Cyprus University of Technology Integrated e-Learning Project
The aim of the co-funded from EU and National funds project: ‘Development of an Integrated e-Learning Environment’ for the Cyprus University of Technology was to create an innovative multi-platform, learning, communication and collaboration environment, based on Moodle, to enhance and support the current education procedures for pre-graduate and post-graduate studies.
The multi-platform developed for the Cyprus University of Technology, encompasses all those features that make it essentially a superset of the current open source e-learning solutions: Asynchronous e-Learning, Synchronous real-time web conferencing, Collaborative Learning, Networking and Research through Web 2.0 technologies and applications, as well as interactive training material in the form of SCORM compliant Learning Objects.
The platform , and consequently the entire project, is available in the following link http://elearning.cut.ac.cy/ and includes the following subsystems:
- The Portal of the project with administration subsystem with single sign on capabilities and management of each subsystem
- Asynchronous e-Learning Subsystem (Learning Management System – LMS based on Moodle with customization developed for the needs of the University)
- Synchronous e-Learning Platform (Web Conference / Virtual Classroom) based on open meetings
- Social Learning / e-campus subsystem that supports Informal Learning inside and outside the institution based on Elgg
- E-Portfolio subsystem for achievements and as an electronic curriculum for students and the liaison office of the educational institution, based on Mahara ePortfolio
- 3D Virtual worlds based on the opensim platform
3D Virtual worlds are engaging, stimulating spaces where students can meet online for normal class activities, including lectures, discussions, case studies, projects, papers, exams, and labs. Classes are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities. A virtual world class differs from a traditional course management system, such as Moodle, due to the three-dimensional (3D) graphical setting, the use of avatars to represent the class participants, and the sense of presence that puts the learner within the scene. Basic characteristics:
* Multimedia-rich: full duplex sound communication, chat
* Integration: with other platforms such as moodle
* Cross-platform: operates in windows, linux, iOS etc
* Interoperability: compatible with 3D objects ( imports scada, autocad, collada, mesh objects)
* Customization: fully customiozable environment with building function
* Scalability: the number of prims (primitives) can be scalable based on the need of the client