Wojciech Kowalewski

Approximative Compactness and Full Rotundity in Musielak-Orlicz spaces and Lorentz-Orlicz spaces

We prove that approximative compactness of a Banach space X is equivalent to the conjunction of reflexivity and the Kadec-Klee property of X. This means that approximative compactness coincides with the drop property defined by Rolewicz in Studia Math. 85 (1987), 25 – 35. Using this general result we find criteria for approximative compactness in the class of Musielak–Orlicz function and sequence spaces for both (the Luxemburg norm and the Amemiya norm) as well as critria for this property in the class of Lorentz–Orlicz spaces. Criteria for full rotundity of Musielak–Orlicz spaces are also presented in the case of the Luxemburg norm. An example of a reflexive strictly convex Köthe function space which is not approximatively compact and some remark concerning the compact faces property for Musielak–Orlicz spaces are given.

Using a Virtual Learning Environment as a Key to the Development of Innovative Medical Education

Abstract This article shows the organization of distance learning, particularly the idea of b-learning, combining the accomplishment of classes carried on in the traditional way and via computers. The authors present learning activities related to complementary education herein. Some of these course types may be successfully adapted to an e-learning background. The models and structure of the university virtual environment for distance learning are described. These illustrate a new approach to creating a virtual space for medical and technical studies where e-learning courses are created to be used for distance education, which allows students to be taught more effectively. The projected virtual courses for different groups of students ensure individualization of students’ work, which could be a relevant element for creating the shortest path of development of professional competencies. This paper further includes a brief overview of technologies used to build interactive elements into learning mate- rials. The authors present the use of interactive elements in medical education based on examples of certain selected games and animations.

Educational Multimedia Materials in Academic Medical Training

Abstract This article presents an overview of generally available applications for creating multimedia and interactive educational materials, such as presentations, instructional videos, self-tests and interactive repetitions. With the use of the presented tools, pilot materials were developed to support the teaching of biostatistics at a medical university. The authors conducted surveys among students of faculties of medicine in order to evaluate the materials used in terms of quality and usefulness. The article presents the analysis of the results obtained.

Monotonicity Properties of Banach Lattices and Their Applications – a Survey

This is a survey of the most important results from the wide literature concerning monotonicity properties of Banach lattices and their applications.

Implementation of e-learning portal for academic education and lifelong learning

Distance education is entering the area of university education with increasing strength, particularly including lifelong learning. Distance education requires a well-structured organisation and resource management tools, namely an e-learning portal. Universities which are still at the beginning of the portal implementation process may encounter numerous technical and organisational issues. This article was created with a view of educational centres in which the portal is implemented with scarce financial resources by several academic employees having little experience in the field. The authors point to several key issues, such as: analysis of the schools needs in terms of distance education server resources, choice of portal in terms of technology, supported standards or functions necessary for proper course and lastly, user management. The article also mentions the often-underestimated aspect of portal management. The authors further present the capabilities of computational clouds, their deployment in the academic environment and their use in distance learning. Such a solution is extremely rare, particularly in Eastern and Central European countries.

Creating Digital Question Databases: Use of Self-Tests in Teaching Medical Subjects

Abstract Enhancement of teaching using digital materials is rapidly entering the world of medical studies. Creation of a self-learning environment supported with self-tests is received well, or even enthusiastically, among students. On the other hand, there is a relatively large group of opponents among university teachers, who do not see the need for changes in teaching and testing methodology to be made. This attitude may be surfacing as a result of anxiety connected with implementing new technologies in teaching medical subjects, as well as the belief that implementing new technologies does not have an immediate effect on learning quality. The authors of this article attempt to demonstrate that a thoughtful choice of e-learning platform facilitates the process of implementing online learning and testing aids in medical faculties. The second part of the article presents initial results of studies concerning the efficiency of learning enhanced with self-tests. Our analysis details the results of exams in pathophysiology taken by students of the medical faculty at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. After the course, an evaluation survey was completed by 195 students concerning the quality of teaching with the use of the OLAT (Online Learning and Training) e-learning portal. It showed that students had positive attitudes toward learning with the use of online materials, particularly with regard to the use of self-tests, which allowed students to check their knowledge independently in exam-like conditions. The article that follows is targeted at those teachers who are interested in implementing a self-study and electronic knowledge evaluation environment for their courses, not necessarily in medical subjects.

Perspective of Dimensional Analysis in Medical Science

Abstract This paper presents several applications of the dimensional analysis method to problems investigated in medical sciences. The method is used to analyze various complex processes without using formal laws governing the same. It is particularly suitable for a general analysis of fluid transfer (liquids and gases) in the human body. This paper mainly serves as an overview of selected applications, mostly those emerging in the recent years, and includes a discussion of the mathematical fundamentals of dimensional analysis together followed by its critical analysis. Containing detailed calculations of two examples, the paper also serves as training material in the area of the computational method of the dimensional analysis algorithm.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods and Their Applications in Medical Science

Abstract As defined by the National Institutes of Health: “Biomedical engineering integrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences and engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behavior, and health”. Many issues in this area are closely related to fluid dynamics. This paper provides an overview of the basic concepts concerning Computational Fluid Dynamics and its applications in medicine.

E-learning Portal Tools for Medical Education

Abstract The necessary prerequisites for efficiently pursuing distance learning include carefully planned organization of work and resource management tools, typically found in an internet application – a distance learning portal. The portal application must meet a number of capacity and functionality requirements. Learning goals are pursued through implementation of appropriate tools available in the portal. In the article that follows, the authors attempt to analyze this aspect of medical education as utilized by blended learning and e-learning classes. The article presents a proposal for a set of tools to organize classes in an e-learning portal at a medical school. In addition, the article presents the opinions of students of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences and the Medical University of Bialystok who took part in distance education classes.

Academic blended learning – competences and tools

Teaching with the blended learning method has many supporters in the academic circles, as it emphasises the key role of the teacher (mentor) in the learning process, and fits well with the idea of the life-long learning. The volatility of materials and the continuous evolution of tools and distance teaching and learning portals must involve a continuous improvement of ICT competences among people involved in teaching with this method. This article discusses selected aspects of preparing and teaching classes and evaluating students’ knowledge in teaching with the use of the blended learning method, with a special consideration of ICT competences necessary in this respect. Moreover, the authors present certain issues which are frequently less known to academic teachers but would significantly facilitate and streamline their work, such as: virtual seminars, leading project groups, distributing information via a portal, organisational consultation tools, etc.