A new industry research chair at the University of Alberta will look at how educators can use technology to improve distance learning.

The research will focus on improving group and cooperative online learning experiences by developing web-based learning tools and products that will work over networks and on wireless devices. These tools will have concepts specific to an educational area — for example, math or physics.

What is adaptive multimedia?

Imagine a video game that gets harder as you get better — now, imagine that the video game is teaching you physics. The multimedia research team has made this game a reality with Siege. Siege is based on a 1983 board game called Crossbows and Catapults. Students learning motion dynamics in physics can improve their understanding of the concepts by playing the game. For example, destroying an opponent’s castle can explain the theories behind how force and direction can be related to the trajectory of a stone. Next year the team will also look at incorporating tests into the process, For example, students could solve math and physics problems about calculating velocity, trajectory of projectiles or the strength of a structure, and be rewarded for correct solutions.

In addition, creating an adaptive multimedia learning and examination environment will allow students to learn and check their process anytime, from anywhere, improving on the current, stressful fixed-time paper-and-pen tests (see sidebar).

One of the main issues in creating an system that allows multiple users is the problem of delays that come out of variations in bandwidth (how much information can be transmitted at one time) and latency (speed of transmission).

By working with the information and communications technology community on this issue, new economic opportunities will be created while students’ educational experiences will be improved.

The research chair is supported by an iCORE Industry Chair Establishment grant of $100,000 a year for five years. Industry partner Castle Rock Research is also providing $100,000 a year for five years. Other industry partners will provide additional funding, and the University of Alberta and other partners will provide in-kind contributions.

iCORE (Alberta Informatics Circle of Research Excellence) was established in 1999 to foster an expanding community of exceptional researchers in the field of informatics, which includes:

• computer science
• electrical and computer engineering
• physics
• mathematics
• other disciplines related to information and communications technology (ICT)

iCORE operates several grant programs to develop iCORE Chairs at Alberta universities. Since its inception, more than 24 research chairs have been created in areas such as wireless communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum and nanocomputing.

More information

• iCORE
• Information on the research chair in Multimedia
• News release