Emerging technologies for learning (volume 1)

Collection of 5 articles on emerging technologies and trend

User interfaces for anyone anywhere

In a global context of multimodal man-machine interaction, we approach a wide spectrum of fields, such as software engineering, intelligent communication and speech dialogues. This paper presents technological aspects of the shifting from the traditional desktop interfaces to more expressive, natural, flexible and portable ones, where more persons, in a greater number of situations, will be able to interact with computers. Speech appears to be one of the best forms of interaction, especially in order to support non-skilled users. Modalities such as speech, among others, tend to be very relevant to accessing information in our future society, in which mobile devices will play a preponderant role. Therefore, we are placing an emphasis on verbal communication in open environments (Java/XML) using software agent technology.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia – PRAXIS XXI /BD/20095/99 ; Germany. Ministry of Science and Education – EMBASSI – 01IL90

Using Cloudworks to Support OER Activities

This report forms the third and final output of the Pearls in the Clouds project, funded by the Higher Education Academy. It focuses on evaluation of the use of a social networking site, Cloudworks, to support evidence-based practice. The aim of this project (Pearls in the Clouds) has been to evaluate the ways in which web 2.0 tools like Cloudworks can support evidence-informed practices in relation to learning and teaching. We have reviewed evidence from empirically grounded studies surrounding the uses of web2.0 in higher education and highlighted the gap between using web2.0 to support learning and teaching, and using it to support learning about learning and teaching (in an evidence-informed way) (Conole and Alevizou, 2010). We have reported on findings from a case study focusing on the use of Cloudworks by a community of practice - educational technologists - reflecting upon, and, negotiating their role in enhancing teaching and learning in higher education (Galley et al., 2010). The object of this study is to explore and evaluate the use of the site by individuals and communities involved in the production of, and research on, the development, delivery and use of Open Educational Resources (OER)