a foreign language for immigrant workers following the policies of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment. It differs from other language course since it is based in three focal and innovative cornerstones: specific cultural training for immigrant workers, preparation for fast cultural assimilation, overcoming illiteracy before arriving into the country. All that by means of the ubiquity provided by the ICTs and a great component of visual material which will help to overcome illiteracy and cultural problems originated in multiple ethnicities, bridging the gap between formal teaching practices and the experience of using language and culture knowledge by living in a target language country.
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Paper Nr: 229
Title:

USING MOODLE TO HELP STUDENTS COMPLETE THE THESIS COMPONENT OF THE SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION PROGRAM
Authors:

Carmen de Lourdes Laraque Espinosa
Abstract: This paper aims to reflect the experience of the Department of Sociology of Education at Pedagogical University of Mexico with a project based on the use of the Moodle learning management system. Moodle is selected a flexible environment that minimizes time and space barriers and increases communicative options by offering new alternatives for tutoring and assessment. We analyze the results obtained so far and formulate some recommendations in order to improve future use of the platform.
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Paper Nr: 230
Title:

THE VIRTUAL TUTOR - Development of a Virtual Tutor within a Simulated Working Environment
Authors:

Peter C. Pel and Rob M. M. Kommeren
Abstract: A simulation engine will be presented through which interactive virtual vocational environments were realized. In this simulation students could act as employees in a simulated company and as such gain experience and skills for their future profession. The simulations that are based on this simulation engine are simulations of practical situations that are being used in the secondary vocational education in the department of economics in the Netherlands. For the past six years this system has been totally redesigned and adapted to meet the requirements of the educational field. Now, thousands of users will be able to use this new simulation environment through the internet. At this moment an intelligent tutoring system is developed and will be tested. The simulation environment becomes now a full adaptive learning environment. During the workshop a demonstration will be given, showing the different possibilities of the system. Also the problems of filling the rules, decisions and content of the intelligent tutoring system will be discussed.
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Area 3 - Social Context and Learning Environments

Full Papers
Paper Nr: 41
Title:

DESIGNING COLLABORATIVE MULTIPLAYER SERIOUS GAMES FOR COLLABORATIVE LEARNING - Escape from Wilson Island - A Multiplayer 3D Serious Game for Collaborative Learning in Teams
Authors:

Viktor Wendel, Michael Gutjahr, Stefan Göbel and Ralf Steinmetz
Abstract: The concept of collaborative learning has been researched for many years. The idea of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is being investigated for more than twenty years. Since a few years, gamebased approaches like video games for learning (Serious Games) offer new fields of application. The combination of game-based learning concepts and collaborative learning may enable new application areas of CSCL. However, the design of such games is very complex. The gameplay has to fulfill requirements of traditional single player games (fun, narration, immersion, graphics, sound), challenges of multiplayer games (concurrent gaming, interaction) and Serious Game design (seamless inclusion of learning content, adaptation and personalization). Furthermore, requirements of collaborative learning have to be considered, like group goals, positive interdependence, and individual accountability. In this paper we describe an approach for game-based collaborative learning using multiplayer Serious Games. We developed an approach for a collaborative 3D multiplayer game fostering collaborative behavior as a foundation for collaborative learning in teams using games. First evaluations of a prototype for 3-4 players showed that the game enables a collaborative gameplay and fosters collaborative behavior. This may allow us to use a game-based CSCL approach to combine the advantages of game-based learning with those of collaborative learning in future.
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Paper Nr: 49
Title:

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING ACCREDITATION PERFORMANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION
Authors:

Kua-Hsin Peng and Gwo-Hshiung Tzeng
Abstract: Numerous studies has focused on exploring input and output indicators of accreditation system; assessment quality assurance and accreditation of higher education; reviewing the status of quality assurance and accreditation system within higher education. However, few studies have explored strategies for improving institutional accreditation performance in higher education, and preventing decision makers from obtaining valuable cues for making accurate decisions to improve institutional accreditation performance to increase the logical thinking, reasoning ability and work competitiveness of graduate students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore strategies for improving institutional accreditation performance using a new hybrid MCDM model combined with DANP (DEMATEL-based ANP). An empirical case was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model for evaluating institutional accreditation performance to identify institutional performance gaps and explore strategies for improving accreditation based on the influential relation map. Decision makers should increase the priority of the cause criteria in advance, to successfully improve institutional accreditation performance to achieve the aspiration levels and increase competiveness of students.
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Paper Nr: 153
Title:

IMPROVING COURSE SUCCESS PREDICTION USING ABET COURSE OUTCOMES AND GRADES
Authors:

Muzaffer Ege Alper and Zehra Çataltepe
Abstract: Modeling and prediction of student success is a critical task in education. In this paper, we employ machine learning methods to predict course grade performance of Computer Engineering students. As features, in addition to the conventional course grades we use fine grained student performance measurements corresponding to different goals (ABET outcomes) of a course. We observe that, compared to using only previous course grades, addition of outcome grades can significantly improve the prediction results. Using the trained model enables interpretation of how different courses affect performance on a specific course in the future. We think that even more detailed and systematically produced course outcome measurements can be beneficial in modeling students university performance.
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Short Papers
Paper Nr: 19
Title:

ERP-BASED SME BUSINESS LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Authors:

Karoliina Nisula
Abstract: Small and medium size enterprises are an important and growing part of the economy. They lack an adequately skilled workforce. Higher education is claimed to provide students with theoretical knowledge rather than skills. Enterprise resource systems, business simulation games and the practice enterprise model are all practical, experiential learning environments. Each of them solves different learning challenges but does not provide a comprehensive learning environment. This paper presents a simulated learning environment that merges the three environments together, allowing students to learn the daily operations of SMEs in a practice-focused manner. In addition, the instructor can create learning situations appropriate for the learning objectives at hand. The paper describes experiences of the first pilot from both the student and the teacher perspective. An initial evaluation shows positive learning outcomes on the long-term memorizing of declarative knowledge among the low and average students.
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Paper Nr: 33
Title:

TEACHING ABSTRACTION IN MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE - A Computer-supported Approach with Alloy
Authors:

M. Simonot, M. Homps and P. Bonnot
Abstract: Abstraction skill is difficult but essential when learning computer science and mathematics. In this paper, we present an experience from the Computer Science Department of IUT de Montreuil in which mathematics and computing teaching work together in order to provide abstract thinking skills to students. Our approach is to connect mathematics and software engineering through a computer-supported approach which uses - in mathematics and software engineering undergraduate courses- Alloy, a lightweight formal method from MIT. Alloy serves as a continuum from micro-modelling activities -used to enforce an abstract understanding of basic mathematic concepts- to real software modelling practice. It enables us to elaborate a kind of exploratory learning where students are actively engaged.
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Paper Nr: 105
Title:

INSPIRING DROPOUTS AND THEIR TEACHERS TO CONNECT TO LIFELONG LEARNING PRACTICES
Authors:

Pieter de Vries, Anabela dos Santos and Thieme Hennis
Abstract: This paper describes the reAct project in which an innovative learning approach is developed and used to re-motivate the disengaged from education and learning to connect to lifelong learning practices. These youngsters constitute a considerable social problem in Europe and the aim of the project is to find ways to recover the intrinsic motivation to learn and thereby improve the opportunities for participation. Essential is the development of an innovative learning strategy in which the learner is in control of the learning process. The paper starts with an introduction on the challenge these dropouts pose to the society at large and the learning strategy developed to cope with this matter. ICT plays a key role in the methodology and links to a virtual environment similar to social networks, which is user-configurable and based on the concept of the Personal Learning Environment (PLE). The main research issues are: can reAct change the attitude, what are the benefits and drawbacks of this self-organized learning approach and do the ICT tools support these processes. This paper covers the first half of the project and reflects on the first experiences.
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Paper Nr: 112
Title:

RECIPROCITY, THE RASCAL OF RESOLUTION - Collaborative Problem Solving in an Online Role Play
Authors:

Mary Keeffe and Lilian Austin
Abstract: The capacity for experienced teachers to solve complex or contentious problems in the workplace is improved when the teacher or school administrator is able to see the problem from the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders and critically reflect on the decision making processes. These skills are particularly important for special education teachers and administrators who must collaborate with parents, specialists, therapists and colleagues to understand and address the educational needs of students with disabilities. This paper applies an online, role play methodology to describe a model for reciprocity, collaborative problem solving and critical reflection in contentious educational contexts. The role play involves ten roles shared with twenty participants who have conditional access to three different virtual sites for dialogue, discussion and reflection. This is a preliminary paper that describes the model of collaborative problem solving that was used in addition to some detail about the technological structures developed on the LMS (Moodle) to maximize the role play interface with all participants and to personalize the learning experience.
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Paper Nr: 123
Title:

THE IMPLICATIONS OF TRUST ON MODERATING LEARNER’S ONLINE INTERACTIONS - A Socio-technical Model of Trust
Authors:

Sónia C. Sousa, David Lamas and Paulo Dias
Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to present and validate a socio-technical model of trust. This model aims to depict the implications of trust on moderating learners online interactions. This work main motivation is focused on design ways to promote a stronger acceptance sense of community among learners, by giving emphasis to a more active learning through collaboration and social construction understanding. This model aims to eventually provide the means to detect potential trust violations within an online relationship, helping educators to move towards practices of reconciliation. This socio-technical trust model takes into account individuals trust predispositions and other five trust attributes and establishes their role on building relationships, and in developing underlying attitudes, behaviours and beliefs of an learning community. This paper starts by providing a contextualization on this research background and rationale, that leads to a the design of the preliminary exploratory model of model of trust, describes it validation procedure by setting results of a survey procedure.
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Paper Nr: 129
Title:

CRYPTOGRAPHY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN EXTRACURRICULAR LEARNING PLACE
Authors:

Nadine Bergner, Jan Holz and Ulrik Schroeder
Abstract: In order to inspire middle school students for computer science topics we developed a two-day-course about cryptography. Thereby we try to counteract the relatively low interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topics by offering engaging insights into computer science. This course is one of several workshops within our extracurricular learning place for computer science called InfoSphere. The fundamental idea of the presented workshop is to provide a first insight into the world of cryptography for middle school students. During the course groups of three to five students discover the four different cryptographic methods Skytale, Fleißner Template, Caesar Encryption and Vigenère Encryption on their own. We designed the course according to the didactic principle of exploratory learning, so the participants can learn action-oriented and at their individual learning rate. In conclusion we discuss the results of a first evaluation with a test group of 23 students (17 girls and six boys).
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Paper Nr: 202
Title:

USING STUDENT FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE TEACHING - A Reflection
Authors:

Junhu Wang
Abstract: The use of SEC and SET in tertiary institutions to assess academic performance is widespread, and mandatory in some Australian universities. However, a lot of controversy exists about the practice. In this position paper, we argue that SEC and SET should be used mainly as a means to solicit constructive feedback for the improvement of course and teaching. We believe the current SEC and SET surveys in some Australian universities should be better designed, more carefully administered, interpreted, and used with caution. In particular, over-stressing interestingness of lectures and ignoring the quality of learning outcomes in the surveys should be re-considered in survey design. We propose strategies to help maximize the positive effects of SEC and SET on good teaching.
Paper Nr: 18
Title:

A STUDY ON REFORMATION OF SCREEN MAGNIFIER FUNCTION FOR DISABLED PERSONS WITH LOW VISION
Authors:

Tae In Han
Abstract: It grows in experience that educational institute concern about the social and cultural environment improvement internationally for e-learning. Korea is also making efforts to be possible to access any information for everyone. These connected to discuss about accessibility of disability person for e-learning. We need to pay attention to the accessibility for disabled persons with low vision, especially focus on screen magnifier programs. Some screen magnifier programs are mostly inconvenient to use, so most of the disabled persons with low vision should require for function improvement of them. This study would like to analyze convenience of the programs to look for an innovative solution. For the study, we perform interview survey about existing screen magnifier programs for analyzing types of use by disabled persons with low vision. Finally we propose some improving functions, such like an automatic recognition and magnification function on objects, an object-focused screen magnifying function, a contents-representation function by an object type, and a pair function of the pointer and input cursor in order to access easily by the disabled persons with low vision.
Paper Nr: 64
Title:

ICT EDUCATION FOR HIGHER COMPETITIVENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors:

Ladislav Burita and Pavel Rosman
Abstract: The paper summarizes the experience of teaching Computer Science at the Faculty of Management and Economics at Tomas Bata University in Zlín. Furthermore, the implementation of a knowledge management system in education at the Faculty of Military Technology at the University of Defence in Brno is mentioned. The methodology, an overview of subject areas, application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in instruction and its organization are also presented herein. The results of some research activities in the field of Informatics instruction are introduced; and options for future development of the courses are proposed. The introduction of new approaches and methods into teaching with the use of ICT is offered.
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Paper Nr: 170
Title:

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROP CHART, A NEW VISUAL MODEL TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING WITH COMPUTERISED MANIKINS
Authors:

A. F. Fransen and S. G. Oei
Abstract: High-fidelity manikins and new computerised simulation methods play a key role in medical training. Despite the on-going developments in computer technologies and widespread use of computerised simulation methods, the most effective use of these technologies in medical training is still ambiguous. To give insight into the effectiveness of medical simulation training of health care professionals and to design more effective trainings, we created the Prop chart. This chart is initially developed for the training of multi professional teams using medical simulation. A literature search for evidence based features of effective medical simulation was combined with the opinion of experts in focus group discussions. Ten features of medical simulation that contribute to effective learning were identified and were used in the Prop chart. The experts agreed on the convenience of the Prop chart to evaluate and design medical simulation training programs. Future research will focus on the applicability of the Prop chart for fields outside the medical world and other new training methods like serious gaming.
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Paper Nr: 216
Title:

ORGANIZING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY LEARNING FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY URBAN STUDIES EDUCATION
Authors:

Wei “Wayne” Ji
Abstract: This article introduces an on-going effort to establish a GIS certificate program to organize relevant teaching and research resources for a geospatial technology-supported urban studies education. The project starts from recognizing the challenge in integrating all related disciplines for interdisciplinary urban studies education due to its multidisciplinary nature. To address this challenge, the project identifies the common interest and need among related disciplines: all require an understanding of geographical patterns of study subjects. The article discusses the efforts of establishing a GIS certificate program as a framework for learning organization and community building, which include selection of participating academic disciplines, curriculum design, program implementation, and outreach activities. Increased student enrolment and activities indicate that the GIS certificate program can effectively organize teaching and learning resources for interdisciplinary urban studies education.
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Area 4 - Domain Applications and Case Studies

Full Papers
Paper Nr: 51
Title:

EDUSOFT PACKAGE FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING - Web-based Educational Material using JAVA for Structural Dynamics
Authors:

C. G. Panagiotopoulos, G. D. Manolis and A. Athanatopoulou
Abstract: In this work, we present the construction of an integrated, web-based software package offering structural dynamics analysis capabilities for use by both undergraduate and graduate students in civil engineering programs who specialize in earthquake engineering. The software package is built on a Java platform and comprises five modulus, focusing on the analysis of single and multiple degree-of freedom systems, modal analysis of 2D and 3D frames, and earthquake spectra construction.
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Paper Nr: 120
Title:

TEACHER’S SCAFFOLDING BEHAVIOR IN CSCL - A Case Study
Authors:

Anouschka van Leeuwen, Jeroen Janssen, Gijsbert Erkens and Mieke Brekelmans
Abstract: There is a gap in our knowledge about what cognitions play a role while teachers scaffold students in CSCL. A case study was performed that investigated a history teacher’s behavior and cognitions. The quantitative results fit with what is known about teacher behavior, and the qualitative data adds an explanation of why the teacher acted the way he did. Major influences were the teacher’s beliefs about effective instruction and his prior knowledge of the students. The results show that although often not done explicitly, there is indeed a phase of diagnosing and evaluating students’ work connected to performing an intervention.
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Paper Nr: 155
Title:

STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON LEARNING SOFTWARE ENGINEERING WITH OPEN SOURCE PROJECTS - Lessons Learnt after Three Years of Program Operation
Authors:

Pantelis M. Papadopoulos, Ioannis G. Stamelos and Andreas Meiszner
Abstract: This paper presents the results after three years of running of an instructional method that utilizes free/libre open source software (FLOSS) projects as tools for teaching software engineering in formal education. In the last three academic years, a total of 268 juniors majoring in Informatics (in a 4-year program) participated in study, assuming the roles of testers, developers, and requirements engineers. Students appreciated the benefits gained by the method and identified aspects that require further improvement. In the following, we present (a) the details of our method, (b) students’ opinions as recorded through a questionnaire including both closed and open ended questions, and (c) conclusions on how the use of FLOSS projects can be applied and proved beneficial for the students.
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Short Papers
Paper Nr: 12
Title:

EVALUATION OF A WEB-BASED ASSEMBLY TRAINING OF FLUID POWER PRODUCT SYSTEM - Learning Effectiveness and Attitudes
Authors:

Janus S. Liang
Abstract: This study explored the learning effectiveness and the attitudes of fluid power firms laborers toward web-based product assembly learning system. Firstly, this study tested the effectiveness of the product assembly education to prevent mistakes by different learning modes used to assess operation behavior and learning effectiveness during the training period. According to the average pass rate, course satisfaction, and total number of wrong behaviors in product assembly process, the web-based learning mode improves learning effectiveness. In addition, the study also investigated the relationship between laborers’ attitudes and several independent variables. The findings revealed that the web-based learning mode is positively associated with learning effectiveness of product assembly training. Meanwhile, the results also point to the importance of laborers’ vision of skills itself, their experience with it, and the learning conditions that surround its introduction into firms in shaping their attitudes toward skills and their subsequent diffusion in their real operation.
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Paper Nr: 111
Title:

I-CARE - A Health Promotion System for Active Ageing
Authors:

Maria Lúcia Kroeff Barbosa, Valter Roesler, Alexandro Bordignon, Johannes Doll and Eliseo Berni Reategui
Abstract: I-Care is a health promotion system designed to: a) monitor vital signs of patients in real time; b) improve the patients’ knowledge of the disease, aiming to increase their motivation to develop healthy habits; c) motivate the patients through their interaction with doctors, friends and other patients with the same disease. The system works through the web, being suitable for many platforms. A group of three people was monitored during four weeks, generating some interesting conclusions about different ways to motivate people to get older in a more active and healthy way. The test subjects were from 56 to 67 years, both male and female, with hypertension, overweight and diabetes. The adopted methodology was both quantitative and qualitative. Results showed that the proposed system can improve significantly the health of the monitored patients, developing in the participants a better understanding about their health situation.
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Paper Nr: 116
Title:

A “PARTIALLY VIRTUAL” MICROCONTROLLER LABORATORY
Authors:

Shlomo Engelberg and Cecile Yehezkel
Abstract: In this paper, we describe our experiences running a “partially virtual” microcontroller lab. We show that though the virtual portion of the lab can contribute to the students’ understanding, there are also several pitfalls that must be avoided or dealt with. We have found that our “virtual microcontroller” simulates a true microcontroller to a reasonable extent, but there are cases in which the simulator does not properly simulate the microcontroller. It is critical that students be taught to think of “virtual equipment” as something distinct from the real equipment and as something with idiosyncrasies of its own.
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Paper Nr: 89
Title:

EXPERIMENTAL TESTS IN NON-DESTRUCTIVE LABORATORY - On-line Experiment: Monitoring Sensors
Authors:

Thamiles Rodrigues de Melo, Marcus Marinho Bezerra, Jaidilson Jó da Silva and José Sérgio da Rocha Neto
Abstract: In this paper the construction of hypertext which simulates a virtual laboratory (Non-Destructive Laboratory) will be described. The hypertext was applied to on-line experiments associated to the study of industrial automation processes, e.g., the monitoring of temperature, pressure and flow sensors. A test platform and an HMI (Human Machine Interface), developed in the software LabVIEW, were used. The HMI is published in the Web Server while the experiment is being executed. Thus, the students can assume a hybrid role in the learning process, not only acquiring new knowledge in the study area, but also producing it by means of this hypertext.
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Area 5 - Ubiquitous Learning

Full Papers
Paper Nr: 15
Title:

ARE CLOUD ENABLED VIRTUAL LABS ECONOMICAL? - A Case Study Analyzing Cloud based Virtual Labs for Educational Purposes
Authors:

Nane Kratzke
Abstract: Cost efficiency is an often mentioned strength of cloud computing (Talukader et al., 2010). In times of decreasing educational budgets virtual labs provided by cloud computing might be an interesting alternative for higher education organizations or IT training facilities. This contribution analyzes the cost advantage of virtual educational labs provided via cloud computing means and compare these costs to costs of classical educational labs provided in a dedicated manner. This contribution develops a four step decision making model which might be interesting for colleges, universities or other IT training facilities planning to implement cloud based training facilities. Furthermore this contribution provides interesting findings when cloud computing has economical advantages in education and when not. The developed four step decision making model of general IaaS applicability can be used to find out whether an IaaS cloud based virtual IT lab approach is more cost efficient than a dedicated approach.
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Paper Nr: 16
Title:

ENCOURAGING MUSEUM VISITOR ENGAGEMENT USING SPONTANEOUS TALK-IN-INTERACTION AUDIO GUIDES
Authors:

Brian Elliston and Elizabeth FitzGerald
Abstract: We describe the building and testing of a museum audio tour with content recorded as spontaneous interactive dialogue between two curators as they walked around an art gallery. The aim was to produce a guide which would increase the amount of topically relevant talk shared by people visiting a museum in groups of two or more. Conversation analysis is used to show how a pair of visitors engaged more with the content of the guide than they would have with audio produced as traditional scripted monologue. Examples of a variety of engagement types are detailed and a supporting rationale drawing on Goffman’s theory of ‘footing’ is discussed. The approach potentially offers a low cost way for organisations involved in informal learning to produce flexible in-house audio content for mobile and e-learning, which improves visitor engagement both with the content and with one another, and leads to a more enjoyable visitor/learner experience than traditional forms of audio.
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Paper Nr: 36
Title:

FACILITATING LEARNING WITH WEB CONFERENCING - Recommendations based on Learners’ Experiences
Authors:

Sarah Cornelius and Carole Gordon
Abstract: This paper reports some of the findings from a study undertaken to obtain an insight into the experiences of learners engaging with web conferencing. A small group of work-based adult learners with substantial experience of learning in a virtual classroom provided accounts of and reflections on their experiences using a blog and group interview. Qualitative analysis of data led to findings which support some existing best practice guidelines for facilitators and also provide additional insight into issues that impact on learners’ experiences. This paper presents our emerging recommendations for facilitators and explores some of the issues raised by learners including the effective use of breakout rooms, the management of minimalist learners and the need to respect learners’ privacy. A facilitation approach which allows learners to develop autonomy and exert control in the virtual classroom and which acknowledges diversity of learning preferences is suggested. Whilst the recommendations made may not be appropriate in all learning contexts, they are presented as a starting point to help other facilitators review and develop their own practice.
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Short Papers
Paper Nr: 68
Title:

EVALUATING AN E-LEARNING EXPERIENCE ORIENTED TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE INSTRUCTION
Authors:

Félix Buendía, Alberto González-Téllez, José Vte. Benlloch-Dualde, Germán Moltó, Natividad Prieto, M. J. Castro-Bleda and Juan V. Oltra
Abstract: e-Learning is becoming an essential tool in the field of accessible instruction. This work describes the evaluation of an experience implemented at the Universitat Politècnica de València that addressed the adaptation of its e-learning platform to make accessible its contents and resources. Such experience has been developed in the context of the EU4ALL project which provided a general framework to cope with the needs of accessible lifelong learning at a Higher Education level. The first part of the experience consisted in developing specific components in Sakai, an open-source Learning Management System that is used at UPV as the institutional e-learning platform under the name of PoliformaT. The second part dealt with the evaluation of the developed Sakai version for a set of disabled students who registered in different Engineering and Business courses at UPV and lecturers who contributed to adapt the required learning resources. The results of the evaluation showed, on the one hand, the interest of students about the availability of alternative accessible resources but, on the other hand, the point of view of lecturers who were in charge of developing such resources and manifested the difficulty and effort to generate them.
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Paper Nr: 138
Title:

MORE - Mobile Referencing System for Printed Media
Authors:

Jörg Röpke and Georg Schneider
Abstract: Smart phones have become the indispensible communication and entertainment device for students and pupils. In this paper we are going to present an approach based upon smart phones in order to offer a possibility to use these phones as learning devices in combination with learning material in a different media as in our case a book. The paper presents the realization of an extensible mobile learning management system with a small footprint, which can be used to easily add exercises to the belonging learning material. Once the learning material has been created, it can be published as a smart phone app. Learners install the app and it will display the related exercises once the user scans their associated QR tags in the book. The system has been exploited from a German publisher and is currently being used for the standard course book about Old and Middle High German at German universities. We will describe the results of our initial user study and the first feedback from the learners using the system.
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Paper Nr: 141
Title:

m-AdaptWeb®: AN ADAPTIVE E-LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FACING MOBILITY - Adaptation and Recomendation Processes based on Context
Authors:

Isabela Gasparini, Ana Marilza Pernas, Marcelo S. Pimenta, José Palazzo M. de Oliveira, Avanilde Kemczinski and Gerson Geraldo H. Cavalheiro
Abstract: This work presents a case-study focused in practical learning scenarios of m-AdaptWeb, an adaptive e-learning environment envisioning the exploration of mobile functionalities in the web-based learning environment AdaptWeb®. The main objective of our research is to provide content adapted to different students facing different learning problems when using their mobile devices. In this paper we present an infrastructure to allow mobile-aware behaviour to an e-learning system and a case-study that emphasizes the enrichment needed to be applied to learning objects metadata, in order to be effective in specific mobile conditions. Also, we show how m-AdaptWeb provides support for the adaptations presented to the students and for the recommendations depending on their progress in a specific learning activity.
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Paper Nr: 197
Title:

TAXONOMIC CONCEPTS FOR STORYBOARDING DIGITAL GAMES FOR LEARNING IN CONTEXT
Authors:

Klaus P. Jantke and Rainer Knauf
Abstract: The design and employment of digital games for serious purposes such as learning has several prerequisites. Designing a game that affects human players effectively requires the anticipation of particular human game playing experiences. Recent digital games taxonomies provide the WHAT and storyboarding is the technology for determining the HOW of planning the manifold of potential affective experiences in digital game playing. Game-based learning needs storyboarding and storyboarding needs concepts of digital games taxonomies. The appropriate consolidation of taxonomies and storyboarding results in explicit media didactics in context.
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Paper Nr: 205
Title:

SMART-DEVICE POTENTIAL FOR STUDENT LEARNING
Authors:

Ben Woodcock, Matt Armstrong, Anne Nortcliffe and Andrew Middleton
Abstract: Smartphones/devices have become the ubiquitous tool of choice for professionals to support their productivity and are increasingly becoming more common on university campuses. Many of the advantages of these devices have the potential to support student learning engagement and provide new opportunities for learning. This paper reports on an academic study conducted over the last two years by two final year students, supported by two academic learning technology researchers, examining the level of student smartphone/device ownership on campus and the extent students are harnessed the use of these devices to support their learning. The research shows that student smartphone/device ownership is increasing; however, how students are using the devices to support their learning appears to narrowing as the year progresses and consequently the students are missing out on the learning opportunities these devices can provide. The paper finally presents an analysis of smartphone/device apps that have the potential to support student learning.
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Paper Nr: 209
Title:

INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
Authors:

Núbia dos Santos Rosa Santana dos Santos, José Valdeni de Lima and Leandro Krug Wives
Abstract: Nowadays, different possibilities like desktop, mobile computers and mobile devices allows learners to access digital learning content. These technologies and the Internet have enabled ubiquitous and virtual learning environments, but some issues arise when the user is not connected. This paper propose the use of sheets of paper as an alternative medium to provide ubiquitous learning even when the user has not an active connection. Although of printed media to be used a lot as an education resource, the printed media has limitations on interactivity. Thus, this paper presents some possibilities of use the printed media to access the content available in the Learning Management System (LMS), allowing more interactivity.
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Paper Nr: 122
Title:

VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTATION APPLIED TO MONITORING A SENSOR PLATFORM - Virtual Instrumentation based on Computer Supported Education
Authors:

Manuella Martins Nascimento, Romulo Afonso Luna Vianna de Omena, Jaidilson Jó da Silva, Angelo Perkusich and José Sérgio da Rocha Neto
Abstract: A virtual instrument is a system formed by a computer and an equipment of measurement or command which uses a program executed in the computer. The real equipment is accessible to the operator by the graphic interface of the employed software. The monitoring of sensors in the test platform uses a HMI (Human Machine Interface) developed in the software LabVIEW. The experimental tests with sensor platform allow the students perform experiments on-line for monitoring the observed signal in the output sensors.
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Paper Nr: 165
Title:

TAG: THREE DIMENSIONS AS BASIC REFERENCES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF UBIQUITY LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS IN A UNIVERSITY CONTEXT
Authors:

Claudia Zea Restrepo, Juan Lalinde Pulido, Maria Atuesta Venegas, Roberto Aguas Núñez, Camilo Vieira Mejía and Olga Agudelo Velásquez
Abstract: This article introduces a set of conceptual guidelines for the construction of the model "TAG", in Spanish: Tecnología, Aprendizaje y Gestión (Technology, Learning and Management). The model seeks to determine the levels of ubiquity in higher education institucions. This proposal arises from the review of experiences in the development of strategies for the construction of environments intervened by technologies and the elaborated conceptualization about the term Ubiquitous Learning.
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Paper Nr: 204
Title:

SUPPORTING INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN IN FORMAL LEARNING - A Knowledge Management System for Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Courses in Traditional Classrooms
Authors:

Eleni Fatourou
Abstract: Instructional Design is not an exact science, especially in a traditional classroom context. Teachers plan, perform and evaluate their lessons in an ad-hoc manner. Their decisions, however, share a common basis, which includes but is not limited to didactic methodologies, past courses experience, students' characteristics and prior knowledge, available material and time, goals to be achieved and expectations to be fulfilled. All this information is fragmented in various and heterogeneous material, ranging from tests and evaluation reports to classroom management software and administration documents. It is proposed to apply ADDIE Instructional Design Model to the context of formal learning. Based on the processes identified by ADDIE, a knowledge management system is designed to enable assessment of the past decisions and facilitate the forthcoming.
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Paper Nr: 220
Title:

e-ECOSYSTEM DRIVEN e-LEARNING VS TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN e-LEARNING
Authors:

Atis Kapenieks, Bruno Zuga, Ginta Stale and Merija Jirgensons
Abstract: e-Ecosystem is an innovative cross-media learning approach that goes beyond traditional web-based learning design strategies. The approach combines ready access to television and mobile technologies that are an integral part of a wide capacity, flexible Internet based e-learning system. (The R&D projects are identified under the acronyms ETM and eBig3). This integrated approach allows learners to use either a single learning delivery system (depending on users’ available technology and personal preferences) or a complementary combination of two or three of the delivery systems; thus, supporting the anywhere, anytime — by any preference—learning paradigm. The innovative feature of the ETM/eBig3 learning solution is the complimentary integration of the cross-media learning content delivery system. Moreover, the approach incorporates pedagogical and usability principles based on studies of the target users learning needs and contexts.
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