Automatic detection of learner-style for adaptive eLearning

The advent of modern wireless technologies has seen a shift in focus towards the design and development of educational systems for deployment through mobile devices. The use of mobile phones, tablets and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) is steadily growing across the educational sector as a whole. Mobile learning (mLearning) systems developed for deployment on such devices hold great significance for the future of education. However, mLearning systems must be built around the particular learner’s needs based on both their motivation to learn and subsequent learning outcomes. This thesis investigates how biometric technologies, in particular accelerometer and eye-tracking technologies, could effectively be employed within the development of mobile learning systems to facilitate the needs of individual learners. The creation of personalised learning environments must enable the achievement of improved learning outcomes for users, particularly at an individual level. Therefore consideration is given to individual learning-style differences within the electronic learning (eLearning) space. The overall area of eLearning is considered and areas such as biometric technology and educational psychology are explored for the development of personalised educational systems. This thesis explains the basis of the author’s hypotheses and presents the results of several studies carried out throughout the PhD research period. These results show that both accelerometer and eye-tracking technologies can be employed as an Human Computer Interaction (HCI) method in the detection of student learning-styles to facilitate the provision of automatically adapted eLearning spaces. Finally the author provides recommendations for developers in the creation of adaptive mobile learning systems through the employment of biometric technology as a user interaction tool within mLearning applications. Further research paths are identified and a roadmap for future of research in this area is defined

Personalised presentation of mathematics for visually impaired or dyslexic students: challenges and benefits

Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) has the potential to transform learning by providing personalised and adaptive environments and enabling more effective assessment and feedback (Luckin et al., 2016). Implementing AIEd has different challenges involving accommodating different learning styles, understanding how learners interact with tools, creating accessible technology for students with learning or sensory disabilities, and managing cognitive load and stress. The potential benefits of using AIEd for the personalised presentation supports inclusive learning environments, including improved understanding, accessibility to learning (Costas-Jauregui et al., 2021), reduced stress (Hsu et al., 2021), and cognitive load (Turan & Goktas, 2016), to improve mathematical understanding and student confidence. Neto et al. (2021) argue that the opportunity to utilise robots to enhance inclusive classroom experiences lies in their ability to utilise their physical attributes, multimodal feedback systems, customised social behaviours, and sensory functions. The potential benefits promote the development of inclusive and intelligent educational frameworks. In this paper, the authors examine the potential of using AIEd combined with robotics to provide a personalised learning framework for students with learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia) and sensory disabilities (e.g., vision impairment/blindness). The paper will assess the challenges and benefits of the AIEd framework combined with robotics for inclusive mathematics education

Leveraging robotics to enhance accessibility and engagement in mathematics education for vision-impaired students

There is potential to use robotics in education to revolutionize teaching and learning in mathematics. This is particularly relevant for vision-impaired students, who face different challenges when accessing mathematical content. Educational robotics can potentially enhance accessibility, motivation, and engagement in mathematics for students through enjoyable and novel interactions. Students commonly experience positive interactions with educational robots during learning activities, which influences their learning motivation. Recent studies show that students with disabilities face issues related to classroom participation, lack of collaborative learning, reduced social engagement, and potential for isolation. Digital-based learning technologies have transformed how vision-impaired students engage with and learn mathematics. Leveraging robotics in mathematics teaching and learning through personalised guidelines offers considerable benefits for vision-impaired students, including enhanced engagement, multimodal learning opportunities, and improved collaboration and communication skills, which enhances the opportunities for inclusive classroom experiences. This paper outlines the role of educational robotics in inclusive education. It examines the challenges and benefits of using educational robotics in mathematics for vision-impaired students. The importance of human-robot interaction (HRI) in steering the design and functionality of educational robots and their potential use within the classroom to facilitate learning is also highlighted

Demystifying digital accessibility and fostering inclusive mindsets. compliance with the European standard for digital accessibility EN 301 549

Accessibility, the right to equal opportunities for all citizens, is defined in Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Furthermore, Article 21 of the same convention details how the accessibility of information and communications should be ensured in practice. As a result of the convention, international, European and national policies, standards and law have been established, creating a legal and binding framework for compliance. On this basis, this paper considers the goals of the IMPACT (Inclusive Method based on the Perception of Accessibility and Compliance Testing) project. This project aims to define the skills and competencies that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) accessibility educators and mediators should hold for compliance. The paper looks to discuss how to demystify accessibility compliance and, in doing so, how to foster inclusive mindsets through training practices and the European Certification and Qualification Association (ECQA) certification, while noting challenges for audiences and stakeholders. The experience of Koena, a French social enterprise specializing in Digital Accessibility, forms the basis for the paper’s observations

Technology-enhanced inclusive mathematics learning: promoting equity and lifelong learning opportunities for vision-impaired students

The paper investigates the dynamic relationship between technology and inclusive mathematics education for students with vision impairments. The paper examines the transformative potential of technology integration in fostering an inclusive educational environment while acknowledging the challenges that need to be addressed. The authors highlight the imperative of teacher training, data privacy, and ethical considerations in effectively integrating technology into educational practices. The evolving role of educators in facilitating meaningful and inclusive learning experiences is emphasized. A collaborative effort involving governments, educational institutions, technology developers, and the community is indispensable in pursuing inclusive education; by collectively addressing challenges, embracing technological advancements, and adhering to ethical principles, a transformative educational landscape can be cultivated

Interactive multimodal learning: towards using pedagogical agents for inclusive education

A pedagogical agent is an animated interface in an interactive online learning environment. Its role involves guiding users through instructions and participating in direct discussions. Numerous research studies underline the advantages of pedagogical agents in delivering instruction, tailoring learning experiences, and promoting inclusivity. The authors utilize machine learning techniques to develop an interactive multimodal application (combining visuals and audio) designed as a pedagogical agent. This application is intended to assist in teaching primary school students (aged 6 to 8) the recognition of colors and letters. Additionally, it incorporates voice interaction to assess their learning progress. The overarching objective of this pedagogical agent is to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into educational settings, thereby amplifying student engagement and motivation during the learning process. This paper will explore the journey of creating a machine learning- based application and its potential utility in supporting educators. Furthermore, the authors will investigate potential augmentations that could render the application more adept at aiding students with dyslexia. The paper will emphasize the significance of human- computer interaction (HCI), as it significantly shapes pedagogical agents' design and operational aspects

Accessibility standards and laws : implementation for successful digital education within the Eurozone

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines the right to equal opportunities for all citizens. Article 21 of the convention details how the accessibility of information and communications should be ensured in practice. As a result of the convention, international, European and national policies, standards and law have been established, creating a legal and binding framework for compliance. This paper considers the current standardisation for digital accessibility and laws of the European Union member states, in particular Ireland, France and Spain in relation to compliance for digital educational practices. In view of the IMPACT (Inclusive Method based on the Perception of Accessibility and Compliance Testing) project, the paper will assess the level of compliance with digital accessibility standards at regional level within the aforementioned Eurozone Member States. The authors will address the current accessibility requirements and outline support and training strategies to support professional digital content creators and educators in conformance with existing guidelines and requirements

Using eye tracking technology to identify visual and verbal learners

Learner style data is increasingly being incorporated into adaptive eLearning (electronic learning) systems for the development of personalized user models. This practice currently relies heavily on the prior completion of questionnaires by system users. Whilst potentially improving learning outcomes, the completion of questionnaires can be time consuming for users. Recent research indicates that it is possible to detect a user's preference on the Global / Sequential dimension of the FSLSM (Felder-Silverman Learner Style Model) through a user's mouse movement pattern, and other biometric technology including eye tracking and accelerometer technology. In this paper we discuss the potential of eye tracking technology for inference of Visual / Verbal learners. The paper will discuss the results of a study conducted to detect individual user style data based on the Visual / Verbal dimension of the FSLS

Enable Network of ICT Supported Learning for Disabled People Deliverable 3.4 ICT to Support Learning by Disabled Adults: Fundamental Principles of Good Practice, End-User Requirements, Methodological and Pedagogical Issues Workpackage 3: Data Analysis and

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following partners for their contribution to this deliverable through completing the questionnaire, participating in the partner workshop in Glasgow and/or providing comments. Acknowledgement

Barriers to open e-learning in public administrations: A comparative case study of the European countries Luxembourg, Germany, Montenegro and Ireland

This article presents a comparative study of the barriers to open e-learning in public administrations in Luxembourg, Germany, Montenegro and Ireland. It discusses the current state of open e-learning of public administration employees at the local government level and derives the barriers to such learning. This paper's main contribution is its presentation of an empirical set of barriers in the four European countries. The results allow informed assumptions about which barriers will arise in the forthcoming use of open-source e-learning technology, particularly open educational resources as means of learning. Furthermore, this study offers a contextualised barrier framework that allows the systematic capture and comparison of challenges for future studies in the field. Other practical contributions include providing advice about open e-learning programmes, systematising lessons learned and addressing managerial implications