"The learner-centric NEWTON platform is an innovative LMS which has at its core the newly designed NEWTON Learner Model. This model includes both general user attributes such as gender, age, technological ability and some specific aspects mostly employed for learners with special needs such as type and level of disability. Additionally the model includes components describing user technical access environment which are expressed in terms of device features and network parameters. This enables dual support for both NEWTON personalised learning and adaptive media delivery. Extensive user learner model-based personalisation which includes support for learners with special needs and innovative adaptation of multimedia and multiple-sensorial learning content delivery are highly novel, especially in the context of a fully functional learning platform. Another innovative aspect is the design and deployment of the NEWTON gamification engine. The Gamification-enhanced platform enables users to target specific learning goals, get rewarded, receive feedback, etc. when progressing through stages, assuring higher levels of user motivation, engagement, and loyalty in the different learning activities. Integration of the rewards into the assessment process is also novel. Noteworthy is also the one-of-a-kind integration of Fab and Virtual Labs into the NEWTON platform, making them remotely accessible to students unable to access real fabrication equipment locally or willing to explore a virtual learning experience with innovative learning content, respectively. Finally and not least important is the fact that NEWTON platform-hosted content is delivered to learners through a number of self-directed and independent learning methods, which are learner-centric and aim to increase student engagement.
The use of the NEWTON platform and its innovative learning technologies is expected to help meet the NEWTON project goal of increasing user learning experience and satisfaction during the learning process and eventually attracting more students to STEM subjects, while maintaining and potentially improving their learning outcome.
NEWTON real-life validation involves at least 15 small-scale pilots and 3 large-scale pilots comprising approximately 1,000 students and 20 teachers/lecturers from 3 primary, 4 secondary and 1 school dedicated to special learning students, 1 vocational institute and 5 universities from 7 EU countries: Ireland, Slovakia, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Romania and UK. Some multimedia and mulsemedia content delivery and some game-based small scale pilots have already been carried out in 3 countries and the NEWTON technologies were very well received by the European students and teachers. The results of these and of the other pilots will be disseminated widely via diverse academic and non-academic/social channels.
NEWTON offers easy access to educators and learners with little or no technical skills and provides personalised access based on individual differences, experience, skills and special needs. One of the key impacts of the project is to deliver an innovative digital personalised learning experience through multi-sensorial channels, and thus contribute to the objectives of the ""Opening up Education"" initiative. Through utilizing technology in a wide range of STEM activities, NEWTON actively tackles the issues highlighted in this plan of action and helps deliver high quality education and digital skills required by the future job market. Inclusive education is another key aspect of
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