Papers by Stephan Weibelzahl
Lernen, Wissensentdeckung und Adaptivität, 2004
Creating New Learning Experiences on a Global Scale, Second European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, EC-TEL 2007, 2007
Engagement is an important aspect of effective learning. Time spent using an e-Learning system is... more Engagement is an important aspect of effective learning. Time spent using an e-Learning system is not quality time if the learner is not engaged. Tracking student disengagement would offer the possibility to intervene in order to motivate the learner at appropriate time. In previous research we demonstrated the possibility of predicting engagement from log files using a web-based e-Learning system. In this paper we present the results obtained from another web-based system and compare them to the previous ones. The similarity of results across systems demonstrates that our approach is system- independent and that engagement can be elicited from basic information logged by most e-Learning systems: number of pages read, time spent reading pages, number of tests/quizzes and time spent on test/quizzes.
The learners’ motivation has an impact on the quality of learning, no matter how it is provided, ... more The learners’ motivation has an impact on the quality of learning, no matter how it is provided, be it via classroom, eLearning or blended learning. So far, in e-Learning, motivation has been mainly considered in terms of instructional design. Research in this direction suggests several ways to improve learners’ motivation. However, we claim that even more could be done: while being well known in classical learning, a motivational approach based on self-cognitions (self-efficacy, self-regulation etc.) is starting to make its way in e-Learning, showing the benefits of a personalized treatment. This paper argues for such an approach, underlining the possibilities for increasing motivation and also for integrating it into current research directions in e-Learning.
Adaptive Hypermedia and Adaptive Web-Based Systems, AH 2006, 2006
This research outline refers to the assessment of motivation in online learning environments. It ... more This research outline refers to the assessment of motivation in online learning environments. It includes a presentation of previous approaches, most of them based on Keller’s ARCS model, and argues for an approach based on Social Cognitive Learning Theory, in particular building on self-efficacy and self-regulation concepts. The research plan includes two steps: first, detect the learners in danger of dropping-out based on their interaction with the system; second, create a model of the learner’s motivation (including self-efficacy, self-regulation, goal orientation, attribution and perceived task characteristics) upon which intervention can be done.
International Series in Software Engineering, 2005
In this chapter we describe how the socio-technical systems (STS) approach has been applied to th... more In this chapter we describe how the socio-technical systems (STS) approach has been applied to the software process, as well as attempts that have been made to simulate and model the process as a whole. We also outline previous attempts to use socio-technical criteria and guidelines in order to make improvements to the process of constructing software. We first provide a broad outline of the STS approach followed by a number of examples drawn from the areas of COTS-based selection, the People Capability Maturity Model (P-CMM), competency programmes and process simulation. We conclude the chapter with a set of future research issues that are most likely to occupy researchers in the coming years. These issues are drawn partly from the theoretical literature within software engineering, as well as recent developments within industrial practice.
Adaptivity is a way of increasing the usability of interactive software. Several systems use CBR ... more Adaptivity is a way of increasing the usability of interactive software. Several systems use CBR as a basic inference mechanism to model the user and to reason about adaptive actions. However, empirical evaluations of adaptive systems are rare. This paper introduces an evaluation framework of six necessary steps for adaptive CBR-systems. The framework is applied to a case-based product recommendation system. Finally, possible experimental designs are presented. Evaluation criteria, both generally applicable as well as criteria that are specific to e-commerce applications, are discussed.
While empirical evaluations are a common research method in some areas of Artificial Intelligence... more While empirical evaluations are a common research method in some areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), others still neglect this approach. This article outlines both the opportunities and the limits of empirical evaluations for AI techniques exemplified by the evaluation of adaptive systems.
European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, 2007
One of the challenges in the development in blended learning is to facilitate the individual lear... more One of the challenges in the development in blended learning is to facilitate the individual learning styles of the learners. The alignment of a learning styles assessment with a learning methodology, a ma pping between learning styles and social media, recommendations in a guide book for facilitators and a checklist provide a tool set for a sustainable appr oach for
European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, 2006
The mix that is suitable to target the specific learning needs and is likely to be accepted by SM... more The mix that is suitable to target the specific learning needs and is likely to be accepted by SMEs has yet to be clarified. Recommendations for a good mix of blended learning in SMEs will be developed using a Delphi study design, implemented as a so-called e-Delphi. The sample will be SMEs from Germany and Ireland, international providers of e-learning,
While blended learning seems to be quite suitable for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), ... more While blended learning seems to be quite suitable for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), current uptake of this learning method is low. In this paper we propose a research design to examine the requirements for blended learning in SMEs. It is based on a three-round ranking-type Delphi study. Participants for the panels were carefully selected. Our method takes into
Blended learning is a combination of any form of technology enhanced learning with face-to-face i... more Blended learning is a combination of any form of technology enhanced learning with face-to-face instructor-led training. So called guidebooks describe how self-paced learning activities can be blended with collaborative activities. This paper describes the requirements for such a guidebook based on results from a Delphi study. A draft of a possible structure for such a guidebook is suggested.
Adaptivity is a way of increasing the usability of interactive software. Several systems use CBR ... more Adaptivity is a way of increasing the usability of interactive software. Several systems use CBR as a basic inference mechanism to model the user and to reason about adaptive actions. However, empirical evaluations of adaptive systems are rare. This paper introduces an evaluation framework of six neces- sary steps for adaptive CBR-systems. The framework is applied to a case-based product
Künstliche Intelligenz, 2002
While empirical evaluations are a common research method in some areas of Artificial Intelligence... more While empirical evaluations are a common research method in some areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), others still neglect this approach. This article outlines both the opportunities and the limits of empirical evaluations for AI techniques exemplified by the evaluation of adaptive systems. Using the so called layered evaluation approach, we demonstrate that empi- rical evaluations are able to identify errors
Mobile Devices for Ubiquitous ICT-Based Education, 2010
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2002
Developing adaptive internet based learning courses usually requires a lot of programming efforts... more Developing adaptive internet based learning courses usually requires a lot of programming efforts to provide session management, keeping track of the learners current state, and adapting the interface layout to specific requirements. NetCoach is designed to enable authors to develop adaptive learning courses without programming knowledge. In this paper, we describe the adaptive, the adaptable, the interactive, and the communicative features of NetCoach. Both authors and tutors are supported in many ways to develop and manage courses via an online interface. Experiences with NetCoach courses in different domains and settings have shown that learners profit from the adaptive features.
Delivering Non-Technical Knowledge and Skills, 2014
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Papers by Stephan Weibelzahl