Computer-assisted educational environments are an excellent complement to the learning process. However, when domains are complex, the expected learning support objectives may not be achieved. We are interested in the exploration, study and application of new interactive technologies suitable for their use in the classroom. We propose the use of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning combine...

People with disabilities encounter serious limitations in interacting with their home environment since their requirements are not met properly. Personal assisting devices interacting with the services offered by smart home environments can help to improve the quality of their lives. A major prerequisite for this is to provide an appropriate customization architecture which allows to reason abo...

This article discusses unexpected consequences of idealistic conceptions about the modernization of power grids. We will focus our analysis on demand-response policies based on automatic decisions by the so-called smart home appliances. Following the usual design approach, each individual appliance has access to a universal signal (e.g. grid frequency or electricity price) that is believed to i...

In this paper we present the design of a low cost system which automatically controls the air conditioning equipments of a home. The sensors and controllers distributed use Zigbee, a protocol for wireless personal area networks, to communicate themselves. The aim of our design is to facilitate the development of complex smart homes applications, emphasizing the modularity of the system. This ki...

According to the relevant guidelines of the FWF: "FWF project forms\ from 22-1-98, this application is not longer than 20 pages with minimum font size of 12 points.

A framework of usability factors is presented which serves as a basis for the thorough research of usability issues in the context of smart home systems. Based on well accepted approaches taken from the literature, various aspects related to usability are identified as significant for the implementation and future development of smart home systems. Finally, the partly existing prototypical inst...

Aims: To review the impact of the services of LifeTec, a NFP (not-for-profit) statewide community-funded provider of assessment, consultation and education services to support the adoption of smart home technologies, innovations for chronic disease prevention and solutions for independent living. Methodology: a review of service data collected by LifeTec and independently evaluated Findings: Li...