Yuhei Yamauchi

Past viewer: Development of wearable learning system for history education

We have developed a system that helps users acquire historical viewpoints using a wearable computer. This is accomplished by overlaying incidents from the past and live scenes from the present on a see-through display. The purpose of this system is to enable history learners to combine past and present information and obtain a significant notion of the continuity of time through viewing part of the series of events which happened in that very place. In evaluating this system, we found out that users could experience and feel history as a reality. We contend that this system is effective in furthering the motivation of history learners, and we have an expectation that it can become a significant new educational media.

Vocabulary Learning Environment with Collaborative Filtering for Support of Self-regulated Learning

This study elucidates issues related to using online vocabulary learning environments with collaborative filtering and functions for cognitive and social learning support in learner-centered learning, which requires learners to be self-regulated learners. The developed system provides learners with a vocabulary learning environment using online news as a test installation of functions. The system recommends news to each learner using a collaborative filtering algorithm. The system helps learners to use cognitive and social learning strategies such as underlining, along with a word-meaning display based on the learners vocabulary proficiency level. We investigated effects of the system on perceived usefulness and learning performance as a formative evaluation. Learners regarded this system as a useful tool for their language learning overall, but rated several functions low. Confirming the learning performance, the learners vocabulary proficiency level improved significantly.