Francisco Álvarez Rodríguez

Use processes — modeling requirements based on elements of BPMN and UML Use Case Diagrams

This paper presents a new approach to gather requirements called Use Processes. The approach includes a Use Process Diagram which is based on notation elements of the OMG Business Process Modeling Notation and Use Case Diagrams of UML v1.5. We also propose a set of templates to describe the elements of the Use Process Diagram. We believe that a business process-oriented approach to gather requirements will lead in the customer and user satisfaction because it allows their participation in the requirements definition. This is very important because the main customers of the software applications are business people who are usually very comfortable in working with visualization of business processes. To prove the validity of our approach, we implemented it to develop three small object-oriented software projects in two organizations, one in a department of a bureau of the Mexican Government and two in a private enterprise that develops software.

A Methodology for Design Collaborative Learning Objects

This paper introduces a set of collaborative aspects for the teaching-learning process. The goal of this paper is to present a new point of view for the construction of learning object. A methodology named MACOBA is proposed here for the production of collaborative learning objects. These kind of objects conform digital e-resources which are produced (in particularly by teachers) and used (in particular by learners) in collaborative way. The better practices for this process are solved in MACOBA methodology offering the patterns paradigm. At the end we propose a case study in order to prove such methodology.

Web Service-Security Specification based on Usability Criteria and Pattern Approach

A specification is provided in this paper to assist in the design of usable and secure web-services. In particular, this specification helps design an adequate security information feedback based on User Interface Patterns, the resulting visual feedback is then evaluated against a set of design/evaluation criteria called Human-Computer Interaction for Security (HCI-S). In addition we propose in a theoretical manner including the knowledge offered by the proposed specification based on patterns in a new level for the architectural structure of WS-Security specification, which is currently one of the most popular specifications to establish secure web services.

A serious game development process using competency approach: Case Study: Elementary School Math

Development of digital resources is difficult due to their particular complexity relying on pedagogical aspects. Another aspect is the lack of well-defined development processes, experiences documented, and standard methodologies to guide and organize game development. This research proposes a Game Development Process founded in the traditional Software Engineering paradigms and complemented by previous efforts on large scale development of digital learning resources. This process matches a formal competency to an educational digital resource (video game), with which the formal learning process will be complemented to improve the way students learn in Mexico. Through a case study will be demonstrated its utility by implementing the process in the whole of mathematics competencies for sixth grade of elementary school. The result of applying the proposed process for study case, is producing a collection of video games attached to the competencies and knowledge areas specified for sixth grade of elementary school in Mexico by the Ministry of Public Education.

An Architecture Oriented to Digital Literacy Services: An Ecosystem Approach

The differences in terms of access and ICT skills between different groups in society have created a problem of digital divide. To overcome this problem, models and strategies are required to achieve a greater impact on the population and that population can develop skills that enhance inclusion in the society knowledge. This work proposes a service-oriented architecture of digital literacy under the Ecosystem Approach that aims to set a new educational paradigm approach to encourage different learning communities to uses new ICT that allows them to be more competitive in todays world and thus shorten the digital divide. Finally, a case study is shown as an implementation of the model in a learning community of librarians in the state of Aguascalientes, Mexico

Occupational Therapy for People with Physical Disability using Interactive Environments

This paper proposes the use of interactive environments as an accessible and inexpensive solution that allows supporting the recovery process of people receiving occupational therapy rehabilitation. A method for designing interactive environments based on models that can identify the interaction capabilities that should be taken into account when producing interactive environments for users with different levels of ability / disability, capitalizing in the good practices established in occupational therapy is presented, allowing the generation of various digital rehabilitation stages with the right technology, and meet the diverse needs of the user rehabilitation with physical disabilities. Finally this paper presents a study case in which proposed verify a method, through the application of interactive environments for people receiving occupational therapy for hand rehabilitation at DIF, Aguascalientes in Mexico.

SEGA-ARM: A Metamodel for the Design of Serious Games to Support Auditory Rehabilitation

Hearing impairments are widely recognized as one of the most common disability that affects many people. There are several works addressing the design and development of systems for the rehabilitation of users with disabilities, as well as for the definition of models to express their capabilities and disabilities. Unfortunately, when we want to develop interactive systems to assist hearing impairment therapy, knowledge of analysis and design, typical of the methodologies is absent. In this paper, we introduce SEGA-ARM: a metamodel to support the design of serious games for auditory rehabilitation, considering concepts related to speech therapy sessions, user capabilities, the context of use, and concepts related to serious games design. The proposed solution is provided using a semi-formal UML notation. Two game prototypes are presented to validate the viability of the application of the metamodel for serious games development and to point out its reutilization and extension.

A Classification of Design Patterns to Support Mobile Groupware Systems

Groupware represents a great tool for people group-work since they have multiple possibilities oriented to improve interaction, collaboration, and communication between group members. Virtues of groupware are currently reinforced through several alternatives such as mobile devices; however, it introduces a series of new challenges in user interface design for emerging mobile groupware applications. In order to contribute to reduce this gap, we propose a design pattern classification to help model those specific interactions to foster essential groupware functions of communication, coordination and collaboration through a well-designed interface.

Use of chatterbot for accessing learning objects on mobile devices with a data mining search engine

The use of learning objects across multiple platforms and the creation of learning repositories that are used to direct access into the learning objects and the deployment has been generated a new need in applying information, they are considered as educational resources that can be employed in technology-support learning, just like the use of a chatterbot, with his own search engine to locate learning objects using data mining.

A requirements taxonomy and rating model for secure and usable B2C/C2C e-commerce websites

e-commerce can be seen from different points of view. Its fields are always facing new challenges, variable conditions, evolving requirements, and thus new improvements are constantly demanded. Therefore, the importance for a usable and secure e-commerce website structure is more than necessary nowadays. In this paper we propose a requirements taxonomy consisting of the factors of security, usability, as well as characteristics for B2C and C2C e-commerce websites. The purpose of the taxonomy is to support the development of usable and secure B2C or C2C e-commerce websites. We also propose an evaluation approach for the stages of user interface design, architectural design, and testing with respect to taxonomy-based requirements.