Interactive Technologies Research Group

Projects

Bridging the digital divide for e-learning students through adaptive VLEs

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are required to be highly effective and easy to use as they serve as the primary institutional portal between students and academics. There are currently a number of challenges that are caused due to the modernized digital divide, with a significant limitation being the inability of information systems to adapt to the users technological platform, broadband quality and device in use to access the online system. This paper focuses on the limitations that students encounter when accessing VLEs within Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs). This research aims to primarily review and provide critical analysis of current VLE frameworks, as well as assess restrictions based on several demographics including content adaptation and technical aspects. An algorithmic system is developed to analyze students individualistic needs, undertake adaption and personalization of the VLE, and hence ensure consistent and efficient access to academic web resources and functionalities

Mitigating the Digital Divide for Distance Learning Students in Developing Countries

This project will focus on the limitations distance learning students encounter when they are required to access virtual learning environments (VLEs) from developing countries. Ideally, every student accessing a VLE should share the same experience regardless of their geographical location or broadband connectivity strength. Currently, the main limitation is the ability of information systems to adapt to the users depending on their technological platform, broadband quality and geographical location.