Scholars often need to search for matching, high-profile sci-entific events to publish their research results. Information about topical focus and quality of events is not made suÿciently explicit in the existing communication channels where events are announced. Therefore, schol-ars have to spend a lot of time on reading and assessing calls for papers but might still not find the right event. Additionally, events might be overlooked because of the large number of events announced every day. We introduce OpenResearch, a crowd sourcing platform that supports researchers in collecting, organizing, sharing and disseminating informa-tion about scientific events in a structured way. It enables quality-related queries over a multidisciplinary collection of events according to a broad range of criteria such as acceptance rate, sustainability of event series, and reputation of people and organizations. Events are represented in di˙erent views using map extensions, calendar and time-line visualiz-ations. We have systematically evaluated the timeliness, usability and performance of OpenResearch.

Interaktive Lernaufgaben stellen eine Möglichkeit dar, das Lernen und den Lernerfolg mit digitalisierten Lehrmaterialien durch interaktive Elemente zu unterstützen. In einer Vielzahl von Learning-Management-Systemen gehört die technische Möglichkeit solche Aufgaben zu erstellen bereits zum Standard-Repertoire. Dieser Beitrag thematisiert anhand von drei empirischen Studien, welchen psychologischen Kriterien interaktive Lernaufgaben genügen sollten, um einen erfolgreichen Wissenserwerb zu fördern. Dabei wird aufgezeigt, dass Lernaufgaben, die unter Beachtung psychologischer Konstruktionsregeln erzeugt wurden, die Lernenden nicht nur beim Erwerb von Faktenwissen unterstützen, sondern ihnen beim selbstregulierten Lernen auch Rückmeldung über die von ihnen eingesetzten und einzusetzenden Lernstrategien geben.

This master thesis focuses on an exploration of digital technologies and systems used for learning interaction, specifically learning of foreign languages (FLA) and second languages acquisition (SLA) and investigates the use of autonomy-based virtual environment systems for knowledge acquisition. The study describes an enhancement of multimodal language learning practices and deployment of teaching material in an autonomous setup operated by language students. The master thesis project culminated with the creation of a language learning virtual reality system called "VR wor(l)ds" supporting oral training and vocabulary acquisition in a contextual learning environment. The VR system is intended to compensate for the loss of equal opportunities among students interacting in the traditional classroom setup. Furthermore, this concept aims to explore new opportunities for knowledge acquisition and opens up an argument for using virtual reality systems for encouraging students to actively engage with oral training and vocabulary acquisition in their language learning process. Last but not least, this project aims to open up a cross discussion between the field of interaction design (IxD) and language learning for possible collaboration on solutions to create playful environments for learning and improve learning outcomes.

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This study examined how learners construct textbase and situation model knowledge in hypertext computer-based learning environments (CBLEs) and documented the influence of specific self-regulated learning (SRL) tactics, prior knowledge, and characteristics of the learner on posttest knowledge scores from exposure to a hypertext. A sample of 160 undergraduate education majors completed measures of prior knowledge, goal orientation, intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy to self-regulate learning, and a demographic survey. They were trained in the use of nStudy, a learning environment designed to facilitate self-regulated learning from web-based media including hypertext and to trace learners' actions while they learned online. Learners completed a 20-minute study session learning about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and a posttest to assess changes in knowledge scores. Results indicate that employment of individual SRL tactics including tendency to highlight was found to be associated with increased posttest knowledge scores across learners. Goal orientation and prior knowledge also significantly predicted posttest knowledge scores in regression models. These findings can be used to inform the design and use of hypertext in order to individualize computer-based instruction and maximize knowledge acquisition for students, based upon their individual characteristics. / Educational Psychology

This dissertation describes a research study conducted to determine the benefits and use of ontology technologies to support a simulation environment that evaluates countermeasures employed to protect military aircraft. Within the military, aircraft represent a significant investment and these valuable assets need to be protected against various threats, such as man-portable air-defence systems. To counter attacks from these threats, countermeasures are deployed, developed and evaluated by utilising modelling and simulation techniques. The system described in this research simulates real world scenarios of aircraft, missiles and countermeasures in order to assist in the evaluation of infra-red countermeasures against missiles in specified scenarios. Traditional ontology has its origin in philosophy, describing what exists and how objects relate to each other. The use of formal ontologies in Computer Science have brought new possibilities for modelling and representation of information and knowledge in several domains. These advantages also apply to military information systems where ontologies support the complex nature of military information. After considering ontologies and their advantages against the requirements for enhancements of the simulation system, an ontology was constructed by following a formal development methodology. Design research, combined with the adaptive methodology of development, was conducted in a unique way, therefore contributing to establish design research as a formal research methodology. The ontology was constructed to capture the knowledge of the simulation system environment and the use of it supports the functions of the simulation system in the domain. The research study contributes to better communication among people involved in the simulation studies, accomplished by a shared vocabulary and a knowledge base for the domain. These contributions affirmed that ontologies can be successfully use to support military simulation systems / Computing / M. Tech. (Information Technology)