Although augmented reality (AR) has gained much research attention in recent years, the term AR was given different meanings by varying researchers. In this article, we first provide an overview of definitions, taxonomies, and technologies of AR. We argue that viewing AR as a concept rather than a type of technology would be more productive for educators, researchers, and designers. Then we identify certain features and affordances of AR systems and applications. Yet, these compelling features may not be unique to AR applications and can be found in other technological systems or learning environments (e.g., ubiquitous and mobile learning environments). The instructional approach adopted by an AR system and the alignment among technology design, instructional approach, and learning experiences may be more important. Thus, we classify three categories of instructional approaches that emphasize the ''roles,'' ''tasks,'' and ''locations,'' and discuss what and how different categories of AR approaches may help students learn. While AR offers new learning opportunities, it also creates new challenges for educators. We outline technological, pedagogical, learning issues related to the implementation of AR in education. For example, students in AR environments may be cognitively overloaded by the large amount of information they encounter, the multiple technological devices they are required to use, and the complex tasks they have to complete. This article provides possible solutions for some of the challenges and suggests topics and issues for future research.

Current status, opportunities and challenges of augmented reality in education

Digital processing of speech signals

A communication infrastructure is an essential part to the success of the emerging smart grid. A scalable and pervasive communication infrastructure is crucial in both construction and operation of a smart grid. In this paper, we present the background and motivation of communication infrastructures in smart grid systems. We also summarize major requirements that smart grid communications must meet. From the experience of several industrial trials on smart grid with communication infrastructures, we expect that the traditional carbon fuel based power plants can cooperate with emerging distributed renewable energy such as wind, solar, etc, to reduce the carbon fuel consumption and consequent green house gas such as carbon dioxide emission. The consumers can minimize their expense on energy by adjusting their intelligent home appliance operations to avoid the peak hours and utilize the renewable energy instead. We further explore the challenges for a communication infrastructure as the part of a complex smart grid system. Since a smart grid system might have over millions of consumers and devices, the demand of its reliability and security is extremely critical. Through a communication infrastructure, a smart grid can improve power reliability and quality to eliminate electricity blackout. Security is a challenging issue since the on-going smart grid systems facing increasing vulnerabilities as more and more automation, remote monitoring/controlling and supervision entities are interconnected.

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1315&context=electricalengineeringfacpub

A Survey on Smart Grid CommunicationInfrastructures: Motivations, Requirements andChallenges

Advantages and challenges associated with augmented reality for education: A systematic review of the literature

Two previous literature review-based studies have provided important insights into mobile learning, but the issue still needs to be examined from other directions such as the distribution of research purposes. This study takes a meta-analysis approach to systematically reviewing the literature, thus providing a more comprehensive analysis and synthesis of 164 studies from 2003 to 2010. Major findings include that most studies of mobile learning focus on effectiveness, followed by mobile learning system design, and surveys and experiments were used as the primary research methods. Also, mobile phones and PDAs are currently the most widely used devices for mobile learning but these may be displaced by emerging technologies. In addition, the most highly-cited articles are found to focus on mobile learning system design, followed by system effectiveness. These findings may provide insights for researchers and educators into research trends in mobile learning.

Review of trends from mobile learning studies: A meta-analysis

Even today, there are institutions that, due to technical problems, lack of workers with the appropriate skills or because they do not have a sufficient budget, do not have an internet connection in the classroom where technology-related subjects are taught. Through this article we propose a new hybrid teaching method that combines the Open Massive Online Course (MOOC) and face-to-face work of the students. First, we present the problems identified along our experience. Secondly, we define both, the classroom resources and the educational resources we have used. In a next step, we describe in detail the architecture of the system and the communications that compose the proposed learning hybrid system. We have assessed that the proposed solution is valid, but we are planning to deploy pilot tests to indicate the features and limitations which can be addressed when teachers use this proposal. These pilot tests are framed within STEM and robotics education. The content to assess the solution in a future is also included in this paper.

Local MOOC Solution for Thight Budgets or Limited Internet Access

This special session presents a new European project, Remote-labs Access in Internet-based Performance-Centered Learning Environment for Curriculum Support (RIPLECS). The project is carried out by five European partners and is aimed to deliver an official, online, and labor-oriented master degree program, conducted by the project partners, in Information and Communication System (ICS). The program addresses the labor market needs and tackles the deficit in graduate professionals. On the other hand, it copes with the predominant students' lifestyle. The administration and organization of the program is entirely carried out online through a platform DIPSIEL that was initially created by the project partners. Remote laboratories are well integrated in most of the master's subjects, which makes the program unique of its kind. Each partner contributes with at least a subject and access to a remote laboratory. In is session, the project is described outlining the main objectives and the contribution of each partner.

Special session: Remote-labs access in internet and performance learning environment projects

Higher education has undergone a deep change in Europe since Bologna Declaration. One of the main tools to affront this change is through the incorporation of new technologies and learning methods, such as mobile and blended learning. This paper shows new services aimed to provide a personalized and closer education to learners. It will be achieved thanks to the integration of new services into the existing educational environment, giving rise to the concept of service-based learning. This concept is based on the philosophy of re-usable educative objects to create encapsulated and re-usable educative services easily integrated in e-learning platforms.

Convergence of learning services

Common Multidisciplinary Prototypes of Remote Laboratories in the Educational Curricula of Electrical and Computer Engineering

This paper analyzes the current technology trends in engineering education, focusing on the importance of ubiquitous technologies, such as Radio Frequency Identification, mobile devices, context-awareness, and geo-location. This paper reviews how these technologies have impacted education and the future impact that experts forecasts will have in a near future.

Elio Sancristobal

Papers

Local MOOC Solution for Thight Budgets or Limited Internet Access

Special session: Remote-labs access in internet and performance learning environment projects

Convergence of learning services

Common Multidisciplinary Prototypes of Remote Laboratories in the Educational Curricula of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Engineering education: Importance and relevance of ubiquitous technologies