This paper explores a general approach to paraphrase generation using a pre-trained seq2seq model fine-tuned using a back-translated anatomy and physiology textbook. Human ratings indicate that the paraphrase model generally preserved meaning and grammaticality/fluency: 70% of meaning ratings were above 75, and 40% of paraphrases were considered…

This paper presents WikiMorph, a tool that automatically breaks down words into morphemes, etymological compounds (morphemes from root languages), and generates contextual definitions for each component. It comes in two flavors: a dataset and a deep-learning-based model. The dataset was extracted from Wiktionary and contains over 450k entries. We…

A key writing skill is the capability to clearly convey desired meaning using available linguistic knowledge. Consequently, writers must select from a large array of idioms, vocabulary terms that are semantically equivalent, and discourse features that simultaneously reflect content and allow readers to grasp meaning. In many cases, a simplified…

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) are aimed at promoting acquisition of knowledge and skills by providing relevant and appropriate feedback during students' practice activities. ITSs for literacy instruction commonly assess typed responses using Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms. One step in this direction often requires building a…

Predictive analytics is widely used in various domains, including education, to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. However, many predictive models are proprietary and inaccessible for evaluation or modification by researchers and practitioners, limiting their accountability and ethical design. Moreover, predictive models are often opaque…

Reading comprehension is essential for both knowledge acquisition and memory reinforcement. Automated modeling of the comprehension process provides insights into the efficacy of specific texts as learning tools. This paper introduces an improved version of the Automated Model of Comprehension, version 3.0 (AMoC v3.0). AMoC v3.0 is based on two…

This work explores how population-based engagement prediction can address cold-start at scale in large learning resource collections. The paper introduces: (1) VLE, a novel dataset that consists of content and video based features extracted from publicly available scientific video lectures coupled with implicit and explicit signals related to…

Open-ended comprehension questions are a common type of assessment used to evaluate how well students understand one of multiple documents. Our aim is to use natural language processing (NLP) to infer the level and type of inferencing within readers' answers to comprehension questions using linguistic and semantic features within their responses.…

Automatic short answer grading is an important research direction in the exploration of how to use artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to improve education. Current state-of-the-art approaches use neural language models to create vectorized representations of students responses, followed by classifiers to predict the score. However, these…

This paper describes the first stages on the development of a design method of digital trainings using the collaborative authoring tool "ALO". Based on the theory of instrumental conflict (Marquet, 2005), this method highlights the necessity of the design digital trainings under the optimal harmonization for users/learners in didactic,…

The 360 Degree Global Education Model (360 Global Ed Model) provides a comprehensive framework for creating meaningful interdisciplinary student team learning through international service learning. Providing successful multi-disciplined undergraduate education necessitates creating a foundation for productive team-science based learning between…

Language learners are underserved if there are unlearned meanings of a word that they think they have already learned. For example, "circle" as a noun is well known, whereas its use as a verb is not. For artificial-intelligence-based support systems for learning vocabulary, assessing each learner's knowledge of such atypical but common…

Empirical evidence shows the efficiency of coordinated interaction in mother-infant dyads through unintentional movements: social entrainment, early imitation. The growing body of the literature evidently shows an impact of arousal on group performance and spreading emotion from one individual to another organism, called emotional contagion. The…

As higher education institutions and the people who learn, work, and live within them, continue to face challenges, it is critical to foster safe, inclusive, and respectful cultures of learning and growth. Numerous mentorship models can be meaningfully integrated into campus culture to support professional and personal learning and development…

Improving post-secondary outcomes and retention of Indigenous students may require interventions such as culturally appropriate mentorship. "Mainstream" mentorship perspectives and practices developed within places of Western education and employment may be limited in their ability to address the unique cultural considerations and…