TY - JOUR T1 - Efficient Web-Based Open and Distance Learning Services JF - Journal of Telematics and Informatics, Elsevier Science, Vol. 17, Issue 3 Y1 - 2000 A1 - Christos Bouras A1 - Apostolos Gkamas A1 - Thrasivoulos Tsiatsos A1 - P Destounis A1 - J Garofalakis A1 - G Sakalis A1 - B Sakopoulos A1 - J Tsaknakis AB - In this paper, we present data management issues faced during the design and development of an open distance learning system for the University of Patras, Greece. In order to handle data eciently, as required in a web tele-training application, for each type of information maintained, di€erent strategies must be deployed according to their behaviour and structure. The diversity and complexity of data, the network aspect of the application and web de®- ciencies impose an architecture design incorporating a plethora of technologies and tools that must be integrated in such a fashion that they eciently organise these data preserving their relationships. This presents a software engineering challenge requiring coherence of solutions at all levels: structures, consistency, security, models, and protocols. The paper presents the data components of an open and distance learning (ODL) system that access the information stored in a database and the ®le system, their underlying technology, their interaction with the network services, and features regarding the ways they address issues faced in an open vendorindependent distance learning environment and outlines the system's overall architecture. In addition, this paper presents the architecture, the design and the services of a network-based information system that supports open and distance learning activities. The open and distance learning information system (ODLIS) o€ers synchronous and asynchronous distance learning and management of information system (MIS) services to support the educational procedure. The ODLIS is a web-based application, which runs over the Internet using real time protocols. ER - TY - CONF T1 - Efficient Data Management to support Educational Activities T2 - Interactive Computer aided Learning-Tools and Applications-ICL 99,Villach, Austria Y1 - 1999 A1 - Christos Bouras A1 - Apostolos Gkamas A1 - Thrasivoulos Tsiatsos A1 - P Destounis A1 - J Garofalakis A1 - G Sakalis A1 - B Sakopoulos A1 - J Tsaknakis AB - In this paper we present data management issues faced during the design and development of an Open Distance Learning system for the University of Patras, Greece. In order to handle data efficiently, as required in a Web Tele-training Application, for each type of information maintained different strategies must be deployed according to their behaviourand structure. The diversity and complexity of data, the network aspect of the application and web deficiencies impose an architecture design incorporating a plethora of technologies and tools that must be integrated in such a fashion that they efficiently organise these data preserving their relationships. This presents a software engineering challenge requiring coherence of solutions at all levels: structures, consistency, security, models, and protocols. The paper presents the data components of a open and distance learning system that access the information stored in a database and the file system, their underlying technology, their interaction with the network services, and features regarding the ways they address issues faced in a open vendor-independent distance learning environment and outlines the system’s overall architecture. JF - Interactive Computer aided Learning-Tools and Applications-ICL 99,Villach, Austria ER - TY - CONF T1 - The Design and Development of Advanced Network Services over the Patras University Campus Network T2 - 5th International Conference on Computers in Education-ICCE 97, Sarawak, Malaysia Y1 - 1997 A1 - Christos Bouras A1 - Paul Spirakis A1 - Vasilis Triantafillou A1 - J Garofalakis A1 - J Tsaknakis A1 - J Tzimas A1 - A Tsakalidis A1 - I Antoniou A1 - D Karageorgopoylos A1 - B Basiliadis A1 - P Kappos AB - This paper presents some results of the initial phases of a big internal project running at the University of Patras. In this project - which is co-funded by the European Union - our team is responsible for the development of the Advanced Network Services over the Campus Network, which is being established during the project. In the following chapters we first present the general perspective and the architecture of the integrated system which offers the set of advanced services to the University community. We then describe in detail the different services (WWW and Intranet, On-line teletraining, Computer supported cooperative work, and Off-line teletraining). A key characteristic of the system is the integration of existing commercial tools, with tools that we are developing for the specific needs of the foreseen users. It is evident that this system can be considered as a pilot project for large and demanding user communities, as is the case with the University of Patras. JF - 5th International Conference on Computers in Education-ICCE 97, Sarawak, Malaysia ER -