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In this chapter we report on the development of a rating scheme for the analysis of collaborative process data, and on its implementation in diverse CSCL settings. The rating scheme is composed of nine dimensions measuring -different aspects of collaboration quality: sustaining mutual understanding, dialogue -management, information pooling, reaching consensus, task division, time management, technical coordination, reciprocal interaction, and individual task orientation. It can be applied to recordings (video, audio, screen recordings, or log data) of student interaction and does not necessarily require transcripts or written records. While the rating scheme was originally developed in the context of a specific CSCL setting (video-based interdisciplinary problem-solving in the medical domain; Meier et al. (2007)), we demonstrate in our chapter that it can successfully be adapted to other CSCL settings. First, we introduce the initial rating scheme and its dimensions. Next we describe the process of adapting it to data from a very different CSCL setting (chat-based interaction in computer science classes). We briefly report on a study that used the ratings of collaboration quality as basis for adaptive feedback to students on how to improve their collaboration. Finally, we describe how we have integrated our rating scheme with ActivityLens (Avouris et al. 2007), a software tool which allows for a combined analysis of multiple sources of data (e.g., logfiles, audio and video recordings). Several tool modifications were made to permit analysis of collaborative process data from yet another CSCL study in which high-school students collaborated face-to-face on solving algebra problems with support from an intelligent tutoring system. We conclude our chapter with a discussion of practical implications for practitioners who may wish to adapt and apply our rating scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a conceptual framework for interaction with mobile context aware applications. The framework focuses especially on public and semi-public environments. Based on this framework a generic abstract architecture has been designed and several of its parts have been implemented. We discuss the implications and the support that this architecture provides for personalization of interaction. The architecture supports high interoperability and flexibility, with capability of tackling issues like privacy and degree of user control. The framework has been tested in typical spaces: a library and a museum. The paper concludes with a set of examples of use of the defined framework that cover typical situations for intra-space and across spaces usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study presented in this paper we investigate how variations of information scent of hyperlinks of a webpage influence users΄ behavior in terms of attention-focusing, confidence, effectiveness and efficiency, while exploring a website. In the reported study, 19 participants completed eight different tasks associated with eight simplified websites. Analysis of the results showed that even small differences in the target-link΄s information scent can substantially affect users΄ performance, distribution of attention and confidence. The study contributes to the related literature by quantifying the impact of even small differences in the target-link΄s scent on users΄ success ratio, time for first click, confidence and distribution of attention. In addition, a scent threshold value was identified, below which all the measured variables were substantially affected, and thus the link could be characterized as of ˵weak scent″. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work described is part of an ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between two research teams of the University of Patras, Greece and the University of Freiburg, Germany, which aims at the exchange of analysis tools and data sets in order to broaden the scope of analysis methods and tools available for Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) support. This article describes the adaptation, generalization and application of a rating scheme which had been developed by the Freiburg team for assessing collaboration quality on several dimensions [1]. The scheme was successfully adapted to suit data gathered by the Patras team in a different CSCL scenario. Collaboration quality is assessed by quantitative ratings of seven qualitatively defined rating dimensions. An empirical evaluation based on a dataset of 101 collaborative sessions showed high inter-rater agreement for all dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents e-Class Personalized (e-CP), a new extension of the widely available open source Learning Content Management System e-Class. e-CP monitors interaction of the users of e-Class with its content and services and adapts the services to better suite the users' interests and tasks. E-CP has been tested for over a year at the University of Patras e-Class server with over 20,000 users. It drew positive response by the user population that were exposed to this version of the leaning Content Management System. In this paper we discuss architectural decisions and evaluation results of e-CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steady state contingency analysis aims at the assessment of the risk certain contingencies may pose to an electrical network. This is a particularly important task of network operators, especially as network stability issues become of prime importance in the current era of electricity deregulation. The article focuses on the analysis of experimental data that are produced through operating point simulation, contingency application, machine- learning cross validation (based on pre-contingency network index selection algorithms) to point out the "nature" of given contingencies. Experimental statistical results of contingency prediction and selected network state indicators are translated to electric network data in an effort to further interpret the "nature" of each contingency and produce effective predicting algorithms that support operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logic reasoning presents notable difficulties for young children. This paper presents Logic Model Creator (LMC), a new environment that supports building and exploration of intuitive visual representation of logic models by young children. LMC logic models are structured as hypothesis, decision and / or counter decision components. These models are built using visual entities which represent the learning concepts of a specific domain. In this paper we focus on the architecture of LMC and the basic functionality of the environment. In particular we describe the the dynamic creation of equivalent logic models according to the so-called Reference Logic Model, constructed by the students' tutor. Furthermore an assessment module which provides immediate advice to the student in order to help them create a valid logic model is presented. Through experimentation it is demonstrated that the users of LMC can have rich interaction and assessment while exploring decision making logic constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color plays an important role in web site design. The selection of effective chromatic combinations and the relation of color to the perceived aesthetic and emotional value of a web site is the focus of this paper. The subject of the reported research has been to define a model through which to be able to associate color combinations with specific desirable emotional and aesthetic values. The presented approach involves application of machine learning techniques on a rich data set collected during a number of empirical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the main characteristics of Logic Models Creator (LMC). LMC is a new educational environment for young students to build and explore logic models in graphical form. LMC allows visual representation of logic models using IF/THEN/ELSE constructs. In this paper we provide an overview of LMC architecture and discuss briefly an example of use of LMC. As discussed, LMC users in the reported case study managed to achieve effective communication and task evaluation during exploration of problems involving decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a study of distance collaborative activities that have been conducted in a cross-national setting between a Greek and a German university. We discuss issues related to organization, technology, and curricula considerations. In addition, we analyze the modes of cooperation that have been chosen in the students' work on creative problem solving tasks and conclude that for complex learning scenarios successful collaboration and peer tutoring in advanced learning support environments is possible, but requires careful preparation and planning. Further we draw conclusions on possible wider implications for such approaches in the emerging common European Area of Higher Education in the frame of the Bologna process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During computer-mediated synchronous collaboration there is need for supporting reflection of the partners involved. In this paper we study techniques for determining the state of an evolving collaborative process, while the activity is in progress, making the users aware of this state. For this reason, a State of Collaboration (SoC) indicator has been defined, which is calculated using a combination of machine-learning and statistical techniques. Subse-quently a study was performed during which SoC was presented to a number of groups of collaborating partners engaged in problem-solving activities. It was found that this group awareness mechanism influenced in a significant way the behavior of the groups in which it was used. This study has wider implications to the design of groupware and in particular towards gaining an insight into the effect of group awareness mechanisms on computer-mediated collaborative learning. Keywords: collaborative problem solving, small group interaction, synchronous collaboration, computer supported collaborative learning, interaction analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel methodology for selecting appropriate color scheme for a web site is presented. The methodology uses a machine learning algorithm for generating a network that relates the color model of a web site with the emotional values that are attributed to it by its users. The approach involves an empirical study to collect data, used to train the algorithm. A preliminary case study has been conducted to validate the applicability of the methodology. Description of the framework and of a set of tools that were built to support the methodology is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]