Introducing Adaptivity and Collaborative Support into a Web-Based LMS

In this paper the design and implementation of AHyCo (Adaptive Hypermedia Courseware), a web-based learning management system based on adaptive hypermedia, is described. AHyCo consists of a domain model, a student model, an adaptive model and a collaborative model. AHyCo supports interaction between students and content by using adaptive hypermedia and online tests. Particular attention is given to the design of the collaborative functionality which enables automatic grouping of students based on various criteria. Furthermore, student to student and student to teacher interaction is supported through asynchronous communication (forum). File sharing and inter-group grading and evaluation modules were introduced into the collaborative module as well enticing interaction between students across groups

A System Architecture for a Context-aware Blended Mobile Learning Environment

Mobility offers new possibilities for interaction and communication in education. Pervasive nature of mobile devices makes learning on the move and across time a reality. Their characteristics fit into the blended use of technology in education since they posses socializing powers, re-conceptualize learning by making it more informal, ambient, collaborative and personal. Nevertheless, the problem of creation and coordination of a learning environment based on mobile devices still exists. This article presents a system called MILE and its extensible context-aware architecture to support the use of mobile devices in blended learning environments. In the end, some experience and lessons learned during the development of the system are described

Research on the use of Digital Tools by STEM Students at the University of Rijeka

The use of digital tools for learning has the potential to positively affect student motivation. While exploring the extent of use of digital tools for learning by STEM students at the University of Rijeka, it was observed that the current level of use is not at the expected level. Obtained research results have shown that surveyed STEM students are currently not encouraged nor intrinsically motivated enough to explore the possibilities of using freely available digital tools for learning. With the aim of influencing student motivation, we propose building an evaluation system in STEM education based on the principles of Educational Recommender System

Student and Group Activity Level Assessment in the ELARS Recommender System

This paper presents an original approach to student and group activity level assessment that relies on certainty factors theory. Activity level is used to represent quantity and continuity of student’s contributions in individual and collaborative e‑learning activities (e‑tivities) and is calculated to assist teachers in assessing quantitative aspects of student's achievements. Calculated activity levels are also used to raise awareness and provide recommendations during the learning process. The proposed approach was implemented within the educational recommender system ELARS and validated using data obtained from e‑tivity realized during a blended learning course. The results showed that the proposed approach can be used to estimate activity level in the context of e-tivities realized using Web 2.0 tools as well as to facilitate the assessment of quantitative aspect of students’ participation in e‑tivities

Implementation of Group Formation Algorithms in the ELARS Recommender System

Collaborative learning is recognized as an effective way of gaining knowledge in an online environment. Therefore, e-courses frequently include collaborative e-learning activities (e-tivities) that are performed in pairs or small groups of students. One of the challenges for teachers who organize e-tivities is the effective group forming. This paper presents algorithms that can be used to divide a set of students participating in an e-tivity to homogeneous or heterogeneous groups. The criterion for automatic group formation includes the following characteristics: the program of study, gender, learning styles preferences, Web 2.0 tools preferences, knowledge level and activity level. Designed algorithms were implemented in the educational recommender system ELARS and tested in the context of e tivities

A Design-Based Approach to Developing a Mobile Learning System

This paper presents technologically innovative and scalable mobile learning solution within the SCOLLAm project (“Opening up education through Seamless and COLLAborative mobile learning on tablet computers”). The main research method applied during the development of the SCOLLAm mobile learning system is design-based research. It assumes iterative refinement of the system guided by collaboration between researches and practitioners. Following the identification of requirements, a multiplatform mobile learning system SCOLLAm [in]Form was developed. Several experiments were designed and conducted in the first and second grade of elementary school. SCOLLAm [in]Form system was used to design learning activities for math classes during which students practice calculation. System refinements were based on experience and interaction data gathered during class observations. In addition to implemented improvements, the data were used to outline possible improvements and deficiencies of the system that should be addressed in the next phase of the SCOLLAm [in]Form development