Konstantinos Chimos

Unisuite: An innovative integrated suite for delivering synchronous and asynchronous online education

Unisuite is an integrated suite of applications for the creation and management of e-learning. It consists of three state-of-the-art stand-alone entities, Unibook, Uniboard and UniPM, which communicate via smart interfaces. In this paper, the techntechnological and operational innovationsical characteristics of Unisuite are presented. The technological and operational innovations are analyzed and potential extensions and improvements are presented.

An integrated self-evaluated framework for embedding Web 2.0 technologies in the educational process

In this paper, an integrated framework is proposed which covers synchronous and asynchronous education using several Web 2.0 tools and which takes into account several existing principles, views and strategies. Furthermore, this framework embeds self-evaluation mechanisms that are based on the performance of students, on answers to appropriately structured questionnaires and on the on-line monitoring of the supporting platforms parameters.

A Semantic Web Approach in the Implementation of a Linked Data Portal Using a CMS

In this work, a semantic web framework is proposed. The aim of the framework is to semantically process and link data from different sources. The proposed framework embeds multiple entry channels for different target groups and motivations to re-use, report, comment and share content. The implementation is built on top of a Content Management System. In this approach we are using Drupal but any other CMS can be used alternatively. Even though in our paradigm the sources are mainly from an institutions data, namely National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) digital library, the utilization of the proposed architecture can be directly extended to additional fields.

Combining technologies with the ECFS file system

In this paper we overview the existing technologies and services that could be used to offer an infrastructure of a specific distributed file system for e-learning platforms. We provide an analysis of the design considerations that are relevant for such services. Moreover, in the following report we provide a description of the environment that will be used to evaluate alternative designs. Finally, we propose a solution that can provide most of the required services.

Factors, issues and interdependencies in the incorporation of a Web 2.0 based learning environment in higher education

This work investigates the effect a Web 2.0 learning environment may have in higher education in adding value to the students’ existing competencies. The major issues that this work examines are whether the incorporation of a Web 2.0 environment in higher education has an effect on the students’ performance and what are the significant factors that should be taken into account in the deployment of these technologies to achieve the maximum possible benefits and whether and how they correlate to each other. These factors are derived from the students’ views on the use of technology in a university course deployment and from the students’ personal opinions about a pilot course in a Web 2.0 learning environment. Although the results indicate no direct effect on the students’ performance, significant factors have been revealed via a thorough assessment, which has been performed in the context of a semester–long course, utilizing statistical process control techniques. The derived factors are namely: “Technology as an educational reinforcement”, “Technology as a tool to enhance comprehension” and “Enhancement of student interest and experience”, while in the second one “Completeness of the educational approach”, “Satisfaction from the educational approach” and “Course demands”. These factors can then form the basis for a feedback processes and a monitoring mechanism for a continuously updated educational process.

Earth and groundwater visualisation using 3D modelling techniques in a cloud computing environment

This paper presents a process for modelling and visualizing Earth and groundwater in Greece using a highly customised open-source part of a 3D engine. Intelligent computational geometry methods are being used to fabricate the visualization in the three-dimensional space. Each step of the process is acknowledged as a subsystem and is illustrated and thoroughly discussed. Geospatial data regarding boreholes, pipelines and aquifers are hosted in a relational database system. The developed subsystems form a state-of-the-art application that is deployed in a cloud computing infrastructure with inherited elastic and resilient features for further development.

Pirus: A file storage service in cloud computing for educational use

This paper describes a file storage service for elearning platforms using object oriented logic in a cloud computing environment. The service can be used by an academic community giving users the ability to store remotely and access their personal files with no security compromises. The Learning Research Management (LRM) innovative system is introduced and a technological assessment of this system is proposed and implemented using a statistical evaluation process. The conducted process is based on the perceptions from using the system by the involved student population. This process leads to an iterative decision making phase to further improve the system.

I.P.AD.: An Integrated Project Management and Instructional Systems Development Model for E-learning

This paper presents IP.AD. a model for the development of e-learning projects. The proposed model incorporates instructional systems development and project management processes in order to successfully manage e-learning projects. The use of IP.AD. enables e-learning courses designers to deal with the difficulties that arise during the development of e-learning courses, by considering them as projects that must be managed and by providing features not traditionally offered by other methodologies. A case study applying IP.AD. to the Unibook e-learning system development is provided.