Personalization of e-tivities using Web 2.0 tools and ELARS (E-learning Activities Recommender System)

Author(s):  
Jasminka Mezak ◽  
Natasa Hoic-Bozic ◽  
Martina Holenko Dlab
Author(s):  
Tina Knez ◽  
Martina Holenko Dlab ◽  
Natasa Hoic-Bozic

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.


Author(s):  
Jody S. Underwood

Recommender systems in e-learning contexts typically try to “intelligently” recommend actions to a learner based on the actions of previous learners. One of the limitations of such systems is that a lot of data is needed in order to recommend meaningful activities. This chapter describes one approach for addressing this limitation in a framework that uses a structured map of mathematics concepts and processes to power a recommender system that will recommend to students digital learning activities for which they are ready. This recommender system is called Metis, for the Greek goddess of good advice, and is currently in the design phase. Metis takes seriously the idea that to build on the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that a student has, it is essential to identify those KSAs. Trying to build on KSAs that a student does not have is misguided. Metis recommends activities linked to KSAs that students are ready to learn, and more standard recommender algorithms further refine the list of recommended activities. Taking this approach has the potential to make activities more engaging, which can lead learners to greater interest in the content area.


Author(s):  
Cosmin Malureanu ◽  
Adriana Malureanu ◽  
Gabriel Lazar

The reasons for introducing Web 2.0 tools into the business area are multiple, from efficiency to better time management. The provision of online services by companies develops the computer skills of team members, and the materials provided through Web tools 2.0 can be accessed by a larger number of end users and their quality can be permanently evaluated. This chapter proposes to investigate the motivational factors of the usage of Web tools 2.0 by companies' team members. In particular, the research is focused on e-learning based on Web 2.0 tools for training sessions organized by companies in Romania. The in-depth analysis revealed that this generally positive perception of using the e-learning course is founded on a series of objective aspects, identified in a multiple linear regression model, ranging from the perception of the benefit of professional development to the subjective character given by user experience (UX).


Author(s):  
Mario Mallia Milanes ◽  
Matthew Montebello

The use of artificially intelligent techniques to overcome specific shortcomings within e-learning systems is a well-researched area that keeps on evolving in an attempt to optimise such resourceful practices. The lack of personalization and the sentiment of isolation coupled with a feeling of being treated like all others, tends to discourage and push learners away from courses that are very well prepared academically and excellently projected intellectually. The use of recommender systems to deliver relevant information in a timely manner that is specifically differentiated to a unique learner is once more being investigated to alievate the e-learning issue of being impersonal.  The application of such a technique also assists the learner by reducing information overload and providing learning material that can be shared, criticized and reviewed at one’s own pace. In this paper we propose the use of a fully automated recommender system based on recent AI developments together with Web 2.0 applications and socially networked technologies. We argue that such technologies have provided the extra capabilities that were required to deliver a realistic and practical interfacing medium to assist online learners and take recommender systems to the next level.


The primary goal of myGeoffice© is to empower Internet users with some geographical quantitative power in a direct and goal oriented way (particularly high-school and university students whose curriculum covers spatial topics). With the spread of smartphones, apps, laptops, tablets, e-learning, m-learning, 4G wireless connectivity, free wi-fi hot spots, apps, Web 2.0 tools and adaptive learning/progress tracking, it is hoped that myGeoffice© can be associated with a teaching strategy and incorporate these trends. This would assist with the basic understanding of spatial inferential and mathematical methods in the classroom and encourage geography as a career path.


Author(s):  
Liliana Mata ◽  
Georgeta Panisoara ◽  
Silvia Fat ◽  
Ion-Ovidiu Panisoara ◽  
Iulia Lazar

Optimal public policies, including education, have been applied for the sustainable economic growth of the European Union. In European countries, the use of Web 2.0 tools for increasing the education quality is constantly expanding, even if it is divided into two categories. One category consists of developed countries, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) members where there are the strongest of computing tools companies. Another category consists of OECD partner countries which hopes to fulfill the OECD requirements. The main study aim is the exploration of Web 2.0 tools adoptions for e-learning in one OECD candidate. A case study details how behavioral perceptions have been applied. Thus, a survey containing questions about socio-demographic characteristics alongside respondents' perceptions related to Web 2.0 tools for e-learning in higher education was applied. The research outcomes confirm the students' limited knowledge of Web 2.0. Authorities must indicate what measures are necessary for large-scale adoption of all Web 2.0 tools useful for education.


Author(s):  
Janet L. Holland ◽  
Dusti Howell

With so many fields using new technologies in e-learning, we are all challenged with selecting and effectively implementing new Web 2.0 tools. This chapter provides a mixed method research approach to quickly evaluate available Web 2.0 tools and instructional implementation. Class observations and pilot study surveys were used to determine students’ levels of satisfaction after using various numbers of Web 2.0 tools and varying student work group sizes. The pilot studies were designed to model initial classroom examinations when integrating emerging Web 2.0 technologies. Use of this type of pilot study approach is necessitated as many individual class sizes are too small for a full research study, and the time needed to conduct a full study using multiple classes could cause the results to quickly be out of date, thus not providing the needed immediate classroom data for just in time learning. Fast emerging technologies pose a unique challenge to traditional research methodology. Where immediate specific classroom data is needed, a needs analysis with a pilot study is the best option. Note, with emerging technologies, it is difficult to find appropriate literature to determine its effectiveness in the classroom. If desired, compiling the results from many small pilot studies offers an additional benefit of fleshing out key issues to be examined later in greater detail using a full research study for extending theory or scientific practices.


Author(s):  
Rizalina G. Gomez

This study investigated the teachers’ adherence to the use of ICT for classroom instruction and its impact on the students’ learning. One hundred twenty-five (125) student teachers from the College of Education accomplished the questionnaires. Student teachers were found to have strong adherence to the use of ICT in teaching. This analysis elucidated teacher educators’ access to ICT, their intensity of use, their training skills, and their confidence in using ICT. Pedagogical practices included the use of web-enhanced learning activities and a combination of Web 2.0 tools in teaching. Exploratory multiple regression analysis addressed the importance of these different factors at the level of the educator in the use of ICT in teaching practice. Results showed students’ academic performance generally improved with increased teachers’ training skills. The intensive use of ICT as a tool in teaching had posed a significant impact on the students’ learning. It was therefore recommended for teacher educators to sustain the use of ICT as an effective strategy and continue to access the skills-based approach in the integration of ICT in education.   Keywords - Academic Performance, ICT, Web 2.0 tools, Web- Enhanced Learning Activities, Pre-service Teachers, Pedagogical Practices


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