News

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[15.09.23]

Nikol Rummel and Laurenz Wiskott talk with QUA-LiS NRW about Learning Technologies and AI

In a podcast series focusing on "Learning Technologies and Artificial Intelligence", Prof. Dr. Rummel and Prof. Dr. Wiskott talk about classical AI systems and artificial neural networks. The presented theoretical aspects are illustrated by the example of well-known text- and image-generating AI systems. In addition to the theoretical classification, the impact of AI on the field of further education is also discussed.

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[15.09.23]
Sebastian Strauß visiting the Learning and Educational Technology (LET) research unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

In September 2023, Dr. Sebastian Strauß visits the Learning and Learning Processes working group of Prof. Dr. Sanna Järvelä at the Learning & Educational Technology Research Lab (LET) at the University of Oulu, Finland. 

Together with Prof. Järvelä and PhD student Ahsen Çini, Sebastian Strauß explored video data of learners engaging in cooperative reflection phases during problem solving in teams. The analysis is intended to provide information on how reliably groups can monitor the quality of their collaboration in order to adjust their approach if necessary so that the joint task can be successfully completed.

In a short presentation entitled "Fostering collaboration competence with a script or collaborative reflection? Results from a lab-experiment. And: how do groups turn reflection into action?", Sebastian presented current research results.

The exchange is made possible by the international and interdisciplinary network "Self-Regulated Learning in Digitalized Schools (SeReLiDiS)", which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and led by Prof. Dr. Joachim Wirth (Research Group on Learning and Instruction, Ruhr-University Bochum).

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[30.08.23]
Earli 2023

Last week the group visit the Earli 2023 - read more about our publications below:

Tunnigkeit, I., Strauß, S., Eberle, J., Avdullahu, A., Rummel, N. (2023, August). Fostering computer-supported collaboration knowledge and interaction through scripting and awareness. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Hagenkötter, R., Nachtigall, V., Rolka, K., Rummel, N. (2023, August). Mathematical Modelling With Hands-on Experimentation as a Possibility for Inquiry Learning. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Nachtigall, V., Yek, S., Rummel, N. (2023, August). Promoting cognitive processing of 360° videos through emotion regulation and collaboration. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Strauß, S., Rummel, N. (2023, August). Boundary conditions for leveraging group-level feedback for regulation of collaborative learning. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Rummel, N., Van Leeuwen, A. (2023, August). The Role of Data Analytics Tools for Teachers Learning to Implement Student Collaboration. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Brand, C., Loibl, K., Rummel, N. (2023, August). The role of students’ breadth of prior knowledge activation in preparation for learning. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Schnaubert, L., Radtke, A. (2023, August). Uncertainty Markers as Cues to Form Group Uncertainty Awareness in Online Discussions. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

Eberle, J., Brouwer, J. (2023, August). The development of peer support networks, self-efficacy, and drop-out intentions. Paper presented at the 20th Biennial Conference (EARLI 2023), Thessaloniki, Greece.

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[30.08.23]
Excursion of the Research Group

On August 15th the Educational Psychology and Technology Research Group undertook the hike "Around Heisingen" along Lake Baldeney and the Ruhr River in Essen as part of our annual excursion. The hike not only offered beautiful scenery, but also a relaxing break from daily business. Great weather provided perfect circumstances for the team to enjoy a harmonious day outdoors. Midway through the hike, the team stopped at a lookout point where we enjoyed an impressive view of Lake Baldeney and the surrounding landscape. As the hike concluded, the team met at See-Bar restaurant. There we enjoy delicious food and have great conversations. We thank everyone who participated in this day and look forward to upcoming activities and events of our team!

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[16.08.23]
New publication on structured doctoral training programs

Evaluation of structured doctoral training programs in German life sciences: how much do such programs address hurdles faced by doctoral candidates?

Introduction: Ways to improve the quality of doctoral education are debated internationally. In Europe, the United States, and other countries, there have been policy initiatives to address these. One approach has been the implementation of so-called structured doctoral training programs (doctoral programs) including formal structures such as courses, supervision agreements, external examiners for grading the thesis. However, there is little known about how doctoral programs implement the debated structures. As a result, the question arises whether existing programs already address the challenges of doctoral education and implement policy demands.

Meuleners J.S., Boone W.J., Fischer M.R., Neuhaus B.J. & Eberle J. (2023). Evaluation of structured doctoral training programs in German life sciences: how much do such programs address hurdles faced by doctoral candidates? Frontiers in Education 8:930283. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2023.930283

Read the full article here.

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[19.07.23]
Keynote by Vertr.-Prof. Dr. Julia Eberle on Collaboration in Academia at IPN Kiel

In her talk, Vertr.-Prof. Dr. Julia Eberle offered valuable insights about „Kooperation in der Wissenschaft – Relevanz und Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten für den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs" (Collaboration in Academia - Relevance and Support for Early Career Researchers). The keynote speech was part of the Sommertagung of the IPN - Leibniz-Institut für die Pädagogik der Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik in Kiel.

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[19.07.23]
Prof. Dr Nikol Rummel and Dr Sebastian Strauß as guests on the "CAISzeit" podcast

"What is AI doing in the classroom? From research on educational technologies – Guest: Prof. Dr Nikol Rummel and Dr Sebastian Strauß

ChatGPT is on everyone's lips. Even at schools and universities, there is hardly a topic that is being discussed more controversially. Generative artificial intelligence is sometimes viewed very pessimistically or - on the other hand - praised as a technology that will bring salvation. Often both are done without reference to research results, undifferentiated and very one-sided." The language of the podcast is German.

To learn more about the podcast or listen to it, please visit the CAIS website here.

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[10.07.23]
Arlind Avdullahu will be presenting his work at HCII 2023

In July 2023, Arlind Avdullahu will present his requirements analysis to support equal participation in hybrid collaboration settings in higher education at the Human-Computer-Interaction International (HCII) in Copenhagen:

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[10.07.23]
CAIS Symposium – AI in Education in Germany - a review

On June 29-30 CAIS research program "Educational Technologies and Artificial Intelligence" held a symposium "AI in Education in Germany: Current State and Future Developments". The symposium took place at Beckmanns Hof (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) and brought together experts working on research and implementation of educational technology.

The symposium started with welcoming remarks by Nikol Rummel, head of the research program. It continued with a tour of the poster gallery, where participants had the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss their research foci and interests in a friendly and productive atmosphere.

Three keynotes provided inspiration and food for thought. In her talk "Towards hybrid human-AI learning technologies" Inge Molenaar (Radboud University, NL) discussed levels of automation and the potential roles of AI, learners, and teachers. Vincent Aleven (Carnegie Mellon University, US) in the talk "Harnessing human-AI synergy in the smart classroom: What works, new opportunities" has shared his vision of the ways AI can enrich and facilitate learning. Finally, Wayne Holmes (UCL, UK) provided critical insight and drew the audience’s attention to the ethical issues of using AI in educational contexts ("The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Education. A critical studies approach").

An interactive format was chosen for the other sessions in the symposium. There were three panel discussions, where speakers made short opening statements which they prepared in advance and then delved into a lively discussion, facilitated by a moderator. Steffen Albrecht (Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag), Wayne Holmes, Inge Molenaar, and Farina Nagel (RuhrFutur) discussed their perspectives on the challenges of using AI in education. In the second session, Vincent Aleven, Frank Reinhold (Freiburg University of Education), and Torsten Zesch (FernUniversität in Hagen) shared their experience with design and evaluation of AI systems for education. The third panel discussion involved Iris Backfisch (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen), Elisabeth Bauer (Technische Universität München), and Timo Leuders (Freiburg University of Education), who exchanged ideas on empowering educators to harness the power of “intelligent” tools: professional training of teachers, their needs and competences, and readiness of the educational system for AI-based tools. Both days of the symposium ended with working in small groups to deliberate over some valuable points from the previous sessions, discuss controversies and challenges, and determine the most urgent and burning questions when it comes to developing AI in education in Germany.

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[28.06.23]
CAIS Symposium – AI in Education in Germany: Current State and Future Developments

The symposium aims to facilitate discussions on the current state of AI in education research and implementation in Germany, while also highlighting key issues, challenges, and directions for future developments. It is organized by the CAIS-Research Program Educational Technologies and Artificial Intelligence lead by Prof. Nikol Rummel.