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 world
s 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
