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 - JOUR T1 - A Cooperative Environment for Local Government: An Internet – Intranet Approach JF - Journal of Telematics and Informatics, Elsevier Science, Vol. 16, Issue 1-2 Y1 - 1999 A1 - Christos Bouras A1 - Vasilis Triantafillou A1 - P Destounis A1 - J Garofalakis A1 - J Tzimas A1 - P Zarafidis AB -

In this paper we present a Web-based, database oriented CSCW system to support information dispersal between di€erent Local Government authorities (Region, Prefecture and Municipalities) and the citizens. The system is implemented around the `shared workspace' notion, a group of directories and ®les controlled by the users of the workspace. Intranet and Extranet technologies are exploited to enable asynchronous and synchronous co-operation, manipulation of information from heterogeneous sources, security and easy administration, providing in parallel advanced communication facilities. We propose an innovative approach for the development of shared workspaces over WWW, based on state-of-the-art software platforms, integrating WWW and database technologies. The whole system was developed under a project funded by the Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology and aims in the ecient distribution and management of information between and within di€erent types of local authorities (Municipalities, Prefectures).

ER - TY - CONF T1 - Cooperative Information Systems over the Internet and the WWW T2 - EUROMEDIA 99-APTEC, Munich, Germany Y1 - 1999 A1 - Christos Bouras A1 - Vasilis Triantafillou A1 - P Destounis A1 - J Garofalakis A1 - J Tzimas A1 - P Zarafidis AB - In this paper we present a WWW-based approach for the development of a system supporting information sharing within an organizational environment. The system developed is exploiting Intranet and Extranet technologies enabling asynchronous and synchronous cooperation, manipulation of information from heterogeneous sources, security and easy administration, providing in parallel advanced communication facilities. We propose an innovative approach for the development of shared workspaces over WWW, based on state-of-the-art software platforms, integrating WWW and database technologies. The whole system was developed under a project funded by the Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology and aims in the efficient distribution and management of information between and within different types of local authorities (Municipalities, Prefectures). JF - EUROMEDIA 99-APTEC, Munich, Germany 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 - An Intranet and Internet based Information System for Administration and Information purposes T2 - 4th European Digital Cities Conference: Changing patterns of urban life, Salzburg, Austria Y1 - 1998 A1 - Christos Bouras A1 - Vasilis Triantafillou A1 - P Destounis A1 - J Garofalakis A1 - J Tzimas A1 - P Zarafidis AB - This work presents a system developed within a project funded by the Greek Government. The system deals with the distribution of information and the exchange of documents within, from and towards (region, municipalities, citizens, various groups etc.) the prefecture of Corfu. It is exploiting Intranet and Extranet technologies in order to enable asynchronous and synchronous cooperation, manipulation of information from heterogeneous sources, security and easy administration, providing in parallel advanced communication facilities. JF - 4th European Digital Cities Conference: Changing patterns of urban life, Salzburg, Austria ER -