Felix Mödritscher, Gustaf Neumann, Victor Manuel García-Barrios, Fridolin Wild

Abstract: In this paper, we present a mashup approach which is based on the XoWiki component and enables a user to add web-based applications to Wiki content and to use and arrange these tools in a comfortable way. In the following, the paper gives a short overview on the topic at hand, describes critical challenges regarding the development of application mashups and – based on that –derives special requirements for eLearning. Thereafter, various solutions and development frameworks are inspected according to our special needs, and a concrete implementation, namely the XoMashup component, is described closer. Finally, a possible application scenario is shown, and the next steps moving towards a semantic layer are outlined.

Felix Mödritscher, Roland Tatzl, Regina Geierhofer, Andreas Holzinger

Abstract: Due to the increasing amount of medical patient data collected in hospitals, technology-based methods are of increasing interest for processing and analyzing such materials. Therefore, computer supported techniques have to be evaluated by means of their efficiency for this application area. In this paper, we introduce an approach for analyzing expert comments on magnetic resonance images (MRI) diagnoses by applying a text mining method in order to scan them for regional correlations. Consequently, we propose a calculation of significant co-occurrences of diseases and defined regions of the human body, in order to identify possible risks for health, and we present a special tool, which we have implemented in order to test this approach.

Felix Mödritscher, Robert Hoffmann, Werner Klieber

Abstract: Explicit knowledge is often stored in various repositories within a company. As APOSDLE aims at considering the whole intellectual capital of companies, we are coping with the task to integrate the content of several and different repositories within the APOSDLE platform. Further, other modules in the APOSDLE system also require functionality to semantically enrich knowledge artefacts like documents or multimedia objects. In this paper, we present our approach to these challenges, namely the "Multimedia, Multi-source, Metadata-based Knowledge Artefact Repository". After presenting the basic idea and critical issues of this solution, we point out related technological approaches as well as their limitations. Finally, we report about a first prototype realising this idea and our experiences gained so far.

Felix Mödritscher, Victor Manuel García-Barrios, Christian Gütl, Denis Helic

Abstract: According to literature, a lot of research work on adaptive e-learning was carried out and, insofar, many systems in this application domain were developed in the last decades. One solution approach within the scope of adaptive educational hypermedia is the project AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye-Tracking), started at the end of the year 2003 and with the scientific focus on combining adaptive e-learning techniques with eye-tracking technology. After two years of research and development we present the current status of the adaptive e-learning environment realised so far. Thus, this paper sums up relevant publications concerning the AdeLE system, highlights the overall prototype as well as each subsystem and points out our experiences gained within the first phase of the project.

Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: As there are a lot of approaches and projects within the area of adaptive e-learning, several theoretical models have been developed in the last 15 years. Against this background, the AdeLE team implemented a first prototype on basis of informal descriptions given by literature research as well as concrete circumstances of the research project. Nevertheless, a theoretical model fulfilling certain requirements for our approach is still missing. This paper points out possibilities and limitations of existing models in the scope of the AdeLE project. Further, the authors own attempt towards formalising adaptive behaviour in e-learning environments is denoted.

Felix Mödritscher, Silke D. Spiel, Victor Manuel García-Barrios

Abstract: Domain names are of enormous utility for an efficient browsing through the Internet. Nevertheless, a lot of legal problems and conflicts are faced, for instance domain grabbing or hurting existing trademarks, if someone wants to register a certain domain or already possesses one. In this paper, we describe the so-called LAPD-Inspector, a Web-based application that uses a Dynamic Background Library (DBL) with the aim of retrieving accurate and topical information about the legal status in connection with domain names as well as supporting users within some problem-specific scenarios.

Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: As e-learning and distance learning tend to get more and more important for all kind of organisations, researchers and practitioners are becoming aware of the fact that a simple technology-focussed approach does not guarantee successful teaching and learning. Thus, a shift to pedagogy-based initiatives can be observed within the field of e-learning. This paper examines the implications of commonly known learning theories on online courses. Therefore, a case study was carried out within the field of adult education aiming at the implementation of different e-learning strategies with respect to the behaviouristic, cognitive, and constructivistic school of learning. Furthermore, these instructional approaches are compared with each other in order to examine aspects such as the effort for the teacher and the students, the effectiveness of each method, the students’ workload or collaborative and social aspects of e-learning.

Karl Flieder, Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: Traditionally, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a highly interdisciplinary field bridging the research between psychological research and computer science. This paper places great emphasis on a new pattern language based on Gestalt principles, among which Prägnanz is regarded as the fundamental one. Psychological findings, pattern methodology and linguistic categories consequently form the basis of our work. The proposed pattern language, not yet finished, is intended to support visual design in a usercentered way by providing comprehensive information about Gestalt principles.

Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: Planning and implementing courses – no matter whether done for face-to-face education or within e-learning environments – deal a lot with pedagogical issues. Learning is influenced by a couple of factors such as attention, motivation, emotions, etc. as well as by learner characteristics like prior knowledge, cognitive and learning styles, intellectual capabilities, constitutional states and the forth. This paper examines learner-centred aspects of e-learning by drawing conclusions from traditional learning in the classroom situation and outlining implications for the process of virtual learning. Furthermore, a case study carried out in the field of adult education tries to point out findings on the impact of different e-learning strategies on the factors influencing learning.

Felix Mödritscher, Silke Spiel, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios

Abstract: Considering didactics, assessment is necessary to evaluate the learning process and, thus, also of relevance for the e-learning situation. In fact, it is harder and more problematic to realise them within online courses. This paper examines important didactical aspects, such as defining competencies, determining learning objectives and assessing learners’ achievements within the scope of e-learning, and, furthermore, it reports about a case study comparing three different assessment methods to each other. In particular, the depicted methods are evaluated in terms of the most relevant factors of the teaching process within the area of adult education.

Felix Mödritscher, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Hermann Maurer

Abstract: The concept of a Dynamic Background Library (DBL) is well-known in literature and applied for several application areas. As it is planned to use a DBL within the scope of the research project AdeLE, a first prototype named EHELP was developed and evaluated already. Nevertheless, we never analysed the DBL in terms of the applicability for educational usage, in particular for elearning and adaptive e-learning. After a short review of critical aspects of adaptive e-learning, the conceptual design and the implementation of the EHELP system are outlined. Further, concrete educational scenarios for the application of a DBL are described and linked to aspects of the AdeLE project. Finally, first experiences derived by an evaluation of EHELP and the next steps of our future work are given.

Christian Gütl, Maja Pivec, Christian Trummer, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Felix Mödritscher, Jürgen Pripfl, Martin Umgeher

Abstract: Due to the rapidly growing amount of knowledge, a stronger need emerges for efficient and improved knowledge acquisition strategies. E-learning can be very helpful for different learning activities in various learning environments. However, in order to support different teaching and learning paradigms, e-learning should deal with more than simply reading online lessons. Therefore, content as well as communication and collaboration have to be supported in a highly personalised manner by e-learning systems. Though, tracking and grasping the user behaviour in real time remains the most challenging task to retrieve an appropriate and fine-grained user profile as well as to provide personalised learning content. In this paper we present AdeLE, a technology-based solution of an enhanced adaptive e-learning framework, which comprises novel solution approaches for fine-grained user profiles by exploiting real time eye-tracking and content-tracking analysis as well as a dynamic background library. Based on the global objectives of an enhanced e-learning environment, the system architecture of AdeLE and the methods used in order to gain fine-grained user information by real time eye-tracking are addressed. Furthermore, various scenarios in different application domains are illustrated.

Christian Gütl, Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: One main objective of the AdeLE research project is the research and implementation of an enhanced, flexible and Web-based adaptive e-learning system by the application of fine-grained profiling and modeling information using multimodal sensor data in real time. Based on our knowledge about a wide range of existing learning management systems (LMS), we have decided to develop an approach to connect and control existing LMSs in order to extend them with adaptability or adaptivity. Backed on our experiences of the first fully functional implementation of the AdeLE system, we introduce our approach towards a generic adaptive system applicable for Web-based learning management environments in this paper.

Felix Mödritscher, Alexandra Sindler

Abstract: This paper focuses on special problems about essential didactical aspects for course instructors like defining and evaluating learning objectives within the e-learning situation. Therefore, basics about competencies, learning objectives and assessments are treated with a focus on traditional education. By applying these concepts on e-learning, existing problems for e-learning courses are discussed in detail and some possible solutions are suggested. These approaches will be evaluated in the next phase of our research work.

Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Felix Mödritscher, Christian Gütl

Abstract: In this paper, a terminological and pragmatic paradigm shift is proposed and undertaken from the field of Personalisation Systems towards the field of Adaptive Systems. A new conceptual framework for both topics is developed in order to enable a deeper insight into the challenges and benefits of merging the fields. The aim of this paper is to define a generic and component-based Personalisation Model (PM), which is derived from an analytical perspective on systems that are pertinent to adaptation. Furthermore, validity and applicability of the PM are demonstrated for the field of adaptive e-learning. Thus, practical experiences within the AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye-Tracking) research project are discussed.

Maja Pivec, Jürgen Pripfl, Christian Gütl, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Felix Mödritscher, Christian Trummer

Abstract: In this paper we describe first experiences with AdeLE prototype, a framework for adaptive e-learning utilising both eye tracking and content tracking technology. We outline features of the first prototype and their relevance for the user. We report more in detail about current research challenges where we observe users' learning behaviour in real time by monitoring characteristics such as objects and areas of focus, time spent on objects, frequency of visits, and sequences in which content is consumed. This research is focused on analysing eye-movement patters during learning and linking these patterns with cognitive processes. Possible areas of application are described, such as using the information about the position of the eye for providing additional context specific information to the learner. The framework ensures not only adaptivity to the users' preferences, knowledge level and the real-time tracking of their behaviour, but also the relevance, accuracy and reliability of the knowledge provided.

Felix Mödritscher, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Christian Gütl

Abstract: With regards to a more effective knowledge transfer through adaptation and personalisation, adaptivity is one of the hot spots in the field of e-learning. As one particular and interesting detail of AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye Tracking), a research project with the aim to develop and implement a solution framework for personalised adaptive e-learning based on real-time user behaviour, this paper examines theoretical principles and the possible realisations of adaptivity in terms of technology-based learning and teaching. According to these basics, requirements on an e-learning standard are established. Finally, one well-established collection of specifications and standards, SCORM, is inspected referring to these requirements, and exemplary enhancements to support adaptive e-learning are suggested.

Christian Gütl, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: E-learning may provide a lot of useful features in a wide range of learning and teaching situations. However, the provision of static learning material will not meet the requirements of the users. We believe that well-tailored, highly personalized learning sessions are needed. Regarding to this background, the research project AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye-Tracking) aims to develop and implement a solution framework for personalised adaptive e-learning based on real-time user behaviour. In this paper we introduce the Service-Based Framework (SBF) - a reusable, scalable and flexible architecture for adaptation systems - and point out its application for AdeLE.

Felix Mödritscher, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Christian Gütl

Abstract: In consideration of AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye Tracking), a research project with the aim to develop and implement a solution framework for personalised e-learning based on real-time user behaviour, this paper examines the main approaches to adaptive e-learning based on a research on the history of adaptive instructional learning. Furthermore, an exemplary selection of systems resulted by these mainstreams and classified to the most important types is introduced. Concerning the examination of adaptive models and systems in the field of e-learning, we want to introduce our approach to adaptive e-learning for the research project AdeLE.

Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Christian Gütl, Felix Mödritscher

Abstract: This paper describes an investigation into the ways in which learning and cognition using a web-based e-learning environment can be supported and enhanced by means of a Dynamic Background Library, namely the Enhanced E-Learning Repository Manager (EHELP). The paper focuses on the evaluation of user behaviour based upon such a model, but gives firstly a general overview of the basic idea, design and implementation of EHELP.

Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Christian Gütl, Alexandra M. Preis, Keith Andrews, Maja Pivec, Felix Mödritscher, Christian Trummer

Abstract: In this paper we introduce AdELE, a framework for adaptive e-learning utilising both eye tracking and content tracking technology. The framework is based upon the combination of fine-grained real-time eye tracking with synchronous content tracking, a user profiler, an adaptive multimedia learning environment, and a dynamic background library. The framework ensures not only adaptivity to the users' preferences, knowledge level and the real-time tracking of their behaviour, but also ensures the relevance, accuracy and reliability of the knowledge provided.

Felix Mödritscher, Christian Gütl, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Hermann Maurer

Abstract: As a pre-study for AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye Tracking), a research project with the aim to develop and implement a solution framework for personalized adaptive e-learning based on real-time user behaviour, this paper examines the learner-centred aspects of adaptive e-learning and their support in e-learning standards. For this purpose, indicators for adaptation criteria are derived from the learner's characteristics and exemplary adaptive methods for an e-learning environment are introduced. On the basis of these indicators and because of the importance of standardization, the paper points out requirements on e-learning standards to support learner-centred adaptivity. According to these requirements two well-established standards - SCORM and IMS - are examined in order to evaluate its applicability to the AdeLE solution approach.

Maja Pivec, Alexandra M. Preis, Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios, Christian Gütl, Heimo Müller, Christian Trummer, Felix Mödritscher