1. Accelerating the introduction of e-learning services in Upatras The challenges of integration with telematic infrastructure Dr Victoria Daskalou (daskalou@upnet.gr) Network Operations Center University of Patras URL:http://www.upnet.gr

2. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop2 Structure of presentation The academic background that affects the e-learning initiative in Upatras The approach for introducing e-learning services The e-learning pilot of Upatras: integrating e-learning with existing telematic services The future

3. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop3 The academic organization 5 Schools with 22 departments School of Natural Sciences (6 depts) School of Engineering (7 depts) School of Health Sciences (2 depts) School of Humanities & Social Sciences (5 depts) School of Economics & Administration (2 depts) 21 Undergraduate Programs with ~17000 active students 25 Postgraduate Programs with ~2500 active students

4. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop4 The academic community Faculty (~1000 members) The majority moderate users of Internet techs Variations in IT experience: experienced users in applied sciences versus poor users in theoretical directions The vast majority uses traditional teaching methods A very small number uses web technologies to support learning Doubtful about the use of on-line teaching methods: pedagogy, human interaction, no specific cost reductions, etc.

5. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop5 The academic community (cont.) Students (~20000) The majority experienced Internet users Easy-adopters of new technologies (e-mail, dial-up, WWW, chat) Fast learners of new communication methods (especially for entertainment) Demanding users with fast-growing requirements

6. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop6 The infrastructure Distributed administration of student registration procedures Registration per department Autonomous IT infrastructure for registration services per department Library & Information Services (LIS) Central library services for all users Network Services (UPnet) E-mail and dial-up for all users Central Directory services using LDAP

7. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop7 E-learning initiatives Earlier programs for the development of Web-based course material (ODL, etc.) Telephaessa: LIS program with special actions for VLEs PATREASnet: UPnet program for synchronous and asynchronous tele- education activities Departmental programs for the modernization of the program of studies

8. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop8 The introduction of e-learning services The key points of introduction strategy Identify user requirements in situ: Run a pilot Follow a modular and phased implementation with a low cost of entry Integrate with existing infrastructure Take advantage of: Existing administration procedures Existing user database Inform the users Take advantage of lessons learned for further deployment

9. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop9 The pilot: http://eclass.upatras.gr

10. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop10 The pilot architecture e-class Course Mgmt System Directory Server LDAP OpenLDAP Streaming Media Server MS Windows Media Services User & administration mgmt

11. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop11 The e-learning platform GUnet eclass Based on the open-source claroline system Asynchronous e-learning services Repository of electronic course material Announcements Forums Simple multiple-choice exercises Repository of student homework Use of Greek language (localization) Simplicity in use by tutors and students

12. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop12 Integration with telematic infrastructure Unified user management based on Directory Services (LDAP) Common user base with existing services => ~17,000 students became users of e-class Common administration procedures Single sign-on Common user credentials with existing services Video-on-demand Link with media server for delivering course material of audio & video on-demand

13. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop13 Very-early results In fifteen days of pilot use: 9 faculty members from 4 departments made an application and use e-class 10 courses have been created ~70 students use e-class The system is mainly used as educational material repository Not use of collaborative or dynamic features (forums, announcements)

14. 11/4/2003LIS Workshop14 The future Extend services based on lessons learned Provide personalized services, e.g. use learner- centered approaches Provide new features: Search, syllabus, etc. Synchronous learning Follow standards Support Reusable Learning Objects (ROLs) Choose platforms (open-source/commercial) Integrate, migrate and deploy Train and support users