Ateneo Laboratory for the Learning Sciences

From May 28-30, 2018, Dr. Jaclyn Ocumpaugh had discussed the various processes used within the field and led a workshop emphasizing previously published research on educationally relevant affective states and the process of developing models.

Abstract:

Data mining has greatly expanded the opportunities for educational researchers to better understand student learning, especially in online learning systems. Researchers have explored constructs more basic to learning, with hundreds of articles exploring Bayesian Knowledge tracing (BKT), an algorithm that models the acquisition of specific skills in individual students. However, they have also modeled more complex processes, including long-term outcomes (passing annual standardized tests or even enrolling in college several years later).

As the number of students using these programs has increased, so has the feasibility of modeling more abstract components of the learning process, including educationally relevant emotional states (e.g. , boredom, confusion, engaged concentration, and frustration). Much of this research has relied upon sensors (video, audio, heart-rate, or posture sensors), but increasingly, researchers have sought to develop sensor-free models, which rely on student behaviors within the system to detect students’ emotions.

Dr. Joe Beck from Worcester Polytechnic Institue had given a presentation on “Attaching Poverty with Technology,” focusing on the mobile platform “Poverty Spotlight.” The platform acts as a tool that allows poor families to self-diagnose their level of poverty as a first step in developing a personalized strategy to lift themselves permanently out of poverty. It examines multiple indicators of poverty categorized according to a family’s level of or access to satisfactory income and employment, health and environment, housing and infrastructure, education and culture, and organization and participation (Burt, 2013).

The resources used by Dr. Beck are available here [slides, overview of poverty stoplight, tech report on the software, the app].

Last May 16-18, 2018, co-presented by the United Board and Hong Kong Baptist University, the conference on Technology-Assisted Teaching and Learning for Whole-Person Education: Opportunities and Challenges in Asia explores current trends and disruptions impacting higher education in Asia – and the innovative ways in which colleges and universities leverage technological advances for the promotion of whole person education.  It featured keynote presentations by Google and leaders in Asian higher education, this unique conference provides an opportunity to hear directly from those at the forefront of innovation, as well from pivotal higher education leaders and technology pioneers within Asia.

Dr. Rodrigo had presented a talk on the construction of Igpaw: Intramuros as well as the soon-to-be-released Igpaw: Loyola. The talk had focused on the foundation set by the mobile AR game engine, MAGIS, on the development of both versions of Igpaw, the educational goals that guided the creation of Igpaw, and the various opportunities that may contribute to the the future design and technological contributions of the platfom.

Slides available here.