| Position: | Post-doc |
| Scientific field: | Computer Science |
| Research area: | Human Computer Interaction & Computer Graphics |
| Department: | Mathematics and Computer Science |
| University: | University of Cagliari |
| Group: | CG3HCI |
| E-mail: | me.fabiosorrentino [at] gmail.com |
Abstract: This paper discusses an early prototype aiming at providing teachers with means for configuring connected objects that can be used for assessing the understanding and the creative reworking of children’s learning. In order to do that, we support teachers in defining the information flow between the connected objects and the interactive manipulation events considered relevant for the assessment. Considering that in the last years classrooms have been more and more equipped with different technological supports, we propose to use them in a more customisable way, helping both teachers and students in making lessons more enjoyable and pleasant. We focus on already available and low cost technologies, since more advanced ones may have a high impact on school budgets. Due to this, we propose an approach that uses modular and low cost components that could be embedded in different physical objects and easily replicated by schools with a low investment.
Authors: F. Sorrentino, L. D. Spano, R. Scateni.
Internet Of T(eachi)ngs: Assessing Children’s Learning In The IoT Era.
SERVE 2016, part of AVI 2016, 31-35.
Bari, Italia, Giugno 2016.
Abstract: The decreasing hardware cost makes it affordable to pair Immersive Virtual Environments (IVR) visors with treadmills and exercise bikes. In this paper, we discuss the application of different gamification techniques in IVR for supporting physical exercise. We describe both the hardware setting and the design of Rift-a-bike, a cycling fitmersive game (immersive games for fitness). We evaluate the effectiveness of such techniques through a user study, which provides different insights on their effectiveness in designing such applications.
Authors: E. Tuveri, L. Macis, F. Sorrentino, L. D. Spano, R. Scateni.
Fitmersive Games: Fitness Gamification through Immersive VR.
AVI 2016, 212-215.
Bari, Italia, Giugno 2016.
Abstract: When tourists are wandering around in a town or city they do not know, it is normal to use a guide to make up their mind on what is more interesting in the surrounding. If the guide is an interactive one on a mobile device, they can also consult multimedia material and listen to audio descriptions. But what if the user is a children that is much more prone to get distracted? In this paper, we propose the presentation of touristic and cultural information to children through an augmented-reality approach. In order to keep focused the attention of the young users we make use of a virtual tourist guide, appearing as a comic book superhero. To get a realistic representation of the avatar we exploit a technique for fast simulating talking heads, which is portable on mobile devices. The technique is based on preloading a set of meshes representing different phonemes and switching among them in order to simulate animation, without the need of computing the update for an entire face model. In addition, we report on a first Android prototype, which shows the effectiveness of the approach for increasing children’s learning.
Authors: F. Sorrentino, L. D. Spano, R. Scateni.
SuperAvatar: Children and mobile tourist guides become friends using superpowered avatars.
Motivating students with Mobiles (MsM’2015), part of IMCL2015, 222-226.
Salonicco, Grecia, Novembre 2015.
Abstract: In recent years, mobile devices have become very popular within young people. Thanks to developments in mobile technologies, these devices can now do much more than just voice calls and texts. We envision mobile devices as tools for improving the young users’ lifestyle, especially for learning. In this work we present a web authoring system that makes it possible to create a mobile application that supports children in learning a new language in a more pleasant and entertaining way by using Augmented Reality. This application allows pupils to improve their speaking skills turning the language acquisition into a game under the supervision of both teachers and parents. Our contribution is focused on understanding how digital technology can facilitate learning while keeping in mind that it is a wide and interdisciplinary issue.
Authors: F. Sorrentino, L. D. Spano, R. Scateni.
Speaky Notes: Learn languages with augmented reality.
Motivating students with Mobiles (MsM’2015), part of IMCL2015, 146-150.
Salonicco, Grecia, Novembre 2015.