Modelling Volo, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication application.

In this paper, we present a formal representation of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application, called Volo, for users with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We discuss existing AAC applications and present a formal visualisation model of Volo based on zz-structures, hyper-orthogonal, non-hierarchical structures for storing, linking and manipulating data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that tries to give a formal model to AAC techniques. We finally present the prototype of this new Volo application

Modelling Volo, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication application

In this paper, we present a formal representation of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) application, called Volo, for users with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We discuss existing AAC applications and present a formal visualisation model of Volo based on zz-structures, hyper-orthogonal, non-hierarchical structures for storing, linking and manipulating data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that tries to give a formal model to AAC techniques. We finally present the prototype of this new Volo application

Modeling and developing a learning design system based on graphic organizers

Nowadays we assist to a significant innovation of the teaching practises due to the crisis of the classical teaching approach, the availability of low cost mobile technology and the easy access to global knowledge and information. Learning Design systems represent valuable tools to support teachers in the delicate task of organizing the teaching-learning activities in active student-centered approaches. There are many active projects in this field, but the available tools do not always fulfill the expectations. Furthermore, there is a rapid growth of Web 2.0 apps to create digital artefacts with a strong potential impact in learning activities, but current LD platforms don't guide teachers and students in choosing best apps to carry on a specific task. This paper provides an overview of the state of the art LD tools and developing perspective in this area

A state of art survey on zz-structures

Zz-structures are particular data structures capable of representing both hypertextual information and contextual interconnections among different information. The focus of this paper is to stimulate new research on this topic, by providing, in a state of the art survey, a short description and comparison of all the material that, to the best of our knowledge, is related to zz-structures: informal and formal descriptions, implementations, languages, demonstrations, projects and applitudes of zz-structures; in fact, despite their large use in different fields, the literature lacks of an exhaustive and up-to-date description of them

AppInventory: a Visual Catalogue of Web 2.0 and Mobile Applications for Supporting Teaching and Learning Activities.

The availability of hundreds of Web 2.0 and mobile applications represent a great opportunity in helping teachers adopt student centred methodologies. These applications support users in creating and sharing digital artefacts, in aggregating, remixing and collecting heterogeneous materials and in communicating within working groups. When incorporated into daily teaching and learning activities (TLA), such applications can improve the collaborative, cognitive and creative work of the students, enhancing and redefining traditional educational practices. Nevertheless, although these applications are generally easy to find and use, there is a lack of knowledge about their existence, their functions and their potential in an educational setting. In this paper we describe AppInventory, a novel platform which contains a digital catalogue of applications: they are organized by applying an original taxonomy; the users can browse among them benefiting from a visual approach and semantic connections modelled using zz-structures

A formal description of zz-structures

The focus of this paper is on particular and innovative structures for storing, linking and manipulating information: The zz-structures. In the last years, we worked at the formalization of these structures, retaining that the description of the formal aspects can provide a better understanding of them, and can also stimulate new ideas, projects and research. This work presents our contribution for a deeper discussion on zz-structures

A Catalog of Web App for Smart Teaching

AppInventory is a Web platform, which proposes a holistic view on a digital catalog of 271 applications, an innovative visual layout, and semantic browsing structures; the applications have been organized in an original taxonomy and can support users in creating and sharing digital artifacts, aggregating, remixing and collecting heterogeneous materials and communicating within working groups