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IDLE-Eye – Eye movements in digital learning environments

The study Investigating Digital Learning Environments (IDLE-Eye) investigates how learners acquire knowledge and skills in digital learning environments. While learners work on various reading and programming tasks, we collect interaction data with the computer (log data) and gaze data (eye-tracking data) in order to trace learning and working processes and better understand the way they solve tasks. The study is being carried out with two parallel samples of school and university students.

In the IDLE-Eye study, we investigate how people learn in digital learning environments. To this end, they can first get to know different approaches and learning strategies in learning situations on the computer and then apply them in reading and programming tasks. The study has two aims: On the one hand, we investigate how participants deal with information from different digital texts and information sources and which solution strategies they use. On the other hand, we are interested in how participants develop an understanding and solution strategies for a programming task.

In IDLE-Eye, we record interaction data with the computer (log data) and eye movement data (eye-tracking data) in order to understand learning and work processes in these areas and to better understand how participants solve tasks. As a result, the validity of conclusions drawn on the basis of data from such learning environments can be examined and improved. A test session takes about 90 minutes and is carried out in German.

We are looking for participants!

Students in grades 8 to 10 can now take part in the IDLE-Eye tests in the RUB laboratories. A test lasts approx. 90 minutes including breaks and is carried out in German. Participation is voluntary and can be canceled at any time without giving reasons or disadvantages. All important information can also be found in our flyer. We are available to answer any questions by email.

There is an expense allowance of 20 euros. For classes with at least ten participating students, we will donate an additional class bonus of 10 euros per person.

Click here to book an appointment (German test sessions only)

In order for students to participate in the study, we require a declaration of consent signed by a parent or legal guardian. This declaration of consent must be brought to the test appointment. We will not carry out any tests without it.

Eye tracking is a method that can be used to record eye movements and changes in pupil size (pupillometry). A special camera is used to record the position, movement and duration of the gaze as well as pupil dilation. We do not take video recordings of the eyes, we merely calculate measures of gaze position and pupil dilation in real time. Using the data collected in this way, we can draw conclusions about perception and thought processes during task processing and uncover specific procedures for processing a task in digital space.

Click here to book an appointment (German test sessions only)

In order for students to participate in the study, we require a declaration of consent signed by a parent or legal guardian. This declaration of consent must be brought to the test appointment. We will not carry out any tests without it.

IDLE-Eye will be conducted in the lab rooms of the Department of Psychological Assessment and Testing of the Faculty of Psychology at RUB.

The test session will take about 90 minutes including breaks and is carried out in German. Participants will be presented with reading and programming tasks on the computer. To solve the programming tasks, they will be given the opportunity to use learning materials provided in the learning environment.

During the tasks, eye movements and changes in pupil size are recorded using an eye-tracking camera. In addition to the answers given, interactions with the learning environment (e.g. mouse clicks) are also recorded in order to link them to the eye movements. In addition to the problems shown in the learning environment, further test procedures are used to measure reading speed and questionnaires to record reading motivation and task completion.

Participation in the study is voluntary. Participants can end their participation in the study at any time and without giving reasons, without incurring any disadvantages.

Click here to book an appointment (German test sessions only)

In order for students to participate in the study, we require a declaration of consent signed by a parent or legal guardian. This declaration of consent must be brought to the test appointment. We will not carry out any tests without it.

  • Project team RUB: Carolin Hahnel (principal investigator), Robin Merchel, Leah Malek
  • Project team DIPF: Frank Goldhammer (principal investigator), Lothar Persic-Beck, Leonard Tetzlaff, Ulf Kröhne, Robert Baumann, Daniel Schiffner
  • Funding: Third-party funding from the Centre of International Student Assessment (ZIB) and budget of the department
  • Duration: 06/23- 06/26