Yong-Ming Huang

Applying Social Tagging to Manage Cognitive Load in a Web 2.0 Self-Learning Environment.

Web-based self-learning (WBSL) has received a lot of attention in recent years due to the vast amount of varied materials available in the Web 2.0 environment. However, this large amount of material also has resulted in a serious problem of cognitive overload that degrades the efficacy of learning. In this study, an information graphics method is proposed to resolve this problem. This method is based on social tagging, which is used to visualize the relationships among materials and can thus assist learners in facilitating learning. To examine the feasibility of the proposed method for managing cognitive load, an experimental model was designed in which cognitive load theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. A total of 60 university students participated in the experiment, and the partial least squares method was used to verify the experimental model. The results show that the information graphics method has a positive impact on three types of cognitive load, namely intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Furthermore, intrinsic and germane cognitive load have a positive influence on perceived learning effectiveness, while extraneous cognitive load does not have a significant influence. One possible reason for this outcome is that the problem of visual load was not considered in the design of this study. The overall summary of the findings is that the use of social tagging can effectively manage cognitive load and positively links to perceived learning effectiveness.

Applying VSM and LCS to develop an integrated text retrieval mechanism

Text retrieval has received a lot of attention in computer science. In the text retrieval field, the most widely-adopted similarity technique is using vector space models (VSM) to evaluate the weight of terms and using Cosine, Jaccard or Dice to measure the similarity between the query and the texts. However, these similarity techniques do not consider the effect of the sequence of the information. In this paper, we propose an integrated text retrieval (ITR) mechanism that takes the advantage of both VSM and longest common subsequence (LCS) algorithm. The key idea of the ITR mechanism is to use LCS to re-evaluate the weight of terms, so that the sequence and weight relationships between the query and the texts can be considered simultaneously. The results of mathematical analysis show that the ITR mechanism can increase the similarity on Jaccard and Dice similarity measurements when a sequential relationship exists between the query and the texts.

A system for the sharing and reuse of learning objects

Nowadays, Web-based learning become one of the most important components in educational technologies and has been widely employed in both educational and non-educational institutions. However, many of the Web-based learning systems are closed system and use private internal format. The learning materials may be dispersed and stored in database or on the servers file system, therefore the learning materials are not easy to be extracted and reused. The downloaded content often cannot be operated as they were on the server. Therefore, sharing and reusing learning materials is an important issue but not an easy task in real world applications. In addressing the above problem, we proposed the information object model used to construct an information system for the mothballing, sharing, and reusing of digital contents. In our developments, two subsystems were implemented. The two subsystems developed apply the information object model to build and share the learning objects which comes with the benefits of portability, extensibility and reusability. One of the subsystems is used to build and compose learning objects. The other subsystem implementing a information object storage service can be used for sharing learning objects on a large scale. In this paper we will describe the important concepts and principles in the design of the system. We will present concisely the system used to build and share reusable learning objects.

Building learning objects with information object model

With the rapid growth of network technologies, Web-based learning conquers the limits of time and location in traditional teaching and is increasing its popularity. However, most of the learning websites lacks of the convenient tools in packaging the information users are interested in. Therefore, the information posted and exchanged in the websites is not easy to be extracted and reused somewhere else. An information object is a basic information entity which includes the required data and methods to manipulate the data or the needed operations for the entity. In this paper, we apply the information object model to build a learning object sharing system for HTML5. Traditionally, a learning object is a collection of content items, practice items, and assessment items that are combined based on a single learning topic. The learning objects we developed have the merits of portability and extensibility in system structure. We will describe the basic concept of the learning objects we propose, and the design of the prototype system developed on the Web system.

An InfO-Based Content Sharing System for Small Communities

There is no doubt that the Web is a very successful system on the Internet for content sharing. In the Web system a Web page is a basic unit for content providers to organize their contents. However, in an application, using a single Web page is often not adequate to represent the complete information. How many information entities must be included in a unit to represent adequate information basically depends on the requirements of an application. From another point of view, in current information applications on the Web system, the data and the relevant operations are not bound together. Consequently, if the content units are to be modified, moved, or extended in functionalities, the designers or the users would encounter some inconvenience or problems. We apply the information object model to construct a community object system to share content for virtual communities on the Internet. A community object is basically an information object that is portable and extensible in functionality. The information object model we propose in this paper is simple but powerful for presenting both contents and users. The simple and uniform mechanisms of method managements in the information object model can be used to fulfill many various requirements in developing applications for the Internet services.

Middle-aged adults’ attitudes toward health app usage: a comparison with the cognitive-affective-conative model

Middle-aged adults have a stronger sense of urgency about health apps that not only enhance their health management but also help them administer self-treatment. However, middle-aged adults’ attitudes toward health app usage have received surprisingly little scholarly attention, which has hampered the promotion of this kind of apps among them. To remedy this deficiency, this research specifically investigated this vital issue and presents findings contributory to promoting health apps. Our research findings indicated that (1) middle-aged adults with no health management habit tend to find health apps valuable and get a favorable impression about them, while those who already have the habit do not; (2) most middle-aged adults do not decide to use health apps out of sentimental reasons; and (3) middle-aged adults’ confidence in using smartphones significantly influences their cognitive evaluation of health apps. In sum, these research findings suggested that middle-aged adults look at health apps in a non-affective manner, and their confidence in using smartphones facilitates their use of health apps.

Where are my cooperative learning companions: designing an intelligent recommendation mechanism

Computer supported cooperative learning (CSCL) has attained considerable attention in recent years, but most CSCL systems do not consider ways of supporting learners in finding appropriate learning companions. In this study, we propose an intelligent learning companion recommendation mechanism (ILCRM) to deal with this problem. Specifically, ILCRM comprises three agents: (i) a candidate retrieval agent (CRA), (ii) a candidate evaluation agent (CEA), and (iii) a GA-based learning companion composition agent (GLCCA). The CRA and CEA are used to search a series of learning companion candidates based on two criteria (expertise level and participation level), and the GLCCA is employed to compose an appropriate cooperative group in which group members could be able to help learners solve the problems they face. The experimental results show that the proposed approach obtains a near optimal learning companion recommendation, has a significantly low computational cost, and satisfies the specified demands.

Using Summarization Technology for Supporting Problem-Based Learning

In this information explosion era, more and more users are experienced information overload issue. Text summarization technology provides short version of document for user to reduce information overload. In e-learning field, a lengthy learning materials may cause such issue so that learner cannot focus on the main concept of the course. In traditional problem-based learning (PBL) activity, panel discussion is the key process for learners to consolidate their knowledge and provide solutions of the problem. In order to accelerate the discussion process, this study proposes a summarization module for learners to obtain short version of learning materials. In this manner, learners can focus on the main learning concept in their discussion and practice the problem-solving skills.

Exploring the Factors that Influence the Intention to Play a Color Mixing Game

Color mixing is viewed as one of the most important stages with regard to learning colors, and digital games have been identified as a useful means for encouraging students in learning. However, little effort has been devoted to using digital games to assist students in learning color mixing. To remedy this deficiency, this study developed a color mixing game and further explored the subjects’ perspectives on the game. More specifically, the technology acceptance model was employed to develop a questionnaire to collect the subjects’ opinions about the game, through which the decisive factors behind the subjects’ intention to play the game can be analyzed. The questionnaire delivered two significant results. First, the subjects’ perceived ease of playing influenced their attitude toward playing through the mediation of perceived usefulness. Second, the subjects’ perceived usefulness influenced their intention to play through the mediation of attitude toward playing. The mediation of perceived usefulness and attitude toward playing implied that both ways of influence were indirect.

A systematic approach for the development of an object-based information system

On the internet, many websites provide services for users to post and share their contents. However, most systems do not address on the convenience in content portability or the extensibility in functionality on the information to be shared. This paper presents a methodology to construct an information system using the information object model. The key mechanisms behind the methodology are three parts: 1) the tools used to build the object tree; 2) the tools used to install the methods of an information object; 3) the tools used to browse and search the target information objects. Using the three key mechanisms, an application designer can systematically build an information object system in a relatively simple way. In this paper we will explore the methodology and the mechanisms used. We will also demonstrate how we develop an application using the methodology.