[article] The good and the bad of AI in education #AI #education #chatGPT #KI

We wrote an article about „The good and the bad of AI in education“ and summarized our work on „Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review“ for Education Technology Insights already last year. You can acess it right here or get the draft version as .pdf as well Reference: Ebner, M., Schön, S. & Jahic, I. (2023) The good and the bad of AI in education. Educational Technology Insights (online). https://student-engagement.educationtechnologyinsights.com/cxoinsights/the-good-and-the-bad-of-ai-in-education-nid-2451.html [.pdf]

Published: Evolving Digital Skills of first-year students: A Pre- and Post-Covid Analysis.

Surprise: At least for study beginners at our University of Technology, not a lot changed of digital skills changed through distance learning between pre and post covid cohorts: „Digital skills are necessary for first-year students at Austrian universities. This paper unveils results from two surveys among first-year students at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz): Pre-Covid-19 data (n=921) is derived from a larger study on digital literacy among first-year students in Styria (Janschitz et al., 2021, N=4,676). The same questions were posed in the 2021 ‘Welcome Days’ survey after the Covid-19 distance learning phases (n=1,207). Surprisingly, the only significant change is a noticeable increase of skills concerning the digital signature. This article additionally presents the development of a lecture on digital skills that was implemented at TU Graz as a massive open online course (MOOC).“

• Ebner, M., Mair, B., Nagler, W., Schön, S., & Edelsbrunner, S. (2024). Evolving Digital Skills of first-year students: A Pre- and Post-Covid Analysis. Zeitschrift für Hochschulentwicklung, 19(1), 45–65. https://doi.org/10.21240/zfhe/19-01/03

[publication] Exploring the Utilization of Online Resources and Experiences in Language Learning: A Study of Indonesian Students Learning German as a Foreign Language #languagelearning #TEL

Our research about „Exploring the Utilization of Online Resources and Experiences in Language Learning: A Study of Indonesian Students Learning German as a Foreign Language“ is now online available. Abstract: This study examines the frequency of online resource utilization among German language students at Universitas Negeri Malang (Indonesia) who are at the B1 level. The aim of the research is to investigate the usage of websites and applications during German language studies. Standardized questions were administered to a sample of 54 students to gather information regarding their engagement with online resources throughout their coursework. Additionally, feedback on selected online resources was collected and assessed. The findings reveal that Indonesian students demonstrate a preference for using videos featuring interviews with native German speakers, alongside the inclusion of supportive subtitles to enhance comprehension. However, a significant challenge arises due to the lack of materials specifically tailored for Indonesian learners, which also clearly indicate the intended language proficiency level. [preprint @ ResearchGate] [publication @ publisher’s homepage] Reference: Ebner, M., Schön, S., Hidayat, E. & Ardiyani, D.K. (2023). Exploring the Utilization of Online Resources and Experiences in Language Learning: A Study of Indonesian Students Learning German as a Foreign Language. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1085-1090). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 17, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222623/.

[publication] Shifting Patterns in IT Equipment and Communication Application Preferences among Study Beginners: A Longitudinal Analysis at Graz University of Technology, Austria #tugraz #research #students

Our publication about the results of the welcome days, titled „Shifting Patterns in IT Equipment and Communication Application Preferences among Study Beginners: A Longitudinal Analysis at Graz University of Technology, Austria“, is now online available. Abstract: Within the last 11 years, more than 10.000 students participated in surveys amongst study beginners at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria. In autumn 2022, 1,089 students answered questions on their IT equipment, social media, and communication applications. While the evaluations of the last few years did not reveal major changes, this year is different: The apps Tiktok and Discord, newly introduced as an option in the survey, get equally large shares-of one-third and more than 40%, respectively. For the first time, the presentation of the survey data also includes questions regarding the usage of communication applications for learning. That shall give rise to future research on communication apps for teaching at TU Graz. [draft @ ResearchGate] [publication @ publisher’s homeage] Reference: Nagler, W., Mair, B., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Harden, J. & Schön, S. (2023). Shifting Patterns in IT Equipment and Communication Application Preferences among Study Beginners: A Longitudinal Analysis at Graz University of Technology, Austria. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 104-111). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 14, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222491/.

[publication] Potential Impact of Open Educational Resources and Practices for Good Teaching at Universities. The OER Impact Assessment at TU Graz #OER #tugraz #research

Already last year we contributed to the book „Learning with Technologies and Technologies in Learning“ with a chapter named „Potential Impact of Open Educational Resources and Practices for Good Teaching at Universities. The OER Impact Assessment at TU Graz“ Abstract: Based on the increasing demand for and promotion of Open Educational Resources (OER, see (UNESCO (2019), this chapter describes the objectives of Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria for good teaching. A description of how the impact of OER at TU Graz will be analysed and considerations around it is the central contribution. In addition, the effects, and potentials of selected OER initiatives of the university are described as examples and discussed as key potential for good teaching. For a better understanding of the role of OER at TU Graz, the national context of OER in the Austrian higher education landscape is described at the beginning of the chapter. [draft @ ResearchGate] [chapter @ book’s homepage] Citation: Ebner, Martin; Schön, Sandra; Ebner, Markus; Edelsbrunner, Sarah; Hohla, Katharina (2022). Potential Impact of Open Educational Resources and Practices for Good Teaching at Universities. The OER Impact Assessment at TU Graz. In: Michael E. Auer, Andreas Pester, Dominik May (Eds.), Learning with Technologies and Technologies in Learning. Experience, Trends and Challenges in Higher Education, Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Volume 45, Cham: Springer, pp. 79-100.

[publication] Supporting Learning and Teaching with Good Design: Report and Lessons Learned from Learning Experience Design in Higher Education #LXD #tugraz #research

Our chaper about „Supporting Learning and Teaching with Good Design: Report and Lessons Learned from Learning Experience Design in Higher Education“ got published (online first) and is free available since last year 🙂 Abstract: Learning experience design (LXD), that is, the conscious design of learning experiences based on the principles and methods of the design discipline, is a term that is increasingly being used in the design of (digital) learning environments. The aim is to make learning a positive, exciting experience for the learner. This article will introduce the understanding of “learning experience design” and describe its application at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz). As creativity is a base for the design discipline, the organizational unit “educational technology” sees LXD as a chance to develop innovative, quality online teaching and learning materials. The article will show the application and results of LXD of several different projects and resources developed for teachers and students by the educational technology team at TU Graz: the student study progress dashboard, the TELucation website relaunch, and the development of a modifiable digital template for lecturer training. [chapter @ book’s homepage] [chapter @ ResearchGate] Reference: Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., & Schön, S. (2022). Supporting Learning and Teaching with Good Design: Report and Lessons Learned from Learning Experience Design in Higher Education. In K. Kang, & M. F. Namisango (Eds.), E-service Digital Innovation [Working Title]. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.107489

[publication] Patterns of quiz attempts in a MOOC. The full-points-pattern and other patterns on the way to a successful MOOC in a lecture setting #tugraz #edil22 #MOOC #imoox #LearningAnalytics

And our last research paper from last year’s EDIL conference: „Patterns of quiz attempts in a MOOC. The full-points-pattern and other patterns on the way to a successful MOOC in a lecture setting“ is now to presented in my webog – it was presented at EdMedia + Innovate Learning 2022: Abstract: The analysis of learner data in MOOCs provides numerous opportunities to look for patterns that may indicate participants‘ learning strategies. In this article, we investigated how participants in a MOOC (N=1,200), in which they must successfully complete a quiz in each unit, deal with the fact that they can repeat this quiz up to five times. On the one hand, patterns can be identified regarding the success of the quiz attempts: For example, 32.7% of the course participants always repeat the quizzes up to a full score, while about 16.0% of the participants repeat, but only until they pass all quizzes. Regarding the number of attempts, independent of the success, there is only a uniformity in „single attempt“; 12.6% of the participants only take exactly one attempt at each of the quizzes in the MOOC. An analysis of a subgroup of 80 learners which were students of a course where the MOOC was obligatory, shows that the proportion of learners attributed to patterns making more attempts is generally bigger. It can be shown as well that learners who uses several attempts, even after a full score results, tend to get better exam. The article concludes by discussing how these patterns can be interpreted and how they might influence future MOOC developments. [full article @ conference homepage] [draft @ ResearchGate] Reference: Mair, B., Schön, S., Ebner, M., Edelsbrunner, S., Leitner, P., Schlager, A., Teufel, M. & Thurner, S. (2022). Patterns of quiz attempts in a MOOC. The full-points-pattern and other patterns on the way to a successful MOOC in a lecture setting. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1169-1179). New York City, NY, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 13, 2022 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/221430/

[publication] Examining the Digitization Level of First-Year Students at Graz University of Technology (Austria): Insights from a Digitization Index #tugraz #digitazation #index #digitalskill

Our conference paper, titled „Examining the Digitization Level of First-Year Students at Graz University of Technology (Austria): Insights from a Digitization Index„, at EDMedia and Innovative Learning 2023 conference in Vienna is published. Abstract: The Educational Technology team at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) tried to measure the degree of digitization among first-year students (n=1,029). To achieve this, a digitization index was constructed that incorporates various dimensions of digitization, including IT equipment, digital skills, and usage of digital applications for learning. The index is based on two existing studies, the German D21-Digital-Index and the Austrian DiKoS study. It was adapted to fit the context of first-year students at university. The study revealed an average digitization level among first-year students at TU Graz was 39.60 on a scale from 0 to 100. The analysis of specific groups indicated variations in the degree of digitization. Female students, students under 20 and over 25 years old, as well as those from natural sciences and mathematics fields exhibited lower levels of digitization compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, students who attended grammar school before university had lower digitization levels compared to those from higher vocational schools or secondary technical schools. Based on the digitization index, the students are classified into three groups: digital laggards, digital center, and digital leaders. Most first-year students fell into the digital center category, while a smaller proportion were identified as digital laggards or leaders. These groups differed in terms of their device ownership, digital skills, and usage of digital applications. [publication @ ResearchGate] [publication @ proceeding’s homepage] Reference: Mair, B., Martin, E., Edelsbrunner, S., Nagler, W. & Schön, S. (2023). Examining the Digitization Level of First-Year Students at Graz University of Technology (Austria): Insights from a Digitization Index. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1128-1136). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 14, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222629/.

[publication] Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review #ai #chatgpt #tugraz #research

We did a first rapid literature review about chatGPT is used in education settings. Our paper titled „Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review“ for the EDMedia and Innovative 2023 conference in Vienna is now online available. Abstract: The usage of AI, more precisely ChatGPT, is almost embedded in our everyday routine. It reduces the time, effort, and cost of performing boring and now also very delicate tasks. It appears that ChatGPT knows everything and knows how to explain everything in a personalized and peculiar way, adjusted to the user’s preferences. In this paper, we will explore how ChatGPT can be used in higher education and what its limitations are, if any at all. We shall endeavor to examine both the advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT in education and state of the art. We will use a literature review as our research method to explore and find the necessary answers. We will explore and use various scientific articles, newspaper articles, blog posts, and other relevant literature from many authors. Our results and conclusion will show how to use ChatGPT in the best way in education and what to look out for now that ChatGPT is still available to everyone. [draft @ ResearchGate] [publication @ AACE] Reference: Jahic, I., Ebner, M. & Schön, S. (2023). Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT in education – a first rapid literature review. In T. Bastiaens (Ed.), Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 1462-1470). Vienna, Austria: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved July 13, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/222670/

[publication] Development of an Austrian OER Certification for Higher Education Institutions and Their Employees #OER #OpenEducation #research

Our chapter about „Development of an Austrian OER Certification for Higher Education Institutions and Their Employees“ got published. The “Forum Neue Medien in der Lehre Austria” (fnma) is responsible for the development and introduction of a procedure to attest open educational resources (OER) competences and OER activities in higher education. The aim is to develop and implement a convincing and recognized procedure that succeeds in sustainably promoting and making visible OER activities and OER competences at Austria’s higher education institutions. Within this paper, the development of the Austrian OER certification approach, in other words its framework, will be addressed. A working plan and first results will be presented; among others, the competence framework and its compatibility with existing frameworks. [full chapter @ ResearchGate] [full chapter @ Book’s homepage] Reference: Schön, S., Ebner, M., Berger, E., Brandhofer, G., Edelsbrunner, S., Gröblinger, O., Hackl, C., Jadin, T., Kopp, M., Neuböck, K., Proinger, J., Schmölz, A. & Steinbacher, H.-P. (2023). Development of an Austrian OER Certification for Higher Education Institutions and Their Employees. In: Otto, D., Scharnberg, G., Kerres, M., Zawacki-Richter, O. (eds) Distributed Learning Ecosystems . Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-38703-7_9