The MERLOT project focuses on creating secure educational data spaces and associated services available through a digital marketplace. The piloting process aimed to validate data sovereignty and refine digital tools designed for schools, students, and professionals.
Piloting Approach & Methods
The piloting was structured into three project years, with an emphasis on:
- Year 1: Acquiring pilot partners, collecting user requirements, and testing early concepts.
- Year 2: Evaluating the usability and effectiveness of digital services through user feedback.
- Year 3: Validating software solutions for market readiness.
To achieve these goals, various testing methods were employed:
- Workshops (Persona & Storyboard workshops for refining target users’ needs).
- Usability Testing (UI/UX assessments of software prototypes).
- Field Studies (Surveys, remote interviews, and AI-driven interaction tests).
Key Piloted Services
- Career Orientation Assistant:
- The service helps students with career planning through AI-based guidance.
- The pilot activities were conducted in different schools, gathering feedback on user experience.
- The collected feedback included mixed responses: Younger students found the tool engaging, while older students desired a more professional tone.
- Lifelong Learning & Training Assistant:
- The service provides adults with personalized learning recommendations and course paths based on their competences.
- The piloting results supported the improvement in usability, with suggestions for navigation entries and user-friendlier interactions.
- Self-Sovereign Data Manager (SeSoMan):
- The service was developed and tested as a concept for a tool that allows users to manage and control their educational data securely.
- The results of the piloting showed that the participants highly rated and valued the concept, particularly in corporate environments.
Conclusions & Recommendations
- User Experience: A need for simpler, more intuitive interfaces.
- Trust & Data Security: Strong demand for data sovereignty, particularly in educational institutions.
- AI & Personalization: AI-driven tools were well-received but require better contextual understanding.
The pilot tests provided valuable insights, allowing the consortium partners to enhance digital educational tools for various audiences. The project demonstrates the importance of user-centered design, privacy considerations, and AI-driven personalization in modern educational services.