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Publications

Publications by HumanISE

2025

Integrated Approaches to Monitoring GIAHS Territories: Requirements, Telematics, Sensorization and Intelligent Management Solutions

Authors
Soares, J; Teixeira, C; Gonçalves, R;

Publication
ICINCO (2)

Abstract
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are models of sustainability, as they ensure a balance between human activity and ecosystem conservation. The Barroso region in Portugal is part of this network, as it follows traditional natural resource management and resilience practices by local communities. Given the threats posed by environmental degradation, it is urgent to adopt technological solutions for monitoring these conditions. Thus, throughout this article, the main threats to the integrity of these territories will be analyzed, and various methodologies and solutions for environmental monitoring will be presented. Based on the knowledge acquired, we will present an architecture for a digital solution that includes sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), processing units, and platforms for real-time data visualization and alarm management. © 2025 by SCITEPRESS-Science and Technology Publications, Lda.

2025

Bridging the gaps: an updated mapping of the uses of immersive learning environments

Authors
Morgado, L; Beck, D; O'Shea, P;

Publication
VIRTUAL REALITY

Abstract
Since publication of the 2020 survey of surveys, Finding the gaps about uses of immersive learning environments: a survey of surveys, the field of immersive learning environments has experienced substantial growth and diversification. This updated review systematically maps recent developments by analyzing 64 new literature surveys published after the original corpus date, significantly expanding the corpus from 47 to 111 reviews. Through thematic content analysis, our study identifies and integrates five new educational use themes-Games, Observation, Personification, Storytelling, and Student Authoring-and revises existing categories based on recent research. We observed shifts in the prevalence of themes, most notably an increase in uses related to data collection, interactive exploration and manipulation, contextual/media integration, and physical world simulation. We also discussed these changes in relation to recent technological advancements and the influence of emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, our results provide an updated representation of immersive learning uses within the conceptual framework of immersion dimensions (system, narrative, agency), updating current research clusters and persistent gaps. By illustrating areas with limited exploration, such as highly interactive narrative experiences, or low-technology interactive uses, this paper informs future research directions and contributes to an understanding of how immersive environments are being employed for learning. This comprehensive mapping thus serves as a resource for researchers and educators aiming to leverage immersive learningenvironments. This paper builds on a shorter version accepted for inclusion in the proceedings of the iLRN 2025 conference, offering expanded results, additional analyses, and extended discussion that clarifies and deepens the original findings.

2025

How Museums Are Changing Their Visitors’ Experience with New Formats and Approaches to Digital Storytelling

Authors
Lacet, D; van Zeller, M; Martins, P; Morgado, LC;

Publication
Communications in Computer and Information Science

Abstract
This study focuses on exploring new formats and innovative approaches to digital storytelling in museums, offering a critical analysis of existing formats and proposing new perspectives. Initially, current digital storytelling formats are examined, ranging from mobile applications and augmented reality to interactive and multimedia exhibitions. Next, new paradigms and strategies are discussed that aim to expand the possibilities of public engagement and enrich museum experiences. Using a detailed method, careful selections, in-depth analyses and presentation of results are made that highlight both the potential and challenges of these new approaches. The final discussion contextualizes these practices in the current scenario of digital culture and suggests paths for future investigations and developments in the field of digital storytelling in museums. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

2025

Implementation of Virtual Reality in Teacher Training: A Case Study with VRChat and Oculus Quest 2

Authors
Castelhano, M; Pedrosa, D; Morgado, L; Messias, I;

Publication
Practitioner Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network

Abstract

2025

Immersive virtual reality learning environments for higher education: A student acceptance study

Authors
Aufenanger, S; Bastian, J; Bastos, G; Castelhano, M; Dias Ferreira, C; Fokides, E; Gavalas, D; Kasapakis, V; Agelada, A; Kostas, A; Koutromanos, G; Makrides, G; Morgado, L; Pedrosa, D; Szemberg, T; Sofos, A; Szpond, J;

Publication
COMPUTERS & EDUCATION: X REALITY

Abstract
The study investigates the integration of Virtual Reality Learning Environments (VRLEs) in academic teaching through the EU-funded REVEALING project. Researchers from Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Poland, and Portugal developed and evaluated five different immersive VRLEs, each focusing on diverse educational topics, including ancient Greek technology, sea urchin measurements, linear algebra, and historical expeditions. The study aims to determine effective instructional design principles for VRLEs and assess students' acceptance and learning outcomes. The VRLEs were designed based on literature-derived principles that emphasise ease of tool usage, authentic experiences, and continuous feedback. Students from the participating universities explored these VR environments, providing feedback through a standardized questionnaire on aspects like immersion, ease of use, motivation, and emotions. Results show that most participants positively engaged with the VRLEs, reporting high motivation and positive emotional responses, particularly for experiences involving interactivity. However, challenges like motion sickness and technical issues were noted, especially at one institution. The findings suggest that immersive VR experiences can significantly enhance motivation and engagement, but their effectiveness depends on careful alignment with pedagogical goals, design quality, and user experience considerations.

2025

Describing and Interpreting an Immersive Learning Case with the Immersion Cube and the Immersive Learning Brain

Authors
Beck, D; Morgado, L;

Publication
IMMERSIVE LEARNING RESEARCH NETWORK, ILRN 2024, PT I

Abstract
Current descriptions of immersive learning cases are often difficult or impossible to compare. This is due to a myriad of different options on what details to include, which aspects are relevant, and on the descriptive approaches employed. Also, these aspects often combine very specific details with more general guidelines or indicate intents and rationales without clarifying their implementation. In this paper we provide a method to describe immersive learning cases that is structured to enable comparisons, yet flexible enough to allow researchers and practitioners to decide which aspects to include. This method leverages a taxonomy that classifies educational aspects at three levels (uses, practices, and strategies) and then utilizes two frameworks, the Immersive Learning Brain and the Immersion Cube, to enable a structured description and interpretation of immersive learning cases. The method is then demonstrated on a published immersive learning case on training for wind turbine maintenance using virtual reality. Applying the method results in a structured artifact, the Immersive Learning Case Sheet, that tags the case with its proximal uses, practices, and strategies, and refines the free text case description to ensure that matching details are included. This contribution is thus a case description method in support of future comparative research of immersive learning cases. We then discuss how the resulting description and interpretation can be leveraged to change immersion learning cases, by enriching them (considering low-effort changes or additions) or innovating (exploring more challenging avenues of transformation). The method holds significant promise to support better-grounded research in immersive learning.

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