Youji Ochi

COALE: collaborative and adaptive learning environment

This paper proposes a new adaptive WBT (Web Based Training) environment for collaborative learning named COALE (Collaborative and Adaptive Learning Environment). COALE is an integrated environment of collaborative learning into individual learning based on WBT with active personalized awareness provider. We propose a personalized active recommendation system, which gives proper awareness at proper timing for each learner to support dynamic course organization aimed at effective and efficient learning.

Neclle: Network-based communicative language-learning environment focusing on communicative gaps

This paper focuses on the problem of language transfer in foreign language learning. The transfer often leads to a communicative gap, which is caused by the difference between a learner’s mother language (ML) and the target language (TL). This paper first analyzes the semantic relations between the ML and the TL. Then it proposes a CGM (Communicative Gap Model) because of the meaning difference between both languages. We have developed a computer assisted language-learning system called Neclle (Network-based Communicative Language-Learning Environment) in order to support foreign language learning through communication using a text based chat tool. Neclle has a software agent called Ankle (Agent for Kanji Learning), which observes the conversation between a learner and a native speaker, looks up a communicative gap in the learner’s utterance automatically according to CGM, the student model and the word dictionary of both languages, intervenes into the conversation, and gives an instruction for bridging the gap. Then, the learner can not only be aware of the gap but also acquire its cultural background from the native speaker. In our case study, Chinese students used Neclle for Japanese language learning. Japanese language had incorporated with Chinese kanji but the meaning of a kanji sometimes differed between two languages. Therefore, the Chinese learners who want to study Japanese language have to pay much attention to the meaning gap between Chinese and Japanese language. In the evaluation of Neclle, nine Chinese students talked with Japanese students about three topics with Neclle for 1 h 30 min. The results of the experiment showed that it was very useful for Japanese language learning. # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Open-Ended Adaptive System for Facilitating Knowledge Construction in Web-Based Exploratory Learning

A typical learning method using the Internet is exploratory learning, where learners construct knowledge through exploring the web autonomously. A problem with web-based exploratory learning is insufficient hyperlinks. An open-ended adaptive system has been developed that facilitates knowledge construction in web-based exploratory learning by avoiding the impasse.

Agent-Mediated Language-Learning Environment Based on Communicative Gaps

This paper focuses on the problem of language transfer in foreign language learning. The transfer caused by the difference between learners mother language and target language, often leads a communicative gap. This paper first analyzes the semantic relations between learners mother language and target language. Then proposes a CGM (Communicative Gap Model) due to language difference. We have developed a communicative language-learning environment called Neckle (Network-based Communicative Kanji Learning Environment) to support foreign language learning through communication with native speakers. Neckle has a software agent that observes the conversation between the learner and the native speaker, checks up the communicative gap according to CGM, and notices the gap for the support of language learning congenial to each learner. Learners can not only be aware of the language difference but also acquire its cultural background from the native speakers.

Tablet Typed Teaching Materials Sharing System with Supporting Handwriting

In this study, we target the Classroom lectures to proceed by using the paper, such as notes, and handouts as a learning resource. Currently, it is common to use paper as a lecture material. The paper has the advantage of write freely. However, management is difficult as the number of students increases. Instead, we have focused on the tablet as a device that has the advantage of both the PC and paper. In this study, we developed a handwriting typed electronic notebook. Our system uses the cloud services and tablet devices in order to improve the efficiency of the exercise type lecture by the advantage of both electronic and paper.

A web retrieval support system with a comment sharing environment: toward an adaptive web-based IR system

A search engine is frequently used to look up interesting/unknown topics in web-based exploratory learning, but occasionally it returns meaningless pages (hyperlinks), which can interrupt finding suitable pages. This paper describes a web retrieval support system with a comment sharing environment, which aims at reducing loads in search activity. The effectiveness of this system has been shown through an experiment. This system is not currently adaptive but can be extended to a web-based adaptive IR (information retrieval) system.

A study of performance detection method for a guitar skill learning using kinect sensor

Recent years, in many research fields, the approach of utilizing motion sensors have attracted attention. In educational technology researches, it appears to be common in supporting physical skill learning. We have developed a system to detect the guitar performance using Microsoft Kinect Sensor (hereinafter, Kinect). In this paper, we describe about the detection of the guitar area and the performance motion.

Development of self learning system using 3D image sensor for novice drummer

Drumming motion of percussion is important to play music, and it can learn efficiently by coaching from expert. However, if novice drummer cannot get coaching from expert, they practice percussion by oneself with use of book. Then, it is difficult for novice drummer to measure of practice result. We have been developing self learning system for novice drummer. Using this system, novice drummer can check percentage of a much between instruction and practice.

Human Motion Mining Supporting System Using Microsoft Kinect

In recent years, many user-interface devices appear for managing variety the physical interactions. There are the researches with the interface model of body movements in a learning environment. In this paper, we talk about a motion mining supporting system using Microsoft Kinect for educational system developments.

Development of Human-Like Agent to Support Lecture Presentation Using a Wireless Device and Image Processing Technology

We developed a presentation support agent to provide some features beyond the traditional presentation tools. This agent has a human-like interface and the dynamic effects for the presentations. It is controlled with a wireless remote device. Getting use to operate the agent experimentally, user experience tended to be improved.