Abstract:

The exploration of emerging data exchange technologies and design of IBLL (image-based language learning) applications are presented in this paper. For integrating the mobile devices to learning process the generic interfaces have been created for portable personal spaces providing mobile access to multimedia documents based on XML technologies. The IBLL implies image processing, recognition and retrieval, thereby some algorithms have been proposed for learning assistant applications. The proposed framework can suggest ways of studying and organizing resources, provide long-term guidance on developing skills, and support experiential learning. It has been tested evaluating processing speed and recognition grade for interpretation and learning Japanese kanji on mobile devices. The computational approaches implemented in designed system can suggest ways of studying and organizing resources remembering ideas and events within portable personal spaces. The system can act as a learning assistant in performing tasks or solving problems by suggesting solutions and recommendations for IBLL.
The present time is characterized by the evolution and migration of traditional learning out of the school onto the network. It means that new mobile learning approaches now are in demand combining learning media (comprehensive, searchable, relevant, timely, learning objects), open community (a social/collaborative learning environment), and personalization (customizable tools and content options for the individual).
Due to physical features of mobile devices a simple migration of application from computers to new mobile devices is not possible. The specific architectures and approaches have to be adopted and developed for efficient data management in mobile environments. This is the first objective of this paper: taking into account the convergence occurring between the new conceptions of learning and the new mobile technologies, evaluate and propose appropriate wireless infrastructures for data exchange in distributed environments applying client-server or port-to-port approaches; optimize and adapt user interfaces for mobile devices with limited resources and capabilities of visualization, particularly, for mobile language learning activities.
The learning image-based language (Japanese, Mayan, etc.) implies indexing, recognition, and interpretation of visual information. As result, there is a growing need of efficient visual information processing and retrieval approaches to be fast and simple enough for migration to mobile devices. Thus, the second objective of this paper is to design some algorithms for multimedia documents processing, recognition, and retrieval appropriate for mobile devices. Obviously, the real language learning goes beyond symbol learning, but the ability to download support resources, information, and services and instantly to carry out the actions according to the particular behavioral model empower users to become active learners responsible for their own knowledge acquisition and decision making anywhere, anytime.
The proposed framework for Japanese kanji interpretation and learning could be considered as alternative way for the development of visual information retrieval facilities in wireless environments particularly used for image-based language learning assisted by mobile devices.

Keywords:

Mobile language learning, computer-based learning assistance, networking technologies, image processing.