Irina Kondratova

Cultural interface design: global colors study

This paper discusses the design of culturally appropriate web user interfaces in the age of globalization A research study that focuses on identification and rating of visual web interface design elements that act as “cultural markers” is presented Within this study, a web crawling technology collected data on verifiable, culture specific, web page design elements In particular, data was collected on color usage for fifteen countries, based on the large number of country-specific websites We found that there is a palette of certain colors that is predominantly used for website design in all countries studied This palette was identified as an “international” color palette to distinguish it from country-specific color preferences, also found in our study Based on these findings, international and country-specific color palettes, when incorporated in to a Web design tool, will allow designers to develop localized and international interface designs for global social networking and business applications.

A Comparison of Microphone and Speech Recognition Engine Efficacy for Mobile Data Entry

The research presented in this paper is part of an ongoing investigation into how best to incorporate speech-based input within mobile data collection applications. In our previous work [1], we evaluated the ability of a single speech recognition engine to support accurate, mobile, speech-based data input. Here, we build on our previous research to compare the achievable speaker-independent accuracy rates of a variety of speech recognition engines; we also consider the relative effectiveness of different speech recognition engine and microphone pairings in terms of their ability to support accurate text entry under realistic mobile conditions of use. Our intent is to provide some initial empirical data derived from mobile, user-based evaluations to support technological decisions faced by developers of mobile applications that would benefit from, or require, speech-based data entry facilities.

M-learning: Overcoming the Usability Challenges of Mobile Devices

This paper discusses the advantages and challenges of using speech recognition technology, on mobile devices, in order to improve usability of mobile learning applications in the field. Multimodal and voice technology that enables speech-based information retrieval and input, using mobile phones or handheld computing devices is explained. Use of multimodal technology helps to overcome the limitations imposed by the small screen of mobile devices and their cumbersome data input capabilities. This technology could be especially valuable in engineering and science education. During field trips, students involved in field monitoring, testing, or other activities using instruments or testing equipment, often need to enter and request information on mobile devices hands-free and eyes-free. The author describes a mobile prototype application of voice and multimodal technology, and discusses mobile usage scenarios that incorporate multimodal data communication during field trips.

Evaluating the appropriateness of speech input in marine applications: a field evaluation

This paper discusses the first of three studies which collectively represent a convergence of two ongoing research agendas: (1) the empirically-based comparison of the effects of evaluation environment on mobile usability evaluation results; and (2) the effect of environment -- in this case lobster fishing boats -- on achievable speech-recognition accuracy. We describe, in detail, our study and outline our results to date based on preliminary analysis. Broadly speaking, the potential for effective use of speech for data collection and vessel control looks very promising -- surprisingly so! We outline our ongoing analysis and further work.

Learning and Performance Support - Personalization Through Personal Assistant Technology

Personalization is important for online learning due to the ever changing needs of online learners and because of its potential to reach a wide variety of users. This paper describes the results of a literature review about the personalization of online learning systems. It also describes results of user studies of the prototype of a learning and performance support (LPSS) platform developed at the National Research Council of Canada. Main findings are that personalized learning systems can enhance learning effectiveness and motivate learners, and that learners are looking for ways to better explore their learning context through social network.

Design Considerations for Competency Functionality Within a Learning Ecosystem

This paper provides a review of the current trends within competency based training and management and the challenges with competency management frameworks in Canada. The paper builds on earlier work by the authors related to digital systems for competency management, a market analysis report for competency management systems and a literature review on competency management systems in Canada. The authors also elaborate on current and proposed design solutions for competency functionality in the context of the Learning and Performance Support (LPSS) program at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and on the results of user surveys and usability studies of the LPSS system related to competency and skills development.

A Review of Personal Profile Features in Personalized Learning Systems

This paper reviews literature, market reports and commercial sites in order to identify features of personal profiles. This is a preparatory step in the development of a personalized learning environment. Results indicate that several features can be included as long as they relate to use cases. We also found that privacy concerns might arise when dealing with personal profiles and measures should be taken to ensure compliance with policies and legislations on the topic, to avoid the risk of alienating users.

We'll take it from here: letting the users take charge of the evaluation and why that turned out well

The operational challenges faced by law enforcement and public safety personnel are constantly evolving, while the training and certification process has stayed the same. New technologies such as virtual reality, mixed reality, or game-based simulators are being researched as promising enhancements to traditional training methods. However, their widespread adoption, particularly by smaller units, faces barriers such as cost - due in no small part to the difficulties of developing and especially evaluating such large-scale interactive systems. In this case study, we present MINT - a low-cost mixed-reality Multimodal INteractive Training system, aimed at supporting the training of small- and medium-sized law enforcement and infantry units. We discuss the challenges and approaches taken in the participatory design of the training system, its agile-based development and implementation, and its qualitative evaluation with users and subject-matter experts.

Cross-cultural Internet based resource for teaching democracy

The Spirit of Democracy Project was initiated in 2000 by the Citizenship Education Group at UNB, Canada, in partnership with the Russian Association for Civic Education. The goal of this project is to help Russian educators to develop a new dynamic approach to citizenship education in public schools. The focus of the Project is the development of online curriculum resources for use by teachers in Russia and Canada. The Canadian and Russian project teams are developing materials for similar topics based on local content. Researchers create learning opportunities using situations and springboards. The situations present democratic issues and concepts, for example the value of loyalty, or the meaning of privacy. An important role in the Project is assigned to visual materials and creative use of hypermedia. The project site brought together a community of practice in cyberspace-a community of social studies researchers and teachers from Russia and Canada.

Supporting Trust and Engagement in Personalized Learning

This paper discusses the benefits and challenges associated with supporting learner trust and engagement in personalized learning. Personalized learning refers to instruction in which the pace of learning and the instructional approach are optimized for the needs of each learner. Quality of personalization depends on information collected from the learner and stored in a personal profile. The authors elaborate on research and design solutions to support privacy, trust and engagement in the context of the Learning and Performance Support (LPSS) program at the National Research Council of Canada. The paper builds on earlier work by the authors related to learning personalization, trust and privacy, and on the results of user surveys and usability studies of the LPSS system related to trust, privacy and user engagement.