The Grid Shared Desktop for CSCL
The Grid Shared Desktop (GSD) is a collaborative environment that provides a multidimensional humans-to-machine-to-humans interface by the means of multiples cleverly intricated desktops. The GSD is a platform independent solution that benefits of the intrinsic advantages of the Grid technology such as scalability and security. In order to verify that our GSD solution meets CSCL requirements, we have conducted experiments in the context of the ELeGI project. As part of the project use cases, the
Mobile Notes: Mobile Devices in Creative Discussions
The trendy notion of “mobile learning” has different connotations: On the one hand, it can be understood as “learning on the move” – often referred to as “learning any time anywhere”. Of course this interpretation relies on specific kinds of technological enabling, but the definition aims at the general setting of learning activities. Particularly, it includes informal learning settings (cf. [1]). A second interpretation sees mobile learning somewhat more pragmatically as learning
On-line learning networks: Framework and scenarios
The idea of using the internet as a platform to mediate social interactions and learning at different levels has progressively affirming itself, and this has given rise to a huge number of spontaneous and planned collectives, which are often described as on-line learning networks. On-line learning networks create value through the combination of content and people's knowledge. They can vary widely in the strength and permanence of their connections and the resources necessary to maintain them. A
Mind games, reasoning skills, and the primary school curriculum
This paper reports on a pilot research project aimed at helping to develop some strategic and reasoning abilities in primary school pupils by engaging them in educational itineraries based on the use of a number of computer mind games. The paper briefly describes the project's aims and organization, the kind of games used and the working methodology adopted. It then focuses on some of the cognitive abilities activated by the games. Finally, some pedagogical considerations derived from the study
Randomness and LEGO robots
This paper reports on a long term experiment concerning the introduction of 7th grade pupils to the concept of randomness. Pupils are involved in activities with Lego robots, and in the joint enterprise of writing an Encyclopaedia. The main lines of the experiment are provided, together with experimental data, highlighting how some specific elements of the chosen educational approach influenced the evolution of pupils' mastery of the concept of randomness.
Costruire e gestire ambienti di apprendimento che integrino strumenti tecnologici: analisi di un cas
The paper discusses the results of a research project based on the field testing of a course aimed at developing arithmetic problem solving skills in primary school pupils. The course was designed to incorporate e-learning techniques, including the use of ARI@ITALES authoring tools. These tools allowed the integration in the course of constructivist activities based on interaction with a set of different microworlds. The aims of the project were twofold: to analyse how the adopted approach and t
Uso di manipolatori simbolici nell'introduzione all'algebra: realizzazione e sperimentazione di un p
The thesis presents the theoretical background and the main ideas underlying the design, development and experimentation of L'Algebrista, a prototype of symbolic manipulator to introduce pupils to algebra as a theory. The main theoretical framework refers to the theories of Anna Sfard concerning objectification in mathematics.,Unpublished graduation thesis
Multimedia and the learner's experience of narrative
This paper reports on research findings which show that the narrative structure of multimedia programs, or sometimes the lack of it, affects learners' comprehension, often adversely [1,2].
It also reports on initial findings from our current research which aims to develop a theoretical understanding of the forms and functions of narrative in interactive media, based on empirical
research, and capable of informing instructional design.
Learning with Digital Technologies in Museums, Science Centres and Galleries
As early as 2002 the number of virtual visitors to many museums' websites had already overtaken the number of physical visitors on-site. These developments, both within the walls of the institution and outside them, provide a number of challenges for educators and curators, at the heart of which lie the questions - what is distinctive about learning in museums, science centres and galleries, and how might this change or evolve through the increasing use of digital technologies?,A NESTA Futurelab
Towards Short Term Content Adaptation
Recent works in the E-Learning field tend to focus on the learner, leaving the representation and treatment of contents in the background. One of the principal actors that contribute on this focus shift is the adoption of adaptive techniques that profile learners and adjust the contents according to the inferred profiles.
In contrast with most adaptive approaches, this work introduces a short-term adaptive strategy whose aim is to capture the instantaneous interests of users. The proposed model
Designing Assessment Tools in a Service Oriented Architecture
Assessment is an important component of formal learning, and Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) is a well established component of most online learning. However, technical issues such as interoperability and security, and pedagogic reservations as to its effectiveness still remain barriers to the uptake of CAA.
In this paper we examine a number of current assessment projects, predominantly emanating from the UK, to consider how a service oriented architecture can facilitate the implementation o
The use case specification of actions in the goal oriented knowledge based learning environment
The proposed goal oriented knowledge acquisition and assessment are based on the flexible educational model and allows to implement an adaptive control of the enhanced learning process according to the requirements of student's knowledge level, his state of cognition and subject learning history.
The enhanced learner knowledge model specifies how the cognition state of the user will be achieved step by step. The use case actions definition is a starting point of the specification that depends o
The Model of Collaborative Learning GRID to activate interactivity for Knowledge Building
The purpose of this study is to support the learning activity in the Internet learning space. In this paper, we examine the GRID technology as the knowledge management for supporting "collaborative learning" / " collaboration in learning" (CL).
RAPSODY-EX (REX) is a distributed learning support environment organized as a learning infrastructure. REX can effectively carry out to support collaborative activities in asynchronous/ synchronous learning mode.
The mixed distributed learning environme
Prise en compte du contexte algébrique dans la modélisation des connaissances d’un élève. Le c
Nous nous intéressons à la modélisation des connaissances des élèves dans le domaine de l’algèbre. Notre travail utilise les traces des actions des élèves recueillies dans l’environnement informatique Aplusix. Pour capturer une connaissance, il est essentiel de
tenir compte de la persistance et de la stabilité d’une action que ce soit dans la durée ou
dans la situation. Cependant, deux actions peuvent paraître, de prime abord, contradictoires. Associées au contexte dans lequel
Structuring and merging Distributed Content
A flexible approach for structuring and merging distributed learning object is presented. At the basis of this approach there is a formal representation of a learning object, called attribute structure.
Attribute structures are labeled directed graphs representing structured information on the learning objects. When two or more learning objects are merged, the corresponding attribute structures are unified, and the unified structure is attached to the resulting learning object.
Could Grid facilitate demanding Media Watermarking Applications?
Copyright protection is becoming an important issue for organisations that distribute digital content through e-learning applications. One of the most promising methods for copyright protection is digital watermarking, a highly demanding application in terms of CPU load.
In this communication, some specific cases are presented where GRID computing could be used as an enabling/assisting technology for watermarking. Specific cases of heavy load mathematical transformations for large media objects
Virtual Reality for Learning: Sharing Experiences rather than Resources
Virtual Reality is becoming a major candidate for embodying immersive learning environments. Whereas in the two preceding decades learning has been conceptualized as situations where students are guided rather than elicited to undertake actions, it is now the right time to explore the other side or the continuum.
Case Study of Virtual Organization Learning and Knowledge Testing Environments
The proposed web-based knowledge assessment is based on flexible educational model and allows to implement adaptive control of learning process as well as to implement knowledge testing environment according to the requirements of student's knowledge level, their personal abilities and his subject learning history.
The learner knowledge model can be constructed as a sub graph of the global knowledge domain graph. The paper presents the architecture of student self-evaluation and on-line assessm
E-Assessment using Latent Semantic Analysis
E-assessment is an important component of e-learning and e-qualification. Formative and summative assessment serve different purposes and both types of evaluation are critical to the pedagogical process.
While students are studying, practicing, working, or revising, formative assessment provides direction, focus and guidance. Summative assessment provides the means to evaluate a learner's achievement and communicate that achievement to interested parties.
Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) is a st
Reusability of eLearning Objects in the context of Learning Grids
This paper examines the requirements of eLearning Object Metadata, in order to appropriately support pedagogic and economic goals as well as service oriented architectures like the Grid.
The standard IEEE LOM is being tested against these requirements. In conclusion, it can be said that while current eLearning practices are well supported by the standard, the main insufficiencies concern a) the adequate description of ELOs that are services and not downloadable self-contained programs and b) th
