Challenges in context-aware mobile language learning: the MASELTOV approach

Smartphones, as highly portable networked computing devices with embedded sensors including GPS receivers, are ideal platforms to support context-aware language learning. They can enable learning when the user is en-gaged in everyday activities while out and about, complementing formal language classes. A significant challenge, however, has been the practical implementation of services that can accurately identify and make use of context, particularly location, to offer meaningful language learning recommendations to users. In this paper we review a range of approaches to identifying context to support mobile language learning. We consider how dynamically changing aspects of context may influence the quality of recommendations presented to a user. We introduce the MASELTOV project’s use of context awareness combined with a rules-based recommendation engine to present suitable learning content to recent immigrants in urban areas; a group that may benefit from contextual support and can use the city as a learning environment

The memory space: Exploring future uses of Web 2.0 and mobile internet through design interventions.

The QuVis Quantum Mechanics Visualization project aims to address challenges of quantum mechanics instruction through the development of interactive simulations for the learning and teaching of quantum mechanics. In this article, we describe evaluation of simulations focusing on two-level systems developed as part of the Institute of Physics Quantum Physics resources. Simulations are research-based and have been iteratively refined using student feedback in individual observation sessions and in-class trials. We give evidence that these simulations are helping students learn quantum mechanics concepts at both the introductory and advanced undergraduate level, and that students perceive simulations to be beneficial to their learning.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures, 1 table; accepted for publication in the American Journal of Physic

Capturing and Sharing Human Digital Memories with the Aid of Ubiquitous Peer– to–Peer Mobile Services

The explosion of mobile computing and the sharing of content ubiquitously has enabled users to create and share memories instantly. Access to different data sources, such as location, movement, and physiology, has helped to create a data rich society where new and enhanced memories will form part of everyday life. Peer–to–Peer (P2P) systems have also increased in popularity over the years, due to their ad hoc and decentralized nature. Mobile devices are “smarter” and are increasingly becoming part of P2P systems; opening up a whole new dimension for capturing, sharing and interacting with enhanced human digital memories. This will require original and novel platforms that automatically compose data sources from ubiquitous ad-hoc services that are prevalent within the environments we occupy. This is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will allow digital memories to be created that include richer information, such as how you felt when the memory was created and how you made others feel. Secondly, it provides a set of core services that can more easily manage and incorporate new sources as and when you are available. In this way memories created in the same location, and time are not necessarily similar – it depends on the data sources that are accessible. This paper presents DigMem, the initial prototype that is being developed to utilize distributed mobile services. DigMem captures and shares human digital memories, in a ubiquitous P2P environment. We present a case study to validate the implementation and evaluate the applicability of the approach

Interaction design for personal photo management on a mobile device

This chapter explores some of the technological elements that will greatly enhance user interaction with personal photos on mobile devices in the near future. It reviews major technological innovations that have taken place in recent years which are contributing to reshaping people’s personal photo management behaviour and thus their needs, and presents an overview of the major design issues in supporting these for mobile access. It then introduces the currently very active research area of content-based image analysis and context-awareness. These technologies are becoming an important factor in improving mobile interaction by assisting automatic annotation and organisation of photos, thus reducing the chore of manual input on mobile devices. Considering the pace of the rapid increases in the number of digital photos stored on our digital cameras, camera phones and online photoware sites, the authors believe that the subsequent benefits from this line of research will become a crucial factor in helping to design efficient and satisfying mobile interfaces for personal photo management systems

Information scraps: how and why information eludes our personal information management tools

In this paper we describe information scraps -- a class of personal information whose content is scribbled on Post-it notes, scrawled on corners of random sheets of paper, buried inside the bodies of e-mail messages sent to ourselves, or typed haphazardly into text files. Information scraps hold our great ideas, sketches, notes, reminders, driving directions, and even our poetry. We define information scraps to be the body of personal information that is held outside of its natural or We have much still to learn about these loose forms of information capture. Why are they so often held outside of our traditional PIM locations and instead on Post-its or in text files? Why must we sometimes go around our traditional PIM applications to hold on to our scraps, such as by e-mailing ourselves? What are information scraps' role in the larger space of personal information management, and what do they uniquely offer that we find so appealing? If these unorganized bits truly indicate the failure of our PIM tools, how might we begin to build better tools? We have pursued these questions by undertaking a study of 27 knowledge workers. In our findings we describe information scraps from several angles: their content, their location, and the factors that lead to their use, which we identify as ease of capture, flexibility of content and organization, and avilability at the time of need. We also consider the personal emotive responses around scrap management. We present a set of design considerations that we have derived from the analysis of our study results. We present our work on an application platform, jourknow, to test some of these design and usability findings

Family memories in the home: contrasting physical and digital mementos

We carried out fieldwork to characterise and compare physical and digital mementos in the home. Physical mementos are highly valued, heterogeneous and support different types of recollection. Contrary to expectations, we found physical mementos are not purely representational, and can involve appropriating common objects and more idiosyncratic forms. In contrast, digital mementos were initially perceived as less valuable, although participants later reconsidered this. Digital mementos were somewhat limited in function and expression, largely involving representational photos and videos, and infrequently accessed. We explain these digital limitations and conclude with design guidelines for digital mementos, including better techniques for accessing and integrating these into everyday life, allowing them to acquire the symbolic associations and lasting value that characterise their physical counterparts

An ubiquitous and non intrusive system for pervasive advertising using NFC and geolocation technologies and air hand gestures

In this paper we present a pervasive proposal for advertising using mobile phones, Near Field Communication, geolocation and air hand gestures. Advertising post built by users in public/private spaces can store multiple ads containing any kind of textual, graphic or multimedia information. Ads are automatically shows in the mobile phone of the users using a notification based process considering relative user location between the posts and the user preferences. Moreover, ads can be stored and retrieved from the post using hand gestures and Near Field Communication technology. Secure management of information about users, posts, and notifications and the use of instant messaging enable the development of systems to extend the current advertising strategies based on Web, large displays or digital signage