ISSN: 2409-0034

Issue 6, 2016

Editor(s)-in-Chief: Minjuan Wang and Vic Callaghan

Articles
Information

Preface to the Special Issue on Immersive Environments: Challenges, Research and New Developments
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e1

Authors:
Anasol Peña-Rios, Johanna Pirker, Christian Gütl, Michael Gardner

Abstract:
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Collaboration in 3D Virtual Worlds: a protocol for case study research
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e2

Authors:
A. Cruz, H. Paredes, B. Fonseca, P. Martins, L. Morgado

Abstract:
Three-dimensional virtual worlds have been growing fast in number of users, and are used for the most diverse purposes. In collaboration, they are used with good results due to features such as immersion, interaction capabilities, use of avatar embodiment, and physical space. In the particular case…Three-dimensional virtual worlds have been growing fast in number of users, and are used for the most diverse purposes. In collaboration, they are used with good results due to features such as immersion, interaction capabilities, use of avatar embodiment, and physical space. In the particular cases of avatar embodiment and physical space, these features support nonverbal communication, but its impact on collaboration is not well known. In this work we present a protocol for case study research and its creation process, which aims to assert itself as a tool to collect data on how nonverbal communication influences collaboration in three-dimensional virtual worlds. We define the propositions and units of analysis, and a pilot case to validate them. Then, two cases are analysed under the created protocol. Most of the
propositions found chains of evidences supporting them.
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The use of cyber campuses to support online learning for students experiencing barriers accessing education
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e3

Authors:
Louis Nisiotis, Martin Beer, Elizabeth Uruchurtu

Abstract:
Attendance and participation in education are important for students to obtain the experiences necessary to develop their knowledge. However, there are some students who experience challenges hindering their access and participation in Higher Education. To support students, Universities utilise E-L…Attendance and participation in education are important for students to obtain the experiences necessary to develop their knowledge. However, there are some students who experience challenges hindering their access and participation in Higher Education. To support students, Universities utilise E-Learning. One of the many E-Learning tools is the use of virtual worlds in the form of cyber campuses. This paper investigates the extent to which cyber campuses can help to mitigate barriers and support students experiencing them. A prototype has been developed and a series of empirical studies have been performed. The results of this research suggest that a cyber campus environment can be used as an alternative learning support tool that can enhance online learning experiences, and help to mitigate some of the barriers that hinder access and participation to education. The associated limitations of this research and the future work planned out are also presented.
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OSCase: Data Schemes, Architecture and Implementation details of Virtual Patient repurposing in Multi User Virtual Environments.
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e4

Authors:
P. E. ANTONIOU, L. IOANNIDIS, P. D. BAMIDIS

Abstract:
Experiential game based learning has proven effective at engaging and enabling learners especially in medical education where the volume of the curriculum is as severe as its criticality. A mature and promising ICT tool for medical education is the Virtual Patient (VP). Web-based virtual patients …Experiential game based learning has proven effective at engaging and enabling learners especially in medical education where the volume of the curriculum is as severe as its criticality. A mature and promising ICT tool for medical education is
the Virtual Patient (VP). Web-based virtual patients have been established for quite some time, while efforts have been made to create content in multi user virtual environments (MUVEs). What is still missing is a streamlined method for transferring
VPs from Web-based authoring and deployment platforms to MUVEs like OpenSim. This work describes the existing implementation context for repurposing VPs in the OS MUVE. Then it focuses on a novel OpenSim Case Datascheme and a supporting framework that facilitates this streamlined transfer according to previous repurposing strategies and efforts. Finally the future directions and the place of this work in the wider context of contemporary Virtual Learning Environments are explored.
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Westminster Serious Games Platform (wmin-SGP) a tool for real-time authoring of roleplay simulations for learning
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e5

Authors:
D. Economou, I. Doumanis, F. Pedersen, P. Kathrani, M. Mentzelopoulos, V. Bouki, N. Georgalas

Abstract:
The use of serious games in education and their pedagogical benefit is being widely recognized. However, effective integration of serious games in education depends on addressing two big challenges: the successful incorporation of motivation and engagement that can lead to learning; and the highly …The use of serious games in education and their pedagogical benefit is being widely recognized. However, effective integration of serious games in education depends on addressing two big challenges: the successful incorporation of motivation and engagement that can lead to learning; and the highly specialised skills associated with customised development to meet the required pedagogical objectives. This paper presents the Westminster Serious Games Platform (wmin-SGP) an authoring tool that allows educators/domain experts without games design and development technical skills to create bespoke roleplay simulations in three dimensional scenes featuring fully embodied virtual humans capable of verbal and non-verbal interaction with users fit for specific educational objectives. The paper presents the wmin-SGP system architecture and it evaluates its effectiveness in fulfilling its purpose via the implementation of two roleplay simulations, one for Politics and one for Law. In addition, it presents the results of two types of evaluation that address how successfully the wmin-SGP combines usability principles and game core drives based on the Octalysis gamification framework that lead to motivating games experiences. The evaluation results shows that the wmin-SGP: provides an intuitive environment and tools that support users without advanced technical skills to create in real-time bespoke roleplay simulations in advanced graphical interfaces; satisfies most of the usability principles; and provides balanced simulations based on the Octalysis framework core drives. The paper concludes with a discussion of future extension of this real time authoring tool and directions for further development of the Octalysis framework to address learning.
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Observing, Coaching and Reflecting: Metalogue - A Multi-modal Tutoring System with Metacognitive Abilities
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e6

Authors:
Joy Van Helvert, Volha Petukhova, Christopher Stevens, Harmen de Weerd, Dirk Börner, Peter Van Rosmalen, Jan Alexandersson, Niels Taatgen

Abstract:
The Metalogue project aims to develop a multi-modal, multi-party, dialogue system with metacognitive abilities that will advance our understanding of natural conversational human-machine interaction, and interfaces that incorporate multimodality into virtual and augmented reality environments. In t…The Metalogue project aims to develop a multi-modal, multi-party, dialogue system with metacognitive abilities that will advance our understanding of natural conversational human-machine interaction, and interfaces that incorporate multimodality into virtual and augmented reality environments. In this paper we describe the envisaged technical system, the learning contexts it is being developed to support and the pedagogical framework in which it is proposed user interactions will take place. This includes details of the system-generated learner feedback provided both in-performance and post-performance.We then move on to explain what has been achieved so far in terms of the integrated system pilots, and finally we discuss three key challenges the Metalogue researchers are currently working to overcome.
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Smart Ambient Learning with Physical Artifacts UsingWearable Technologies
Appears in:
fiee 16(6): e7

Authors:
István Koren, Ralf Klamma

Abstract:
Wearable technologies have been developing a momentum recently. However, integrated concepts for teaching and learning with wearable technologies are not available at present. In this paper, we report on a multicontextual framework for such an integrated concept. It consists of a number of real-wor…Wearable technologies have been developing a momentum recently. However, integrated concepts for teaching and learning with wearable technologies are not available at present. In this paper, we report on a multicontextual framework for such an integrated concept. It consists of a number of real-world use cases coming
from a third-party funded project, an entrepreneurship lab course from a technical university and an open source software development strategy. Based on an exhibition scenario, we conceptualize a framework for dealing with physical artifacts that integrates community learning analytics for self-reflection. Conceptual as well as technical issues and first experiences with an open source prototype draw an optimistic picture while we outline further needs for research and development.
more »

Scope

The Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) is an international organization of developers, educators, and research professionals collaborating to develop a scientific, technical, and applied potential of immersive learning. The vision of the immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) is to develop a comprehensive research and outreach agenda that encompasses the breadth and scope of learning potentialities, affordances and challenges of immersive learning environments. The first international conference iLRN 2015 held in Prague has attracted 22 high-quality full papers from the iLRN main stream but also from the special tracks. As a follow-up, this special issue is organized as an open call to seek a wider set of contributions from the research community and also the authors of the best papers from iLRN ’15 will be invited to submit extended versions of their papers. Thus, we are pleased to invite authors to submit their original work to a special issue of the Journal on Transactions on Future Intelligent Educational Environments (http://icst.org/future-intelligent-educational-environments/). For authors to submit extended version of their conference papers, a signification extension of at least 30% must be considered.

Topics

The journal will aim to attract reports on research and development related to a number of areas, including:

Smart classrooms
Intelligent campus
Virtual & Mixed Reality Learning Environments
Digitally Enhanced Teaching Laboratories
Technologically supported Pedagogy
Affective L…

The journal will aim to attract reports on research and development related to a number of areas, including:

Smart classrooms
Intelligent campus
Virtual & Mixed Reality Learning Environments
Digitally Enhanced Teaching Laboratories
Technologically supported Pedagogy
Affective Learning
AI Tutoring Systems
Learning clouds
Mobile Learning
Instructional design methods, models and Tools
Smart global and multi-cultural learning environments
Curriculum Development for Intelligent Education systems
Evaluation of intelligent learning environments.

Special Issues

Special Issue editor: Jana Sujanova

Angelica Reyes (Technical University of Catalonia)
Diane Cook (Washington State University)
Gordon Hunter (Kingston University)
Hedda Rahel Schmidtke (Carnegie Mellon University)
Hsuan-Yi Wu (National Taiwan University)
Jason Ng (BT)
Junjie Shang (Peking University…

Angelica Reyes (Technical University of Catalonia)
Diane Cook (Washington State University)
Gordon Hunter (Kingston University)
Hedda Rahel Schmidtke (Carnegie Mellon University)
Hsuan-Yi Wu (National Taiwan University)
Jason Ng (BT)
Junjie Shang (Peking University)
Maria Jose Rodriguez-Fortiz (University of Granada)
Michael Gardner (University of Essex)
Michael Weber (University of Ulm)
Ping Zheng (The Business School, Canterbury Christ Church University)
Simon Egerton (Monash University)
Susi Daryanti (Social Informatics)
Victor Zamudio (Instituto Tecnologico de Leon)
Xiao Jun (Shanghai Open University)

Journal Blurb

Temporarily closed open source journal focused on Future Intelligent Educational Environments

Publisher: EAI
ISSN: 2409-0034
Volume: 2

Published: 2016-06-27

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Future Intelligent Educational Environments

Scope

Topics

Special Issues

Editorial Board

Journal Blurb