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Using eye-tracking in education: review of empirical research and technology

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Abstract

This study aims to provide a systematic review of recent eye-tracking studies conducted with children and adolescents in learning settings, as well as a scoping review of the technologies and machine learning approaches used for eye-tracking. To this end, 68 empirical studies containing 78 experiments were analyzed. Eye-tracking devices as well as the ever-evolving mechanisms of gaze prediction endorsed in the prior and current research were identified. The review results indicated a set of salient patterns governing the employment of eye-tracking measures and the inferred cognitive constructs in learning, along with the common practices in analyzing and presenting the eye-tracking data. Eye-tracking has been used to track engagement, learning interactions, and learning-relevant cognitive activities mainly in a research lab or a highly-controlled learning setting. The mechanisms of gaze capturing and prediction with learners in a dynamic and authentic learning environment are evolving.

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Articles marked with an asterisk were included in the systematic review

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by the US Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research program [U411C190179].

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US Department of Education (Grant No. U411C190179).

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Correspondence to Fengfeng Ke.

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Ke, F., Liu, R., Sokolikj, Z. et al. Using eye-tracking in education: review of empirical research and technology. Education Tech Research Dev (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10342-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10342-4

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