A Culturally-Sensitive Model for CME Distance Learning Demonstratesa Way Forward： Kenya＇s Experience with ACME-IT （Advancing Continuing Medical Education Through Information Technology）

A distance learning Continuing Medical Education （CME） project based on live interactive presentations and a group participatory model demonstrated that important strides can be made in the quality of CME available to health care professionals in African rural settings. Implementers choose a communication model consistent with the fundamental orality of Kenyan and other sub-Saharan African countries. The project involved four hospitals and one training institution in rural Kenya. The testing of learners and focus group discussions with learners, facilitators and presenters indicated that the project＇s methodologies, that strove to be culturally and work place friendly, contributed to gains in knowledge, competencies including case management, the continuity of patient care, team work, staff morale and other issues of expressed importance to the hospital healthcare work force and hospital administrators. The learning system, known as Advancing Continuing Medical Education through Information Technology （ACME-IT）, was implemented by the Kenyan Ministry of Medical Services, EC Associates and the US-funded Aphia2 Western initiative implemented by PATH. The findings of this pilot suggests that the ACME-IT methodology that set up learning centers at the participating institutions is a promising viable alternative to the traditional and relatively expensive workshop training that characterizes much of CME in lower and middle income countries.

The Model of Open and Distance Learning for Teaching Indonesian Through Socio-Cultural Approach and Psychological Aspects to Students of Indonesian for Foreign

This study aims to find out the effect of the model of ODL （Open and Distance Learning） for teaching Indonesian for foreign and whether this model of ODL implements socio-cultural and psychological approaches. The students＇ learning of Indonesian for foreign is in so many aspects that it must be considered from both psychological aspects of students＇ language and cultural aspects. The research was carried out on foreign students＇ studying Indonesian language. The research method used action research. ODL model developed this concerning how the students are anxious in foreign language learning and language use in accordance with Indonesian culture. The model of ODL for teaching foreign Indonesian uses the Internet facilities such as email, Skype, VolP, Google Talk, circulating document with comments, chat, forum, CD, audio-video, stream media player, and e-learning system. Based on the results of this study which is that students study the model ODL for teaching Indonesian through socio-cultural approach and psychological aspects and students of Indonesian for foreign improve their ability to use the Indonesian language, students are able to converse fluently in Indonesian in accordance with Indonesian culture

Extracts of Children’s Books as a Basis for Creative Writing Activities Within the Framework of Distance Learning:An Elementary School Case Study

Literature can be used in education as basis for creative writing activities not only in traditional classroom learning but also in distance learning.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a four-month online creative writing program on the utilization of literary texts in elementary school through collaborative activities.The research sample consisted of 15 students of the 5th grade of elementary school.Evaluation of program activities was performed by completing a structured improvised questionnaire on the asynchronous education platform“e-class”of the Panhellenic School Network,where students were asked to fill in fields regarding(a)literary excerpts,(b)creative writing activities,and(c)online groups.Based on the results,students responded in a positive manner to the use of literature in the context of online collaborative writing groups.The majority of students expressed their satisfaction both with regard to the creative writing activities,having literary excerpts as a stimulus,but also with regard to the effectiveness of online groups.In conclusion,it seems that literature can be used creatively through playful group creative writing activities and distance learning.

Development and Evaluation of a Distance Learning System Based on CSCW

This paper described a distance learning system, which allows Internet users to conduct a lesson in real time from any kinds attached computers. Participants can jointly view and edit relevant multimedia information distributed through Internet. Teachers and students can also simultaneously communicate by voice and text to discuss the problems. Teacher can broadcast streaming PowerPoint presentation in real time to network users. In addition to sliders, presenters can broadcast video and audio simultaneously to deliver a live multimedia show online, and store their presentations for on demand playback. Teachers distributed in different places can also use cooperative editing tool to edit and encode existing digital content. We discussed some important design principles of the system. Then, the system configuration and the results of evaluation are also presented. The system has proved to be applicable to the distance learning based on CSCW (Computer Support Cooperative Work) in Internet.

LoColms： an innovative approach of enhancing traditional classroom form of education by promoting web-based distance learning in the poorer countries

There have been numerous attempts recently to promote technology based education (Shrestha, 1997) in the poorer third world countries, but so far all these have not provided a sustainable solution as they are either centered and controlled from abroad and relying solely on foreign donors for their sustenance or they are not web-based, which make distribution problematic, and some are not affordable by most of the local population in these places. In this paper we discuss an application, the Local College Learning Management System (LoColms) , which we are developing, that is both sustainable and economical to suit the situation inthese countries. The application is a web-based system, and aims at improving the traditional form of education by empowering the local universities. Its economicability comes from the fact that it is supported by traditional communication technology, the public switching telephone network system, PSTN, which eliminates the need for packet switched or dedicated private virtual networks (PVN) usually required in similar situations. At a later stage, we shall incorporate ontology and paging tools to improve resource sharability and storage optimization in the Proxy Caches (ProCa) and LoColms servers. The system is based on the client/server paradigm and its infrastructure consists of the PSTN, ProCa, with the learning centers accessing the universities by means of point-to-point protocol (PPP) .

An Exploratory Study of the Application of Modern Distance Learning Resources for Rural Elementary and Middle Schools in Western China:The Case of Three Cities in Gansu Province

Based on a specially adapted questionnaire,research was carried out to explore how resources in modern distance learning were being applied in rural elementary and middle schools in Western China,in order to enhance the usefulness of the allocated resources.One particular distance learning project was used as the subject of the study,and teachers at 22 rural elementary and middle schools in 3 prefecture-level cities in Gansu Province,Western China,acted as the sample group.Analysis of the teachers’questionnaire responses showed that,(1)there is a comparatively high number of modern distance learning resources in use in rural elementary and middle schools in Western China,and they are being effectively used in the classroom to assist in everyday teaching;(2)teachers of rural elementary and middle schools in Western China have the ability to make use of these modern resources,and can obtain them by way of multi-channel inquiry;(3)modern distance learning resources are already becoming important components of everyday teaching resources in Western China;and(4)teachers are generally able to apply these resources well,despite some problems remaining.In the case of problems in application,most teachers are able to find adequate solutions.

澜湄开放教育及柬埔寨远程教育的未来

This journal article delves into the future of distance learning in Cambodia and the potential for collaboration with the Mekong-Lancang Open Education initiative. It explores how distance learning can successfully address the current issues the Cambodian educational system is currently facing. The article discusses the goals and opportunities for collaboration that the Mekong-Lancang Open Education initiative presents, as well as the difficulties and potential solutions involved in implementing distance learning in Cambodia. Moreover,the article also offers insightful case studies and best practices from other countries, offering valuable insights and lessons for Cambodia. Lastly, the article concludes with policy recommendations for the future of distance learning in Cambodia. Future research and studies should concentrate on continually evaluating and improving the Mekong-Lancang Open Education Initiative to ensure that it effectively meets the educational needs of students and educators.

Evaluation of Technical Education by Using a Modern Structured MOODLE Laboratory Course, in Relation to Recent Data

E-learning platforms support education systems worldwide, transferring theoretical knowledge as well as soft skills. In the present study high-school pupils’, and adult students’ opinions were evaluated through a modern structured MOODLE interactive course, designed for the needs of the laboratory course “Automotive Systems”. The study concerns Greek secondary vocational education pupils aged 18 and vocational training adult students aged 20 to 50 years. The multistage, equal size simple random cluster sample was used as a sampling method. Pupils and adult students of each cluster completed structured 10-question questionnaires both before and after attending the course. A total of 120 questionnaires were collected. In general, our findings disclosed that the majority of pupils and adult students had significantly improved their knowledge and skills from using MOODLE. They reported strengthening conventional teaching, using the new MOODLE technology. The satisfaction indices improved quite, with the differences in their mean values being statistically significant.

WhatsApp as a Tool for Integration and Motivation in Distance Education

This article was based on a Distance Education project in the Pedagogy course which, for a semester, through active methodology, reviewed the contents of the course to increase the knowledge of these students as well as to carry out a pilot test of Hybrid Teaching. The research aimed to contribute to studies on the use of WhatsApp as a tool that favors the integration and motivation of students in Online and Hybrid Teaching. The project included classes before the classroom lessons, physical and online presence of tutors and teachers, communication via WhatsApp, e-mail, Facebook and the online course platform to review and raise the course fee, raising doubts and encouraging the participation and integration of each student. The object of the study was the use of WhatsApp throughout the course, due to the adhesion of students and teachers using it as a tool for integration and motivation for the graduates of the 17 poles participating in the project. It is a descriptive research with a quantitative approach and characterized by a survey. 104 students participated in the survey, which guarantees a confidence level of 93%. A questionnaire was elaborated and requested, via Google Forms, to understand aspects of integration and motivation, containing 10 questions using the five-level Likert scale. It was possible to verify that the tool presented a 77% satisfaction index with the use of WhatsApp considering its positive influence in the best use of the studies while 90% considered WhatsApp important in the integration of students with students, and teachers with students. Also corroborated that the student interacts better with the studies when there is an interpersonal relation present, in this case, through the classes of study and face-to-face held weekly and the immediate communication provided by WhatsApp group chats. Finally, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.8) between the intensity of satisfaction with the use of WhatsApp in this project and the satisfaction with the continuity of the use of WhatsApp in other courses.

Educational Application for Special Needs Is a Learning Tool the Way Forward？

As the 21st century brings in a revolutionary change in the way students study at schools and universities, technology continues to play a crucial role in helping students achieve more conceptual and practical knowledge of topics taught in classrooms. Students with special needs too are now able to study in a general classroom setting, access relevant technologies and use them for higher cognitive development, helping them integrate with their surroundings. However, existing literature shows that though multiple learning tools exist that do enhance learning in special needs students, they either cater to specific areas of development such as Mathematics and English, or that are targeted towards a specified category of studentswith special needs such as autism and cerebral palsy. Furthermore, despite multiple laws and regulations supporting the right to education launched by the UAE （United Arab Emirates） government for special needs students, there seems to exist a need to provide classrooms across the country with educational applications that have a universal approach particularly in the UAE in order to include students with almost any special needs. This paper looks closely at the existing literature and highlights this gap, especially in the UAE and proposes to develop such a tool based on existing learning concepts.

COVID-19 and information and communication technology in radiation oncology:A new paradigm

Due to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,there has been a major reallocation of resources that has impacted the treatment of many diseases,including cancer.The growing use of information and communication technologies(ICT),together with a new approach to work aimed at ensuring the safety of health care professionals and patients alike,has allowed us to maintain the quality of care while ensuring biosecurity.The application of ICT to health care(eHealth)aims to significantly improve the quality,access to,and effectiveness of medical care.In fact,the expanded use of ICT has been recognized as a key,cost-effective priority for health care by the World Health Organisation.The medical speciality of radiation oncology is closely linked to technology and as a consequence of coronavirus disease 2019,ICT has been widely employed by radiation oncologists worldwide,providing new opportunities for interaction among professionals,including telemedicine and e-learning,while also minimizing treatment interruptions.Future research should concentrate on this emerging paradigm,which offers new opportunities,including faster and more diverse exchange of scientific knowledge,organizational improvements,and more efficient workflows.Moreover,these efficiencies will allow professionals to dedicate more time to patient care,with a better work-life balance.In the present editorial,we discuss the opportunities provided by these digital tools,as well as barriers to theirimplementation,and a vision of the future.

Interactive Pedagogy and Massification ＂Empirical Study＂

The training is now expanding in quantity and variety. Massification--which sank--forces universities to meet the challenge of public diversity and to justify pedagogical research. This article takes into consideration particular way of these new requirements heuristic and praxeological referred to teaching that must take into account the expectation of the learner. This work is in a descriptive and explanatory approach and aims to promote higher teaching practices through the new interactive technology tools to stimulate educational innovation within the university system. The aim of this work is the inclusion of massification to contribute to the development of a model for interactivity and effectiveness of learning. This model was developed from a theoretical approach since the state of the art and an empirical approach for several experiments. The study focused on a database C2i exams ＂IT and lnternet certification of all learners of the Academy of Montpeilier （n = 4,254） on the online formapro platform＂. The results have shown that the success rate is highly correlated with the duration of prior self. The integration of these technologies in universities offers interactivity and learning environment for adjusting teaching practices and acquiring new skills.

MLEA： A Solution for Users of Android in UTPVirtual

This paper describes a design of an educational platform for a mobile learning architecture, which is a state of the an topic in distance education. The product will allow users to interact in an efficient, flexible, and transparent fashion with a web-based education environment, in this case Module Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment （Moodle）, using Android mobile devices. In order to provide a strong and lasting architecture, the Service Oriented Architecture （SOA） methodology is used given that it allows easy software re-utilization as well as integration of heterogeneous services. The architecture is based on web services implemented with Representational State Transfer （REST）, as it has been demonstrated to be lighter and less consuming than other protocols, for devices with limited resources such as mobile devices. Web services provide the communication means between the server side and the client side of the architecture, whereas agents are used to deliver the services itself. The authors propose the development of an environment that facilitates the integration of various educational resources to support m-learning. An important aspect of the proposal is the offering of a tool to provide customized alerts for students and teachers, enabling them to remain updated about activities taking place in the courses.

An up -to -date comparative analysis of the KNN classifier distance metrics for text categorization

Text categorization(TC)is one of the widely studied branches of text mining and has many applications in different domains.It tries to automatically assign a text document to one of the predefined categories often by using machine learning(ML)techniques.Choosing the best classifier in this task is the most important step in which k-Nearest Neighbor(KNN)is widely employed as a classifier as well as several other well-known ones such as Support Vector Machine,Multinomial Naive Bayes,Logistic Regression,and so on.The KNN has been extensively used for TC tasks and is one of the oldest and simplest methods for pattern classification.Its performance crucially relies on the distance metric used to identify nearest neighbors such that the most frequently observed label among these neighbors is used to classify an unseen test instance.Hence,in this paper,a comparative analysis of the KNN classifier is performed on a subset(i.e.,R8)of the Reuters-21578 benchmark dataset for TC.Experimental results are obtained by using different distance metrics as well as recently proposed distance learning metrics under different cases where the feature model and term weighting scheme are different.Our comparative evaluation of the results shows that Bray-Curtis and Linear Discriminant Analysis(LDA)are often superior to the other metrics and work well with raw term frequency weights.

Data-driven Transient Stability Assessment Based on Kernel Regression and Distance Metric Learning

Transient stability assessment(TSA) is of great importance in power systems. For a given contingency, one of the most widely-used transient stability indices is the critical clearing time(CCT), which is a function of the pre-fault power flow.TSA can be regarded as the fitting of this function with the prefault power flow as the input and the CCT as the output. In this paper, a data-driven TSA model is proposed to estimate the CCT. The model is based on Mahalanobis-kernel regression,which employs the Mahalanobis distance in the kernel regression method to formulate a better regressor. A distance metric learning approach is developed to determine the problem-specific distance for TSA, which describes the dissimilarity between two power flow scenarios. The proposed model is more accurate compared to other data-driven methods, and its accuracy can be further improved by supplementing more training samples.Moreover, the model provides the probability density function of the CCT, and different estimations of CCT at different conservativeness levels. Test results verify the validity and the merits of the method.

Distance metric learning guided adaptive subspace semi-supervised clustering

Most existing semi-supervised clustering algorithms are not designed for handling high- dimensional data. On the other hand, semi-supervised dimensionality reduction methods may not necessarily improve the clustering performance, due to the fact that the inherent relationship between subspace selection and clustering is ignored. In order to mitigate the above problems, we present a semi-supervised clustering algo- rithm using adaptive distance metric learning （SCADM） which performs semi-supervised clustering and distance metric learning simultaneously. SCADM applies the clustering results to learn a distance metric and then projects the data onto a low-dimensional space where the separability of the data is maximized. Experimental results on real-world data sets show that the proposed method can effectively deal with high-dimensional data and provides an appealing clustering performance.

Student Performance Prediction via Attention-Based Multi-Layer Long-Short Term Memory

Online education has attracted a large number of students in recent years, because it breaks through the limitations of time and space and makes high-quality education at your fingertips. The method of predicting student performance is to analyze and predict the student’s final performance by collecting demographic data such as the student’s gender, age, and highest education level, and clickstream data generated when students interact with VLE in different types of specific courses, which are widely used in online education platforms. This article proposes a model to predict student performance via Attention-based Multi-layer LSTM (AML), which combines student demographic data and clickstream data for comprehensive analysis. We hope that we can obtain a higher prediction accuracy as soon as possible to provide timely intervention. The results show that the proposed model can improve the accuracy of 0.52% - 0.85% and the F1 score of 0.89% - 2.30% on the four-class classification task as well as the accuracy of 0.15% - 0.97% and the F1 score of 0.21% - 2.77% on the binary classification task from week 5 to week 25.

Learning from the crowd:Road infrastructure monitoring system

The condition of the road infrastructure has severe impacts on the road safety, driving comfort, and on the rolling resistance. Therefore, the road infrastructure must be moni- tored comprehensively and in regular intervals to identify damaged road segments and road hazards. Methods have been developed to comprehensively and automatically digitize the road infrastructure and estimate the road quality, which are based on vehicle sensors and a supervised machine learning classification. Since different types of vehicles have various suspension systems with different response functions, one classifier cannot be taken over to other vehicles. Usually, a high amount of time is needed to acquire training data for each individual vehicle and classifier. To address this problem, the methods to collect training data automatically for new vehicles based on the comparison of trajectories of untrained and trained vehicles have been developed. The results show that the method based on a k-dimensional tree and Euclidean distance performs best and is robust in transferring the information of the road surface from one vehicle to another. Furthermore, this method offers the possibility to merge the output and road infrastructure information from multiple vehicles to enable a more robust and precise prediction of the ground truth.

The Virtual Lab System

A virtual lab system is the simulation of real devices and experiments usingcomputer and network technology. It can make users do experiments easily, observe experimentphenomena and results through the remote terminal. Consequently, users can get final results toverify relative theory. The article analyses the features of virtual lab systems. A real virtual labsystem named 'Multimedia Virtual Lab for Digital Circuit Logic Design (MVLDCLD)' which has beendeveloped by the authors and their group is also presented.

Discovery method for distributed denial-of-service attack behavior in SDNs using a feature-pattern graph model

The security threats to software-defined networks(SDNs)have become a significant problem,generally because of the open framework of SDNs.Among all the threats,distributed denial-of-service(DDoS)attacks can have a devastating impact on the network.We propose a method to discover DDoS attack behaviors in SDNs using a feature-pattern graph model.The feature-pattern graph model presented employs network patterns as nodes and similarity as weighted links;it can demonstrate not only the traffc header information but also the relationships among all the network patterns.The similarity between nodes is modeled by metric learning and the Mahalanobis distance.The proposed method can discover DDoS attacks using a graph-based neighborhood classification method;it is capable of automatically finding unknown attacks and is scalable by inserting new nodes to the graph model via local or global updates.Experiments on two datasets prove the feasibility of the proposed method for attack behavior discovery and graph update tasks,and demonstrate that the graph-based method to discover DDoS attack behaviors substantially outperforms the methods compared herein.