Title: Large-scale deployment of distance education in computer science at the Hellenic Open University

Authors: Michalis Xenos, Thrasyvoulos Tsiatsos, Bill Vassiliadis

Addresses: Hellenic Open University, 16 Saxtouri Str., GR 26223, Patras, Greece; Research Academic Computer Technology Institute, N. Kazantzaki Str., Patras University, GR-26500 Rion, Patras, Greece. ' Hellenic Open University, 16 Saxtouri Str., GR 26223, Patras, Greece; Department of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 114, GR-54124, Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Hellenic Open University, 16 Saxtouri Str., GR 26223, Patras, Greece

Abstract: This paper presents experiences related to the introduction of educational technologies in a situation involving a large number of students. We argue that significant differences exist between pilot use and large-scale deployment of educational technologies. To support our case, we present the experiences from the gradual introduction of educational technologies in a module of a computer science course involving 1242 students and 40 tutors, all relying on these technologies.

Keywords: distance education; information technology; virtual scientific experiments; VSE; sychronous e-learning tools; online learning; computer science education; Greece; Hellenic Open University; educational technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2008.020669

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2008 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.285 - 297

Published online: 08 Oct 2008 *

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