
Recent advances in sensor technology allow for investigating emotional and cognitive
states of learners. However, making use of sensor data is a complex endeavor, even more so when
considering physiological data to support learning. In the BMBF-funded project Learning Analytics
for sensor-based adaptive learning (LISA), we developed a comprehensive solution for adaptive
learning using sensor data for acquiring skin conductance, heart rate, as well as environmental
factors (e.g. CO2). In particular, we developed, (i) a sensor wristband acquiring physiological and
environmental data, (ii) a tablet application (SmartMonitor) for monitoring and visualizing sensor
data, (iii) a learning analytics backend, which processes and stores sensor data obtained from
SmartMonitor, and (iv) learning applications utilizing these features. In an ongoing study, we
applied our solution to a serious game to adaptively control its difficulty. Post-hoc interviews
indicated that learners became aware of the adaptation and rated the adaptive version better and
more exciting. Although potentials of utilizing physiological data for learning analytics are very
promising, more interdisciplinary research is necessary to exploit these for real-world educational
settings.