InstanceCollage: a tool for the particularization of collaborative IMS-LD scripts

Current research work in e-learning and more specifically in the field of CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning) deals with design of collaborative activities, according to computer-interpretable specifications, such as IMS Learning Design, and their posterior enactment using LMSs (Learning Management Systems). A script that describes such collaborative activities is typically designed beforehand in order to structure collaboration, and defines the features that determine the behavior of the LMS, for instance, the sequence of activities or the groups/role distribution. In CSCL settings, group management and composition are especially relevant and affect the chances of achieving the expected learning outcomes. This paper presents a software tool, named InstanceCollage, which aims at facilitating the configuration and population of groups for IMS-LD scripts created with the authoring tool Collage, and discusses the implications of the IMS-LD specification with respect to this task. InstanceCollage is designed to process collaboration scripts based on CLFPs (Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns). Using this type of patterns, InstanceCollage focuses on the importance of understanding the function of groups within the learning strategy of the script. This paper describes the approach taken in InstanceCollage to facilitate this understanding for non-expert users. Additionally, two case studies are presented, which represent complex authentic collaborative learning scenarios, as a proof of concept of the functionality of this tool. The case studies are also used to illustrate the requirements of group configuration tools and to show that InstanceCollage complies to such requirements

A Tailorable Collaborative Learning System That Combines OGSA Grid Services and IMS-LD Scripting

This paper presents Gridcole, a new collaborative learning system that can be easily tailored by educators in order to support their own CSCL scenarios, using computing services provided by third parties in the form of OGSA grid services. Educators employ scripts in order to describe the sequence of learning activities and required tools, with standard IMS-LD notation. Thus, through the integration of coarse-grained tools, that may even offer supercomputing capabilities or use specific hardware resources, educators do not depend on software developers to easily configure a suitable environment in order to support a broad range of collaborative scenarios. An example of a learning scenario for a Computer Architecture course is described to illustrate the capabilities of Gridcole

Learning Grid Technologies in a Project-Based Computer Architecture Course

This paper describes the integration of the grid topic within a Computer Architecture engineering course. Students are engaged in a project of design and evaluation of computing systems for a specific customer/market sector. The contents of the course and the case studies have been adapted in order to motivate the study of the grid. In particular, two case studies have been analyzed: one concerns an Internet-based music distribution enterprise, while the other is related to the assembly of genome sequences. A preliminar analysis of this experience shows that most of the students chose to evaluate the suitability of the grid for their case study, and were able to argue on the benefits and drawbacks of this and other alternatives. In the future, we plan to set up a grid-based learning environment so the grid is not only the object of study, but also a tool for learning

Análisis y revisión crítica de los guiones de prácticas en asignaturas de ingeniería a partir de su correspondencia con niveles competenciales

El guion de prácticas, entendido como aquel material entregado a los estudiantes para apoyar las sesiones de laboratorio, es un recurso que sirve al profesor para conducir el trabajo del estudiante, y como apoyo para el aprovechamiento del trabajo en el laboratorio. A pesar de su importancia, se observa que, en la literatura especializada en innovación y calidad docente, ha sido de menor estudio. En este documento se presenta un trabajo de análisis y revisión sistemática de un conjunto de guiones de prácticas de un grupo de asignaturas de informática en varias ingenierías para realizar una propuesta de taxonomía de sus elementos constitutivos y una reflexión sobre la relevancia de estos elementos para dar cobertura a diversos objetivos de aprendizaje. El resultado pone en evidencia la importancia relativa de diferentes tipos de actividades descritas en los guiones de cara a conseguir la adquisición de determinados niveles competenciales en las asignaturas

InstanceCollage: A tool for the particularization of collaborative IMS-LD scripts

Current research work in e-learning and more specifically in the field of CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning) deals with design of collaborative activities, according to computer-interpretable specifications, such as IMS Learning Design, and their posterior enactment using LMSs (Learning Management Systems). A script that describes such collaborative activities is typically designed beforehand in order to structure collaboration, and defines the features that determine the behavior of the LMS, for instance, the sequence of activities or the groups/role distribution. In CSCL settings, group management and composition are especially relevant and affect the chances of achieving the expected learning outcomes. This paper presents a software tool, named InstanceCollage, which aims at facilitating the configuration and population of groups for IMS-LD scripts created with the authoring tool Collage, and discusses the implications of the IMS-LD specification with respect to this task. InstanceCollage is designed to process collaboration scripts based on CLFPs (Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns). Using this type of patterns, InstanceCollage focuses on the importance of understanding the function of groups within the learning strategy of the script. This paper describes the approach taken in InstanceCollage to facilitate this understanding for non-expert users. Additionally, two case studies are presented, which represent complex authentic collaborative learning scenarios, as a proof of concept of the functionality of this tool. The case studies are also used to illustrate the requirements of group configuration tools and to show that InstanceCollage complies to such requirements

Transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium in a swine model of geographic atrophy

Altres ajuts: Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya; Fundació Carmen i Mª José Godó (Fundació CMJ Godó 2017).Background: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of subretinal transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the healthy margins and within areas of degenerative retina in a swine model of geographic atrophy (GA). Methods: Well-delimited selective outer retinal damage was induced by subretinal injection of NaIO3 into one eye in minipigs (n = 10). Thirty days later, a suspension of hiPSC-derived RPE cells expressing green fluorescent protein was injected into the subretinal space, into the healthy margins, and within areas of degenerative retina. In vivo follow-up was performed by multimodal imaging. Post-mortem retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histology. Results: In vitro differentiated hiPSC-RPE cells showed a typical epithelial morphology, expressed RPE-related genes, and had phagocytic ability. Engrafted hiPSC-RPE cells were detected in 60% of the eyes, forming mature epithelium in healthy retina extending towards the border of the atrophy. Histological analysis revealed RPE interaction with host photoreceptors in the healthy retina. Engrafted cells in the atrophic zone were found in a patchy distribution but failed to form an epithelial-like layer. Conclusions: These results might support the use of hiPSC-RPE cells to treat atrophic GA by providing a housekeeping function to aid the overwhelmed remnant RPE, which might improve its survival and therefore slow down the progression of GA