Angel Smrikarov

m-learning: a new stage of e-learning

Distance learning, electronic learning and mobile learning offer methods, which decrease the limitations of traditional education. This paper discusses the existing devices and technologies appropriate to realise mobile learning. Mobile learning as new stage of distance and e-learning is also examined.

Evaluation of mobile learning system

Abstract The paper examines an evaluation of mobile learning system named FLAGMAN developed in the University of Ruse, Bulgaria. The system supports foreign languages learning using mobile devices (Personal Digital Assistants, smart phones or wireless laptops). All learning materials and system interface are in seven languages–English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek and Bulgarian. For evaluation of the system is used investigation method. A questionnaire which consists of 35 questions divided in seven sections was developed. The first section contains questions about personal background of the user, while the next ones contains questions about technical feasibility, didactic efficiency, cost effectiveness, user friendliness, device and courseware used, and comments. The evaluation of the system is made during its trials in the British Hellenic College in Athens, Greece, in the International College, Dobrich, Bulgaria and in the University of Ruse, Bulgaria. 214 users (students and university lectures) are asked to fill in the questionnaire after using the system. The analysis of results of the evaluation shows that the mobile learning system is technical feasible, didactic effective and user friendly.

A model of virtual university - some problems during its development

A short analysis and classification of models of a virtual university today are made in the paper. A generalization of some problems occurring in the process of the virtual university development is given. A modular approach for creating a virtual university is proposed and the pilot project Rousse Virtual University is presented. Conclusions are made for possible perspectives and for future project development.

Test system in digital logic design virtual laboratory: tasks delivery

A Test System, which is a component in an Internet based Digital Logic Design Virtual Laboratory realized to the stage of tasks delivery is presented in the paper. A set of virtual instruments are at the disposal of the laboratory. Each instrument is designed to be used of the students to present the decisions of tasks of distinct type. The test consists of a number of tasks. Every teacher defines desired number of tasks of every type which are stored in a database, structures as many tests as wants and assigns them to the students. The tasks delivery system distributes the tasks in the database in a random way among the students and takes care about that there will be no identical tasks in a separate test and in tests of students in a group. Some blocks of the system are deployed in Apache Tomcat container. The laboratory requires authentication from its users. It is realized in the Java programming language using servlets, java server pages and applets. The system is intended for test control and can be used as a module in e-learning environments.

Exploring environments for creation of e-learning simulators

The focus of this article is to evaluate which of the three platforms: Flash, Java and Win32 is more appropriate for e-Learning simulators development. Selecting a platform should not restrict the end users about the operating system, neither should require high-end performance computer. The platforms are compared by many indices like availability, price, features, etc. In the article are explored also the multimedia capabilities of these platforms, since the e-Learning simulators should embed a lots of multimedia features.

A new approach for SCORM compatible database design

The paper discuss how to modify the Database of the e-Learning platform eLSe in order to achieve conformity with SCORM specifications. This conformity will make the learning content reusable and will enable exchange of courses between eLSe and existing learning management systems (LMS) and content management systems (CMS).

A conceptual model of scientific council website

The paper outlines the necessity of creation of a conceptual model of Scientific Council website. This model could serve as a as a framework for each Scientific Council (SC) website, and as a building block for establishment of SC websites network under the direction of Higher Attestation Commission. Such network would both reinforce the Higher Attestation Commissions leadership role and improve the services offered to the scientific community nationwide. A conceptual model and architecture of SC website are proposed and the process of implementation of a prototype SC website is discussed.

Results of the computer simulation of the fuel consumption of automobiles in acceleration process

Numerical investigation of the fuel consumption in acceleration process at uniform motion is made by using elaborated specified theoretical models and a program for computer simulation of the automobile, its aggregates and running processes. The results of the computer simulation are compared with experimental data of the fuel consumption in the same working conditions. The experiments are implemented at two regimes with different intensity of acceleration. The analysis of the obtained results shows that theoretical and experimental data have comparatively good coincidence. That is a reason to accept, that the model and algorithm of the program may be used for investigation of the economy indicators of mobile machines with a benzine engine. It is established theoretically and experimentally that for accelerating regimes with normal intensity, the fuel consumption increases by 1.5 to 2 times compared with those at uniform motion.

Computer system for research of the fuel economy of mobile machines

A flowchart of a computer system for investigation of the fuel economy of mobile machines is presented and its composition, type and parameters of the separate elements are substantiated. The sensors, fuel feeder, portable computer, multifunctional multiplex device for data collection, standard program insurance and specialized program instruments for data processing and for visualization of the results are included in the flowchart. The elaborated system is addressed to experimental acquisition of the economy characteristics of mobile machines. The system is universal, has the necessary supplements and is developed on the basis of mobile principle. The program Lab VIEW and other specialized program are used to compute the fuel consumption, the rotation frequency and rate of movement of the automobile.

Some approaches to implementation of virtual learning environments

A short analysis of well-known types of virtual learning environments today is presented in the paper. Some examples of world practice are adduced. Four main approaches to implementation of such environments are given. A conception for implementation of uniform virtual learning environment is proposed. As a conclusion the creation of Bulgarian Virtual University as a part of the third stage in national project for implementation of virtual learning environments is announced.