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

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

The European Union Business Environment for Development of Start-ups (compared to the USA)

Maģistra darbā „Eiropas Savienības uzņēmējdarbības vide start-up uzņēmumu attīstīšanai (salīdzinošā analīze ar ASV)” tiek pētīts, kā uzņēmējdarbības vide ietekmē start-up uzņēmējdarbības aktivitāti un kur uzņēmējdarbības vide ir piemērotāka start-up uzņēmējdarbībai – Eiropas Savienībā vai ASV. Lai iegūtu atbildi uz šiem jautājumiem, maģistra darbā tiek pētīts, kas ir start-up uzņēmums un kā to ietekmē ārējā uzņēmējdarbības vide, salīdzināti vides faktoru dati par četrām Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstīm – Vāciju, Itāliju, Zviedriju un Ungāriju – ar datiem par ASV, kā arī ekspertu viedokļi par atšķirībām abās vidēs. Darbā ir secināts, ka ASV uzņēmējdarbības vide ir piemērotāka start-up uzņēmumu attīstīšanai. ASV ir piemērotāka kultūra, labāka ekonomiskā un politiskā situācija, kas rada vidi, kas ir daudz motivējošāka pārvērst jaunas idejas start-up uzņēmumos. Atslēgvārdi: start-up uzņēmums, ārējā uzņēmējdarbības vide, uzņēmējdarbības aktivitāte, start-up mārketings, start-up kultūra.In the master’s thesis „The European Union Business Environment for Development of Start-ups (Compared to the USA)” a research has been carried out to find out how the external business environment factors affect entrepreneurship activity and where the external business environment provides more opportunities for developing start-up companies – in the European Union or the USA. To answer these questions the author finds out what is a start-up company and how the external business environment affects it. The author compares environment factor data of four EU countries to the data of the USA environment, as well as the expert opinions about the differences in the environments. The author concludes in the master’s thesis that the USA’s cultural, economic and political environment provides more opportunities for start-up development. Key words: Start-up company, external business environment, entrepreneurship activity, start-up marketing, start-up culture

Advances of eBig3 Course Implementation and a Vision on the ePortfolio System Possible Integration

The paper presents advances in implementation of so-called eBig3 approach in open education. This approach could be imagined as a synergy of three key technology-enhanced learning elements: e-learning, mobile learning and TV-learning. Authors briefly describe this innovative learning method, emphasize the sequence of learners learning activities, and introduce first results, success factors and food for thought. The main aim of this project is the offering of open courses for the wide range of public, making them available by different means of technology, as well promoting of lifelong learning in the whole country and neighbouring states. The article also calls to think over possible ways to make presented system more effective and powerful. One of such extra instruments might be found in adding of reflection stimulating ePortfolio system which would lead education into really multidimensional direction to meet the needs and expectations of the target group in the best way

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

Conceptual Design and Model of the Feedback Solutions in the Adaptive Integrated Technological Systems

Technology enhanced learning becomes the commonness in the nowadays educational process. Modern information systems open new departure in teaching and learning methods, enhance learners’ critical thinking, reflection and competence development, broaden the ways in which the students are engaged in class activities, and as a result, lead up to the changes in existing educational paradigms. Latter findings acquired from the piloting of the experimental information system, based on multiscreen, so-called eBig3, approach, showed positive results in learners involvement into knowledge acquisition process by using of e-, t- and m-technology. This course demonstrated also another system’s feature which has let its users had substantial benefit – the diminished dropout rate. It has spurred researchers on further development of the user-friendly adaptive system equipped with appropriate feedback generating tools. This paper observes possible solutions to improve the system’s messaging tool and make it more intelligent. Conceptual design and algorithmic model of the proposed adaptive integrated technological system with the integrated feedback tool is introduced. The idea reposes on the observations that system user behaviours appeared in patterns and that these patterns reappeared with a number of learners; accordingly, they might be separated into a number of data sets and, based on that, several user groups depending on their behaviour patterns could be formed. Proposed system will have to generate appropriate messages from the message repository to corresponding user. This messaging system will be able to send both SMSs and emails to learners and course tutors. It will also support collaborative activities within e-learning environment

Conceptual Design and Model of the Feedback Solutions in the Adaptive Integrated Technological Systems

Technology enhanced learning becomes the commonness in the nowadays educational process. Modern information systems open new departure in teaching and learning methods, enhance learners’ critical thinking, reflection and competence development, broaden the ways in which the students are engaged in class activities, and as a result, lead up to the changes in existing educational paradigms. Latter findings acquired from the piloting of the experimental information system, based on multiscreen, so-called eBig3, approach, showed positive results in learners involvement into knowledge acquisition process by using of e-, t- and m-technology. This course demonstrated also another system’s feature which has let its users had substantial benefit – the diminished dropout rate. It has spurred researchers on further development of the user-friendly adaptive system equipped with appropriate feedback generating tools. This paper observes possible solutions to improve the system’s messaging tool and make it more intelligent. Conceptual design and algorithmic model of the proposed adaptive integrated technological system with the integrated feedback tool is introduced. The idea reposes on the observations that system user behaviours appeared in patterns and that these patterns reappeared with a number of learners; accordingly, they might be separated into a number of data sets and, based on that, several user groups depending on their behaviour patterns could be formed. Proposed system will have to generate appropriate messages from the message repository to corresponding user. This messaging system will be able to send both SMSs and emails to learners and course tutors. It will also support collaborative activities within e-learning environment

Piloting the eBig3: A Triple-screen e-Learning Approach

In this report / study we present our recent progress on multi-screen e-learning development entitled eBig3. It is a new approach to technology supported education encouraging involvement in lifelong learning education. The approach effectively integrates the popular technologies of television, Internet, and mobile phones. Here we present the results of ten course pilots offered in 2013 with the eBig3 media formats. The target group for the courses was the general public. And the three-pronged approach worked; the response showed a radical increase of registration for eBig3 courses compared to traditional registration for online courses. The course delivery formats were also more successful than blended learning formats. Our results showed that the new approach significantly increased the availability of eCourses and that users felt encouraged to stay the duration of the course. Moreover, the results indicated that the approach helped to close the gap between expectations and actual achievements for life-long-learning in general

Digital Opportunities for 1st Year University Students’ Educational Support and Motivational Enhancement

Young people face a real and increasing difficulty in finding a decent job with each day. Three additional combining factors are wors-ening the youth employment crisis even further, causing challenges while transiting to decent jobs. Namely (i) numbers of discouraged young people, who are neither in education nor employment or training (NEETs) are increasing. In tertiary education, (ii) unemployment among university graduates, in general, are rising. Therefore, (iii) potential NEET group students, especially in the 1st year, who, apart from reduced study fees, require extra motivation and moral support from educators. The aim of the paper is to find out how to solve the dropout crisis applying digtal opportunities for 1st-year universities students’ by an educational support and motivation enhancement. Educational institutions should combine the traditional forms of study and e–learning. However, direct contact between the teacher and the student plays very important role in acquiring a quality education, and should not be left out

Concept of Learner Behaviour Data Based Learning Support

In 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