2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Connecting Lifelong Learning Logs and Distributed User Models Using Blockchain
| Project/Area Number |
22KJ1914
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Institution | Kyoto University |
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Principal Investigator |
OCHEJA Patrick 京都大学, 学術情報メディアセンター, 特別研究員(PD)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-03-08 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | blockchain / lifelong learning / user model / learning log / BOLL / personalized feedback / learning analytics / generative AI |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Our research on integrating distributed user models via blockchain included a usability study of the Blockchain of Learning Logs (BOLL) system. This evaluation engaged students and teachers to assess the system's user-friendliness, control features, interface consistency, and practical relevance. Based on the findings, we improved the system's design and developed a new user interface to facilitate easier deployment in educational settings. The results were presented at the 31st International Conference on Computers in Education in Matsue, Japan.
Further, in collaboration with the Migalabs team at the Barcelona SuperComputing Center, we developed custom tools for collecting and analyzing data on the Ethereum blockchain. Our analysis focused on large blocks to explore potential scalability challenges, particularly with upcoming technology like rollups and blob transactions. These findings will be shared at the 6th Blockchain and Internet of Things Conference in Fukuoka, Japan.
We also initiated research on using blockchain-connected data and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalized learning guidance. Preliminary assessments indicate that this approach could automate the process of delivering personalized feedback, significantly reducing teacher workload. Our initial results suggest that the integration of rich contextual data from various educational environments can enhance the efficacy of large language models in personalizing responses, thereby improving the learning experience.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Our research has made significant progress, aligning well with our outlined objectives. This past year, we focused on developing systems for studies in diverse learning environments and engaged with external blockchain experts to enhance its educational applications. This collaboration has advanced satisfactorily and promises to significantly contribute to our research goals in future phases.
Additionally, we have started integrating large language models (LLMs) to personalize learning experiences. This integration uses lifelong learning logs stored on the blockchain, providing a rich source of contextual information for learners. This development is a major step towards more effectively tailoring educational experiences through generative AI.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
We plan to continue our research by evaluating the implementation of our blockchain system in various educational settings. We will focus on deploying this system in schools to enhance teaching and learning activities. Additionally, we will explore how data from the blockchain can be used to build user models and provide contextual data to LLMs for personalized feedback.
In summary, our research will focus on:
1. Deploy our educational blockchain system in select schools to connect lifelong learning data and study its impact on educational processes.
2. Evaluate how blockchain-connected data can improve the use of AI systems in education.
3. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the effects of using connected lifelong learning data and the resulting user models in various learning contexts.
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| Causes of Carryover |
The amount to be spent in the next fiscal year was incurred due to unspent expenses on publications owing to delayed experiments and results on ongoing studies. Specifically, a study planned to be conducted at a School was postponed to the next fiscal year. Also, a previously submitted paper is still being reviewed and would likely be accepted in the next fiscal year. We plan to use this amount in covering costs for publication of journal and conference papers. There is also a plan to organize a workshop at an international conference on adaptive learning with large language model in educational context.
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| Remarks |
GotEth is a go-written client that indexes all validator-related duties and parameters from Ethereum's beaconchain by fetching the CL States from a node (preferable a locally running archival node).
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