On the Potential of Emerging Learning Technology Standards and Specifications to Enhance Learning Experience

Abstract

Emerging educational technologies had a significant impact on the learning environment. Nowadays, classrooms are no longer as simple as it used to be, like using chalks and blackboards. Lots of technologies (e.g. video projectors, electronic boards) have been integrated to learning environments to better support students and teachers. eLearning is one the technologies that provided virtual classrooms environments on the Web. eLearning helped teachers and students to have a better control over courses and learning process respectively. In this thesis, I had an investigation on the potential of some eLearning standards and specifications that enhance interoperability as well as learning experience. I studied xAPI specification in more details and the use of this specification in learning environments for tracking students’ learning experience and mobile learning scenarios. I proposed a mobile learning solution that can help teachers to easily track their students’ learning activities based on xAPI specification and give their students quick feedback. For designing a mobile learning solution, first, I had a research on the existing mobile learning dashboards to find out how they are supporting teachers and students and to identify what are the existing lacks. Second, I followed the Human-centred Design activities. I specified the context of use, who are the users and how they are going to use this application. Then, I had interviews with teachers to specify their requirements for using a mobile learning dashboard. I evaluated a paper prototype and tested it with teachers. During the test, teachers gave me great comments and feedback. Finally, I designed a mobile learning dashboard prototype that met some of the teachers’ requirements. This study identified the use of eLearning technologies by teachers and how much they are engaged with these technologies and how they prefer to track their students’ learning experience. The potential of the xAPI specification in tracking learning experiences were studied and how this specification is used in mobile learning scenarios.