User-friendly e-learning Environment for Educational Action Research

AbstractThe study aims to bridge the newest information and communication technologies and action research which has come to be known as a modern inquiry driven learning method and a learning strategy. To this end, the paper presents research into the effectiveness of action research as an e-learning method, notably, identifies the basic principles of the e-learning environment, explores the importance of constructive supportive dialogue and discusses the creation of a model of interface for educational action research (EAR) in an e-learning environment.The paper analyses experience from a Business course implemented in an e-learning environment at Riga Technical University over a two-year period.Thus, the study: (1) discusses the advantages and disadvantages of EAR in an e-learning environment in the context of sustainable education and (2) evaluates the adequacy of the developed interface model to the user's cognitive needs. The proposed methodology suggests new possibilities for creative cooperation in an e-learning environment for sustainable ubiquitous education.Partially article was presented at the 10th International JTEFS/BBCC Conference “Sustainable Development. Culture. Education” University of Eastern Finland, Savonlinna, Finland

Concept of Learner Behaviour Data Based Learning Support

AbstractIn this article we present our developing progress with the multi-screen e-learning system initially developed and named as eBig3 system that gives users learning access by the means of computers, mobiles and TV, depending on their choice. In the new project JAUZI we build on our previous experience. We identified that insufficient learning support in traditional eLearning settings is the key obstacle to the broad deployment of eLearning and a cause for the high drop-out rate from these programs. As a remedy for this problem, we developed an algorithm to track user trajectories and to identify problem areas. Here, we present the analysis of the data we gathered and used to assign further user support provisions. The particular support provisions we designed were based on a multiple messaging system: SMSs to users, to teachers and also emails to users and teachers. The JAUZI support system is designed respond to potential critical actions in learners’ behaviour and to quickly provide a remedy

eLEARNING APPROACH eBIG3 : DEVELOPMENT , DELIVERY , AND EVALUATION

In this report in addition to previous results we present the evaluation results of multi-screen e-learning courses – eBig3. It is a new approach and technology to lifelong learning embodying effective integration of popular television, Internet, and mobile phones technologies. We present the results of ten eBig3 pilot courses delivered in 2013 in Latvia. The target group of eBig3 courses was society at large. It demonstrates radical increase of registration in eBig3 courses compared with the traditional registration in the Internet. The course delivery was more successful than that of blended learning courses. The new approach strongly increases the availability of e-courses, and contributes to closing the gap between the expectations for future life-long-learning and real achievements. We didn’t observe connection between learner’s age and attitude towards the usage of SMS in the eBig3 approach

COMPETENCES DEVELOPMENT PROCESS RECORDING FOR MULTI-COMPETENCE E-COURSE

Understanding of students’ current level of competencies might be tailored with a finding of the challenging learning approaches to strengthen and enhance their own competencies, and obtain the new ones. Learning paths, which are usually offered by educational organizations to students, as often as not prescribe monotonous acquiring of knowledge. Making a study course more interactive, there are appearing additional features like working in ePortfolio environment which noticeably influence competences level. This paper provides an overview of research results in competences development process recording for multi-competence e-course, assessing competences level of students, both at initial and on-going stages, and analysis of competences interrelation within particular subject domain, e.g. basic business course, as well as an impact of the study themes on different competencies

Actualities of balance diagnostics system model development for persons with disabilities

In Latvia so far there have not been made comprehensive studies to provide balance function diagnostics for people with disabilities, which would have to continue with further creation of appropriate system. However, Latvian researchers developed methods and technology for the rehabilitation and health improvement. At the same time it is also recognized that there is a lack of dedicated efficient and widely accessible for patients systems, equipment and tools to make balance function and dysfunction diagnostics, as well an improvement of the patients’ movement capabilities. This position paper gives a brief overview about the latest technical engineering solution trends and developments in the world, which could be suited and developed to create the conformable new, rather simple, accessible and cheap system. Such system will have to ensure the diagnostics of balance functions of the persons with disabilities and encourage them to use mentioned equipment for testing and training of their balance and movement functionality

INTERNET, TELEVISION AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES FOR INNOVATIVE ELEARNING

We are developing an innovative cross-media learning delivery system (eBig3, ETM) that goes beyond traditional web-based learning approaches. The approach combines wide availability of television and mobile technologies with the capacity and flexibility of Internet based e-learning. This approach allows the learner to use either a single learning delivery system (depending on availability and preferences) or a complementary combination of two or three delivery systems, thus supporting the anywhere, anytime — by any preference—learning paradigm. The development of the eBig3/ETM learning solutions includes integration of technical aspects of cross-media learning content delivery. Moreover, the approach incorporates pedagogical and usability principles based on an understanding of the target users learning needs and their contexts

USER ANALYSIS FOR E-INCLUSION IN A BLENDED LEARNING COURSE DELIVERY CONTEXT

The authors’ purpose was to analyse users of the blended e-learning course “Improvement of ICT skills” in context of e-inclusion and determine indicators for e-inclusion facilitation. We applied a practical use probability model to perform the analysis that identified the following factors: the degree to which the instructor was willing and able to share knowledge; the degree to which the students were interested and had the capacity to learn; and the degree to which the sponsoring organization supported and promoted learning. The study was based on evaluating a group of five hundred vocational teachers who were the learners. Our results indicated that the quality of e-learning materials and environment, instructor's support, student willingness and ability to learn were attributes that could impact learning carry-over and promoted e-inclusion

ADVANCEMENT OF E-PORTFOLIO SYSTEM TO IMPROVE COMPETENCE LEVELS

Nowadays educational process is not imaginable without applications of information technologies. Their implementations in different technology enhanced learning programs, platforms and systems are becoming more and more popular in educational institutions all over the world. Appropriate usage of information systems has already gained significant place in curriculums and learning processes. However, due to rather high dropout rate and insufficient learning outcomes educational organisations are still seeking for new systems, tools and methods which would enhance learners’ competence development. This paper describes benefits of a new ePortfolio system created by Riga Technical University’s researchers group, its testing results in Living Lab environment in study year 2012/2013, and comparative analysis with initial version of the system implemented in previous year. Findings show that introduced new ePortfolio system has a great positive impact on learning outcomes and learners’ competence development

DATA MODELLING SOLUTION FOR REFLECTIVE ePORTFOLIO SYSTEM

An importance of creating of efficacious information systems, which would enhance learning outcomes, leads to development of appropriate models.Modelling process with further validation and verification of developed information system or technological solution is essential. This paper displays the considerations and efforts made to work out such model in a form of reflection stimulating and learning outcomes enhancing ePortfolio information system. The authors introduce architecture of developed system from a view of used technologies, system’s algorithmic model and data model, as well its approbation results in Living Lab

LIFELONG LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN VIDZEME REGION

In today’s rapidly changing environment, lifelong learning is becoming an important part of education system. There is no comprehensive strategy or technological support for lifelong learning in the Latvian regions which could upgrade people’s competences and allow them to combine learning with workand family life. It is significant to develop a framework encompassing identification of required competencies, technological support for lifelong learning and make it as part of an ongoing process. The goal of the paper is to create a theoretical framework lifelong learning management technological model and prototype for the Vidzeme region. The focus of the paper is identifying the major steps and elements required to design and incorporate latter mentioned lifelong learning process and particularly adult education perspective supporting technological model in the Vidzeme region. Theoretical framework has been conducted regarding different adult education supporting technological platforms and adult education processing in European Union’s regional context. The paper represents the theoretical preconditions for qualitative development of lifelong learning in the region and presents a technological model prototype which would provide the lifelong learning process with ongoing technological support