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Publications

Publications by HumanISE

2015

Accessible options for Deaf people in e-Learning platforms: technology solutions for Sign Language translation

Authors
Martins, P; Rodrigues, H; Rocha, T; Francisco, M; Morgado, L;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY AND FIGHTING INFO-EXCLUSION

Abstract
This paper presents a study on potential technology solutions for enhancing the communication process for deaf people on e-learning platforms through translation of Sign Language (SL). Considering SL in its global scope as a spatial-visual language not limited to gestures or hand/forearm movement, but also to other non-dexterity markers such as facial expressions, it is necessary to ascertain whether the existing technology solutions can be effective options for the SL integration on e-learning platforms. Thus, we aim to present a list of potential technology options for the recognition, translation and presentation of SL (and potential problems) through the analysis of assistive technologies, methods and techniques, and ultimately to contribute for the development of the state of the art and ensure digital inclusion of the deaf people in e-learning platforms. The analysis show that some interesting technology solutions are under research and development to be available for digital platforms in general, but yet some critical challenges must solved and an effective integration of these technologies in e-learning platforms in particular is still missing. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

2015

Usability test of 3Dconnexion 3D mice versus keyboard plus mouse in Second Life undertaken by people with motor disabilities due to medullary lesions

Authors
Martins, M; Cunha, A; Oliveira, I; Morgado, L;

Publication
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

Abstract
The use of keyboard and mouse combinations to navigate 3D environments of virtual worlds requires the coordination of both hands in order for the 2D degrees of motion of the mouse to transform into the variety of motions available in a 3D space. Such coordination may pose a challenge to people with motor disabilities. 3D controllers known as "3D mice" are presented by manufacturers as significant interface alternatives. To establish the feasibility of such claims, the authors conducted a usability test of two 3D mice marketed by 3Dconnexion, in parallel with a keyboard + mouse test. The 10 participants had motor disabilities due to medullary lesions on vertebrae C5-D11 and performed 13 different tasks in the Second Life virtual world: 5 participants used 3D mice and 5 used keyboard + mouse. The main conclusion is that 2-3 of the 5 most challenging tasks in the keyboard + mouse combination become less challenging using 3D mice. Participants' feedback was more positive regarding 3D mice, but with significant differences between mice. Contrary to initial expectations of the authors, the least stable mouse, Space Navigator, produced the best feedback.

2015

Guest Editorial: Overcoming the Technological Hurdles Facing Virtual Worlds in Education: The Road to Widespread Deployment

Authors
Morgado, L; Fernandez Manion, BF; Guetl, C;

Publication
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY

Abstract

2015

CMMI implementation and results: The case of a software company

Authors
Liberato, M; Varajão, J; Martins, P;

Publication
Modern Techniques for Successful IT Project Management

Abstract
Companies focus on software development in order to survive in a highly competitive world. They not only need to keep up to date with the changes that are occurring in their environment, but they also need to assure the effectiveness of their processes. One way to do that is pursuing high quality standards by continuously improving the development processes. In this chapter, the authors describe the project of CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) implementation in a software company specialized in information technology services for banking. The project was initiated with the aim of optimizing the software development process. Throughout the chapter, various aspects of the project are covered, such as the actions taken to implement the CMMI maturity level 2, the tools used to support the implementation, and the obtained results. These are useful and could serve as a reference basis for companies that consider the implementation of a maturity model.

2015

AUTHORING TOOLS AS INSTRUMENTS FOR A NEW APPROACH OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING

Authors
Maia, A; Lopes, JB; Martins, P; Pessoa, T;

Publication
INTED2015: 9TH INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Abstract
Educational Modelling Languages (EML) are conceptual and technical tools that allow enhancing e-learning through the representation of educational processes and their transformation into operable products to Learning Management Systems (LMS). Through visual notations it's possible to do reviews and adjustments of represented learning objects (LO). IMS-Learning Design (IMS-LD) is a LO specification language. One of its major strengths is the interoperability of specification products. Its use by non-technical users isn't a simple task, and limitations are pointed out. Intermediate software have been developed to facilitate the specification, authoring tools called graphic editors as Reload LD Editor, GLM, Collage and CADMOS, among others. Graphic editors can be used as educational planning tools in the context of e-learning. Planning a LO is drawing a structure of tasks, describing all aspects that frame the learning activities that can be generated to achieve the outlined goals (e.g. participants, tasks, resources, targets and risks to be considered). Despite being a complex activity, it's essential for teachers. In this work we focused on CADMOS, because it's devoted to create specifications for Moodle, one of the most used LMS by teachers. The main goal is study CADMOS, trying to identify its potentialities and limitations as planning tool capable of represent all aspects of a LO. Therefore the research questions are: Is it possible specify all aspects that characterize the LO using CADMOS? Do the limitations in specification influence the automatic operationalization of the LO in LMS? Tests done with CADMOS were divided in two parts: 1) Specification of a LO, consisting of a task module on a specific theme, that took place in LMS Moodle of a Portuguese higher education institution, as part of a course in a program of Computer Engineering. 2) Specification result has been converted into an interoperable data packet, which was imported to the LMS. After the automatic creation of the LO were analysed the similarities with the original LO. Results showed that there were differences between the two LO. A primitive structure of LO is created in LMS, but extra work performed by the teacher is required to complete the configuration of the activities. Additional points were found: a) When specifying there isn't the possibility to configure all required aspects of a Moodle activity (e.g. wiki). Teacher has to do it manually directly in the LMS. b) Limitations in the automation process of operationalization of the LO in LMS, related to the specification process were found. Is necessary consider the representation structure adopted in LO specification with CADMOS. It offers different functions to do it, which are used or not depending on the way user conceives the LO. This leads to different representations in LMS. As planning tool CADMOS can be useful and has advantages, as the possibility of having different views of the process (conceptual model/ flow model), and chance to save, change, reuse and share several times a specification product. Its major weakness is in automatic creation of the LO in LMS. Thus, we believe that CADMOS and other graphic editors are likely to be important planning tools for teachers. However, more tests with different LO and improvements are needed to achieve faithful automating creation of LO in LMS, allowing teachers to be focused on central aspects of teaching.

2015

Open-Source Indoor Navigation System Adapted to Users with Motor Disabilities

Authors
Pereira, C; Sousa, A; Filipe, V;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY AND FIGHTING INFO-EXCLUSION

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a mobile indoor navigation system, supported by a GIS and built using only open source tools. For the sake of simplicity a single building was chosen for the tests converting the floors to digital information from paper plans. The rooms geometry was saved on a proper database with all the adjacent information associated, which can in turn be provided to the clients application by APIs and Web Services. The system is able to calculate the most adequate path between any of the rooms taking into account the user profile which is defined by it's degree of mobility (eg. wheelchair). By reading a QR code placed in key places inside the building the user can obtain, on a mobile phone, his current position and receive orientations to any room that he might want to go. The directions hints are complemented with the presentation of real pictures associated to key locations in the path to validate that the correct path is taken by the user. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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