La competència "El treball col·laboratiu": una oportunitat per a incorporar les TIC en la didàctica universitària. Descripció de l'experiència amb la plataforma ACME (UdG) = La competencia "El trabajo colaborativo": una oportunidad para incorporar las TIC en la didáctica universitaria. Descripción de la experiencia con la plataforma ACME (UdG)

L'article és una reflexió sobre els requisits de formació dels professionals que demana la societat del coneixement. Un dels objectius més importants que ha de tenir la universitat en la societat del coneixement és la formació de professionals competents que tinguin prou eines intel·lectuals per a enfrontar-se a la incertesa de la informació, a la consciència que aquesta té una data de caducitat a curt termini i a l'ansietat que això provoca. Però, a més, també han de ser capaços de definir i crear les eines de treball amb què donaran sentit i eficàcia a aquest coneixement mudable i mutant. Per això, l'espai europeu d'ensenyament superior prioritza la competència transversal del treball col·laboratiu amb l'objectiu de promoure un aprenentatge autònom, compromès i adaptat a les noves necessitats de l'empresa del segle xxi. En aquest context, es presenta l'entorn teòric que fonamenta el treball desenvolupat a la plataforma informàtica ACME, que uneix el treball col·laboratiu i l'aprenentatge semipresencial o blended learning. Així mateix, es descriuen amb detall alguns exemples de wikis, paradigma del treball col·laboratiu, fets en assignatures impartides per la Universitat de Girona en l'espai virtual ACME

View-based approaches to spatial representation in human vision

In an immersive virtual environment, observers fail to notice the expansion of a room around them and consequently make gross errors when comparing the size of objects. This result is difficult to explain if the visual system continuously generates a 3-D model of the scene based on known baseline information from interocular separation or proprioception as the observer walks. An alternative is that observers use view-based methods to guide their actions and to represent the spatial layout of the scene. In this case, they may have an expectation of the images they will receive but be insensitive to the rate at which images arrive as they walk. We describe the way in which the eye movement strategy of animals simplifies motion processing if their goal is to move towards a desired image and discuss dorsal and ventral stream processing of moving images in that context. Although many questions about view-based approaches to scene representation remain unanswered, the solutions are likely to be highly relevant to understanding biological 3-D vision.

Supporting Computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW) in conceptual design

In order to gain a better understanding of online conceptual collaborative design processes this paper investigates how student designers make use of a shared virtual synchronous environment when engaged in conceptual design. The software enables users to talk to each other and share sketches when they are remotely located. The paper describes a novel methodology for observing and analysing collaborative design processes by adapting the concepts of grounded theory. Rather than concentrating on narrow aspects of the final artefacts, emerging “themes” are generated that provide a broader picture of collaborative design process and context descriptions. Findings on the themes of “grounding – mutual understanding” and “support creativity” complement findings from other research, while important themes associated with “near-synchrony” have not been emphasised in other research. From the study, a series of design recommendations are made for the development of tools to support online computer-supported collaborative work in design using a shared virtual environment.

Design for design: support for creative practice in computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW) in design

This paper describes a novel methodology for observing and analysing collaborative design by using the concepts of cognitive dimensions related to concept-based misfit analysis. The study aims at gaining an insight into support for creative practice of graphical communication in collaborative design processes of designers while sketching within a shared white board and audio conferencing environment. Empirical data on design processes have been obtained from observation of groups of student designers solving an interior space-planning problem of a lounge-diner in a shared virtual environment. The results of the study provide recommendations for the design and development of interactive systems to support such collaborative design activities.

High bandwidth, large workspace haptic interaction: flying phantoms

It is well understood that for haptic interaction: free motion performance and closed-loop constrained motion performance have conflicting requirements. The difficulties for both conditions are compounded when increased workspace is required as most solutions result in a reduction of achievable impedance and bandwidth. A method of chaining devices together to increase workspace without adverse effect on performance is described and analysed. The method is then applied to a prototype, colloquially known as 'The Flying Phantom', and shown to provide high-bandwidth, low impedance interaction over the full range of horizontal movement across the front of a human user.

Extending the friction cone algorithm for arbitrary polygon based haptic objects

Most haptic environments are based on single point interactions whereas in practice, object manipulation requires multiple contact points between the object, fingers, thumb and palm. The Friction Cone Algorithm was developed specifically to work well in a multi-finger haptic environment where object manipulation would occur. However, the Friction Cone Algorithm has two shortcomings when applied to polygon meshes: there is no means of transitioning polygon boundaries or feeling non-convex edges. In order to overcome these deficiencies, Face Directed Connection Graphs have been developed as well as a robust method for applying friction to non-convex edges. Both these extensions are described herein, as well as the implementation issues associated with them.

Low-cost optical tracking for immersive collaboration in the CAVE using the Wii remote

We present a novel way of interacting with an immersive virtual environment which involves inexpensive motion-capture using the Wii Remote®. A software framework is also presented to visualize and share this information across two remote CAVETM-like environments. The resulting applications can be used to assist rehabilitation by sending motion information across remote sites. The application’s software and hardware components are scalable enough to be used on desktop computer when home-based rehabilitation is preferred.

A novel haptic interface for navigation in large volume environments

Haptic interfaces can provide highly realistic interaction with objects within their workspace, but the task of interacting with objects over large areas or volumes is made difficult by the limits of interface travel. This paper details the development of a custom haptic interface - for navigating a large virtual environment (a simulated supermarket), and investigation into different control methods which allow for haptic interaction over extremely large workspaces.

A demonstration of 'broken' visual space

It has long been assumed that there is a distorted mapping between real and ‘perceived’ space, based on demonstrations of systematic errors in judgements of slant, curvature, direction and separation. Here, we have applied a direct test to the notion of a coherent visual space. In an immersive virtual environment, participants judged the relative distance of two squares displayed in separate intervals. On some trials, the virtual scene expanded by a factor of four between intervals although, in line with recent results, participants did not report any noticeable change in the scene. We found that there was no consistent depth ordering of objects that can explain the distance matches participants made in this environment (e.g. A > B > D yet also A < C < D) and hence no single one-to-one mapping between participants’ perceived space and any real 3D environment. Instead, factors that affect pairwise comparisons of distances dictate participants’ performance. These data contradict, more directly than previous experiments, the idea that the visual system builds and uses a coherent 3D internal representation of a scene.

Multi-attribute collaborative filtering recommendation based on improved group decision-making

Currently researchers in the field of personalized recommendations bear little consideration on users' interest differences in resource attributes although resource attribute is usually one of the most important factors in determining user preferences. To solve this problem, the paper builds an evaluation model of user interest based on resource multi-attributes, proposes a modified Pearson-Compatibility multi-attribute group decision-making algorithm, and introduces an algorithm to solve the recommendation problem of k-neighbor similar users. Considering the characteristics of collaborative filtering recommendation, the paper addresses the issues on the preference differences of similar users, incomplete values, and advanced converge of the algorithm. Thus the paper realizes multi-attribute collaborative filtering. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is proved by an experiment of collaborative recommendation among multi-users based on virtual environment. The experimental results show that the algorithm has a high accuracy on predicting target users' attribute preferences and has a strong anti-interference ability on deviation and incomplete values.

Game Audio in Audio Games : Towards a Theory on the Roles and Functions of Sound in Audio Games

For the past few decades, researchers have increased our understanding of how sound functions within various audio–visual media formats. With a different focus in mind, this study aims to identify the roles and functions of sound in relation to the game form Audio Games, in order to explore the potential of sound when acting as an autonomous narrative form. Because this is still a relatively unexplored research field, the main purpose of this study is to help establish a theoretical ground and stimulate further research within the field of audio games. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach to the topic, this research relies on theoretical studies, examinations of audio games and contact with the audio game community. In order to reveal the roles of sound, the gathered data is analyzed according to both a contextual and a functional perspective. The research shows that a distinction between the terms ‘function’ and ‘role’ is important when analyzing sound in digital games. The analysis therefore results in the identification of two analytical levels that help define the functions and roles of an entity within a social context, named the Functional and the Interfunctional levels. In addition to successfully identifying three main roles of sound within audio games—each describing the relationship between sound and the entities game system, player and virtual environment—many other issues are also addressed. Consequently, and in accordance with its purpose, this study provides a broad foundation for further research of sound in both audio games and video games.

A Serious Gaming Approach For Serious Stakeholder Participation

Serious games are a category of games which are designed for a specific purpose other than for pure entertainment. It is not a new concept but serious games using real data, coupled with real time modelling and combining model results with social and economic factors opens up a new paradigm for active stakeholder participation. DHI and UNEP-DHI Centre initiated a project called Aqua Republica where a virtual world is developed which allows participants to develop a river basin and visualise the consequences of their decisions. The aim of this project is to raise awareness of the interconnectivity of water and educate on integrated water resources management. Aqua Republica combines a game layer with a water allocation model, MIKE BASIN, to create an interactive, realistic virtual environment where players play the role of a catchment manager of an undeveloped river catchment. Their main objective is to develop the river catchment to be as prosperous as it can be. To achieve that, they will need to generate a good economy in the catchment to provide the funds needed for development, have a steady food supply for their population and enough energy and water for the catchment. Through these actions by the player, a meaningful play is established to engage players and to educate them about the complex relationships between developmental actions in a river basin and the natural environment as well as their consequences. The game layer also consists of a reward system to encourage learning. People can play and replay the game, get rewarded from performing the right principles and penalised from failures in the game. This abstract will explain the concept of the game and how it has been used in a stakeholder participation environment.

Um estudo dos processos de atendimento ao consumidor no comércio eletrônico de livros no varejo brasileiro

O varejo de livros no Brasil já é marcado pela presença do Comércio Eletrônico, que tem causado grande impacto nos processos de atendimento ao consumidor. Partindo desta idéia, o autor, ao longo do trabalho, analisa as pnncipais características, aspectos e contribuições do CE para estes processos. Para realizar esta análise, o autor fez um estudo de caso em uma empresa atuante no ambiente tradicional, mas também com grande experiência no ambiente virtual. A atuação desta empresa nos dois ambientes e a sua grande experiência no mercado em estudo permitiu uma análise efetiva do impacto do CE nos processos de atendimento ao consumidor. A partir do estudo de caso, e à luz do referencial teórico disponível, o autor alisa a situação do CE no varejo de livros no Brasil, elaborando algumas reflexões sobre a contribuição deste' ambiente para os processos de atendimento ao consumidor.

Homo infidelis : preferências, assimetria de informação e signaling

No presente trabalho analisamos a eficácia de estratégias de signaling no contexto do relacionamento extra-diádico. Adicionalmente, mensuramos tanto as preferências declaradas quanto as reveladas pelos indivíduos em suas interações no ambiente virtual, comparando gêneros e países. Pesquisas anteriores sobre a temática extra-diádica apoiaram-se excessivamente sobre metodologias com substanciais lacunas: baixo número de observações, universo amostral restrito a estudantes universitários, viéis auto-declaratório comprometendo a correta interpretação da realidade dos fatos, e ausência de comparativos internacionais. Todas essas ponderações foram superadas no presente estudo, no qual analisamos 100 mil indivíduos, sendo 6 mil homens e 4 mil mulheres para cada um dos 10 países da amostra: Argentina, Austrália, Brasil, Canadá, Chile, Itália, México, Espanha, Reino Unido e Estados Unidos. Assim, temos um universo amostral plúrimo em termos de nacionalidade e número de observações. As evidências empíricas aqui reveladas mostraram que indivíduos do sexo masculino são mais ativos na conquista extra-conjugal, refutando a sugestão de uma convergência comportamental. Homens contactaram em média per capita 30 mulheres diferentes no horizonte temporal de 3 meses, contra 13 na direção oposta. Em termos de preferências físicas, constatamos que indivíduos de âmbos os gêneros procuram consumar a relação com uma contraparte idealizada. Mulheres mostram interesse por homens altos e experientes. Os homens querem mulheres mais novas e em forma. Homens baixos ou novos, e mulheres altas ou velhas, foram os mais rechaçados da amostra. Com relação às preferências declaradas e reveladas sobre o tipo de encontro extra-diádico almejado, tanto homens quanto mulheres mostraram maior interesse por um “caso rápido”, indicando o intuito de estabelecer um contato pouco aprofundado, casual, de cunho físico-sexual e com baixa vinculação afetiva. A opção menos escolhida foi “um caso virtual”, sugerindo a efetiva intenção de concretizar a infidelidade, e não mantê-la restrita ao ambiente virtual. Por fim, verificamos que as estratégias de signaling analisadas (por meio de foto, feedback e presente virtual) foram fortemente eficazes. Em todos os casos indivíduos que adotaram tais sinalizações obtiveram substancial vantagem competitiva em relação aos demais e passaram a exercer maior atratividade, recebendo elevada parcela de mensagens e contatos.

As redes sociais virtuais: motivos para a utilização pelas organizações no Brasil

Esse estudo objetiva compreender porque as empresas, no Brasil, decidem investir em redes sociais na internet. Foram considerados fatores como a evolução da internet e das próprias redes sociais interativas (em especial Twitter, Facebook e YouTube), as rápidas mudanças tecnológicas que ocorrem no ambiente digital e o papel das agências de comunicação no mercado virtual. Nesse contexto, foi possível observar a importância das redes sociais, atualmente, no negócio das empresas. A falta de material acadêmico sobre o assunto fez com que a visita e a coleta de materiais em diversos websites fossem um recurso complementar valioso. Adicionalmente, com o foco no cenário brasileiro, foram realizadas entrevistas qualitativas semiestruturadas, com 11 gestores de empresas e três gestores de agências de comunicação, o que propiciou um mapeamento das motivações para a utilização das redes sociais pelas empresas, assim como o levantamento de outras informações valiosas para esse trabalho. O referencial teórico buscou contextualizar um panorama privilegiado nesse estudo, considerando o ambiente dinâmico da internet, as redes sociais interativas e seu valor, a mobilidade de acesso, e as agências de publicidade e redes sociais. Além dos resultados apresentados nesse estudo, as revelações de campo e suas discussões propiciaram a elaboração de uma tabela de grau de maturidade social em relação ao momento em que as empresas estão no âmbito digital, assim como o desenvolvimento de um modelo de aprendizagem organizacional no ambiente virtual para redes sociais. Finalmente, foram apresentadas as conclusões, assim como as considerações finais. O estudo demonstrou a importância das redes sociais no cotidiano das empresas e a necessidade de estarem presentes no ambiente virtual, já que estão nesse universo mesmo que de maneira passiva. Embora não tenha havido um fator genérico que possa ser utilizado como padrão motivacional para o investimento inicial nas redes sociais, a visibilidade da exposição da marca nesse meio, seguida pela necessidade de criar um canal de relacionamento com o cliente destacaram-se como fatores motivacionais mais relevantes para esse movimento.