Course Management Systems

Paper is directed to improvement of a FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) procedure in the field of reflow lead free soldering by the use of an ontology paradigm. Some ontology editor tools, suitable for our intention, are presented. Particular phases of ontology utilization for development of more exact approach to the FMEA procedure of reflow lead free soldering are analyzed. A proposal of a user's guide for the FMEA procedure based on an ontology paradigm is presented. This user's guide is included in university courses Management of Production Quality and Complex Quality Control provided by the Department of Electro-Technology.

Nowadays we find more and more applications for data mining techniques in e-learning and web-based adaptive educational systems. The useful information discovered can be used directly by the teacher or author of the course in order to improve instructional/learning performance. This can, however, imply a lot of work for the teacher who can greatly benefit from the help of educational recommender systems for doing this task. In this paper we propose a system oriented to find, share and suggest the most appropriate modifications to improve the effectiveness of the course. We describe an iterative methodology to develop and carry out the maintenance of web-based courses to which we have added a specific data mining step. We apply association rule mining to discover interesting information through students' usage data in the form of IF-THEN recommendation rules. We have also used a collaborative recommender system to share and score the recommendation rules obtained by teachers with similar profiles along with other experts in education. Finally, we have carried out experiments with several real groups of students using a web-based adaptive course. The results obtained demonstrate that the proposed architecture constitutes a good starting point to future investigations in order to generalize the results over many course contents.

A "colourful transaction" in the context of Section 96 of the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, 1950 of Bangladesh, refers to a transfer of land that is disguised as something other than a sale in order to defeat the right of pre-emption. This term is a judicial creation, not explicitly defined in the law itself, but it's a concept that has been widely recognized and applied by the courts to ensure the integrity of the pre-emption right.

Kuroda’s resistance to gakureki shakai’s obscurantism mirrors Western movements like the Enlightenment, Quaker activism, Soviet dissidence, and 1968 protests, which defied collectivist oppression through alternative networks and collaborative inquiry, all rejecting normative structures. In his course Culture Today, cooperative research development was adopted as its main concept. Participants were provided with assignments together with model reports created by former participants and asked to create their own respective answers that would deepen the subject not only speculatively but also creatively. This method was opposing to the zoom-oriented lecture management that consists of one-way teaching procedure in limited time span and restricted lecture environment such as watching movie skits in fixed environment. Culture Today was developed in flexible environment where no restrictions were assigned but based on participants’ free volition.

An application of nonlinear link with strut and tie model of seismic retrofit technique for existing reinforced concrete beam-column connections using planar joint expansion is proposed. The model is constructed based on experimental results of one control specimen, three retrofitted specimens and FEM analysis of strengthening method proposed by authors. Truss model which represents behavior and flowing of force in joint and planar expansion is constructed based on strut and tie concept. Nonlinear link is added in critical elements to represent nonlinear behavior. By solving statically indeterminate truss and checking strut and tie limitation, the design region solution is received. The model is not only predicts close value of maximum column shear force, failure mode and joint shear force but also predict column capacity and displacement relation. Proposed simplify strut and tie model is helpful for practical engineer in designing planar joint expansion retrofitting beam-column con...

It is argued that a failure to consider ecological sustainability within a systemic framework constrains the design of learning systems which are needed for taking effective purposeful action for 'managing' sustainable development. The arguments put forward are grounded in the author's experience of developing supported open learning curricula delivered in a distance teaching mode in the area of systems practice for managing complexity as well as the supervision of post-graduate student research.

Assessing usability is nowadays considered a crucial factor in improving and developing any system’s performance and effectiveness including but not limited to university learning management systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift to online education was raised which had made learning management systems (LMSs) a core component especially in college level education. However, despite LMSs widespread use, very few studies were focused on usability of such systems and even among those few studies, fewer were based on learner’s perspectives. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceived usability of the University of Tehran’s LMS, particularly seeking the viewpoint of graduate level students. This study deployed a quantitative approach grounded in principles of human-computer interaction (HCI). Nielsen’s heuristic evaluation framework was utilized as a basis to assess the usability of the aforementioned LMS. Data collection took place via a researcher-designed online questionnaire survey, which was distributed among experienced graduate students at the University of Tehran. Participant’s eligibility criteria included them having experienced fully online learning before the study period (October 23 to November 5, 2021). The questionnaire’s content validity was confirmed by experts in HCI, Usability, UX design, user studies, and product design. The apparatus’s internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Findings demonstrated that while graduate students perceived the LMS as being generally usable, falling above the average usability threshold, some aspects of the system still required further development. Specific heuristic categories were identified as requiring improvement, and additional usability features were recommended by participants at the end. This study aimed to shed light on both strengths and weaknesses of university of Tehran’s LMS from a user point of view. The results suggested various targeted improvements based on users’ feedback which can result in user satisfaction and overall usability of the system. Future system updates should consider integrating student-driven usability needs to optimize the learning experience.

This article examines the concept of Progressive Web Applications (PWA) as an innovative approach to development that combines the advantages of websites and native applications. It explores the technological foundation of PWA, including key components such as Service Workers, Web App Manifest, and HTTPS, which ensure high performance, offline access, and security. The study investigates the impact of PWA on improving user experience, cost efficiency in development, and their potential in various industries, including e-commerce and media. Special attention is given to the prospects of PWA application in the context of digital transformation and the further advancement of web technologies.

The use of Information Technology (IT) has been growing over the years in various human endeavours. It has also been adopted in education sector for teaching and learning. Various studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of e-learning strategy by students. In particular, the current research is an attempt to obtain students’ and instructor’s perspective on the use of Blackboard software. The technology is a course management system used in a blended learning mode to deliver a third year mechanical engineering course at the University of Botswana (UB). In terms of students’ views, the study covered a period of nine years and the questionnaire survey was administered to each succeeding cohort of students. Whereas in terms of the instructor’s perspective the motivation and the challenges faced during the years of use of the platform were described. Results indicate that students were generally comfortable with the use of Blackboard as they highly embraced ...

El articulo se inscribe dentro de un proyecto de transposicion de un contenido disciplinar de la asignatura Algebra y Geometria Analitica. Se aplica un procedimiento denominado descomposicion genetica, para describir las construcciones mentales de los alumnos durante el proceso de aprendizaje. El modelo elaborado se representa mediante una red semantica, implementada en la plataforma Moodle, tomando como parametros adaptativos el rendimiento y los estilos de aprendizaje de los alumnos. Se realizaron tareas para comprender la estructura del esquema adaptativo, analizando las estructuras de datos. Tambien se han desarrollado los algoritmos, que permiten extraer los datos necesarios para reconstruir una secuencia didactica, analizar los resultados y elaborar conclusiones, respecto del modelo de ensenanza propuesto.

This study explores the lived experiences of former Grade 12 students specializing in Food and Beverage Services (FBS) at Sto. Tomas Senior High School in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, who have completed the National Certification II (NCII) competency assessment. The research aims to understand how their training and practical experiences shape their perceptions of the food and beverage industry, as well as to identify the challenges encountered during the assessment process and the coping strategies employed. Utilizing qualitative narrative inquiry, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, with an emphasis on the validation of research instruments and adherence to ethical considerations in data collection. Findings reveal that NCII passers navigate a range of experiences, highlighting the disparity between professional expectations and reality, the development of confidence and self-efficacy, and recognition within the industry. Key challenges identified include managing efficient service and lifting heavy loads, while effective coping strategies such as streamlined workflow and unwavering execution were employed to overcome these obstacles. The study proposes a performance training development plan focused on enhanced experiential and technology-enhanced learning to further support NCII passers. The results underscore the significance of resilience and patience in overcoming industry challenges, revealing the need for educational enhancements and improved career guidance. Ultimately, this research contributes to the identification of crucial experiences and challenges faced by NCII passers, laying the foundation for developing an effective performance training plan.

Background. Patient records’ relevance is associated with a variety of needs and objectives. Substantiating the health of patients perpetually and allowing professionals in the medical field to assess both signs and symptoms that fall in a relatively wider temporal point of view and contributions that lead to enhanced diagnoses and treatment are all quintessential of patient records. The advancement of information technology systems has led to the anticipation that development will be put into digitization and electronic means of storing patient records in order to grease their handling. Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) is piloting implementation of patient’s electronic health record system. The introduction of the electronic health record system known as Lightwave Hospital Information Management System (LHIMS) was to provide a permanent solution to patients’ continuity of care. User’s acceptance of new information technology is seen to be one of the most challenging issues in in...

Desde hace varias decadas se ha notado una deficiencia en el aprendizaje de programacion,sobre todo en el desarrollo de habilidades algoritmicas. Es importante contemplar la forma en que elestudiante aprende de forma autonoma para mejorar las carencias identificadas. El presente trabajodescribe la adaptacion de la arquitectura de un Sistema Tutor Inteligente para desarrollar habilidadesalgoritmicas. La arquitectura formada por los modulos de estudiante, dominio, tutor y de interfaz, ahoraintegra el aspecto de gamificacion basado en el modelo de ChildProgramming. Como resultado se obtuvola integracion de aspectos de gamificacion en interrelacion con los otros modulos. Se pretende que elsistema determine su conocimiento previo, motive y acompane al estudiante de nivel superior adesarrollar sus habilidades de pensamiento algoritmico. Lo anterior forma parte previa sobre la creacion deun Sistema Tutor Inteligente (STI) que ayude al estudiante a su aprendizaje, en el area de programacion.

This study investigates the factors which are computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user satisfaction, personal innovativeness, and attitude that influence intention to use e-learning management systems among 500 vulnerable women attending non-profit organizations in developing countries. Employing a quantitative research design, the study involved the distribution of self-administered questionnaires to the target population for data collection. The index of item-objective congruence (IOC), pilot testing, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to analyze the data to conclude research findings. The study confirmed the hypotheses concerning the significant influence of computer self-efficacy, attitude, user satisfaction, and personal innovativeness on the Intention to use e-learning systems. However, the hypotheses related to the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and the relationship between perceived usefulness and attitude were not supported in this study. In conclusion, findings highlight attitude's significance, necessitating positive technology views. Personal innovativeness and computer self-efficacy emerge as key, emphasizing tailored training. User satisfaction's role in adoption and user-centric design's importance for intuitive platforms were underscored. Contrary to expectations, ease of use's impact was complex. This research guides e-learning implementation in non-profits, promoting empowerment through education for beneficiaries of a non-profit organization.

The conventional e-learning approach emphasizes a learning system more than a learning environment. While traditional e-learning systems continue to be significant, there is a new set of services emerging, embracing the philosophy of Web 2.0. Known as e-...

Resumen Los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje (EVA) cotidianamente no usan funciones adaptativas para sus usuarios, sin embargo, los sistemas adaptativos de aprendizaje (SAA) las emplean en favor del proceso de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. La adaptacion (personalizacion) del sistema de aprendizaje hace necesario recurrir a la informacion de cada uno de los alumnos y, en tal sentido, los estilos de aprendizaje son caracteristicas destacadas que individualmente muestran la proclividad del estudiante hacia ciertas preferencias o estrategias para aprender. En el presente articulo se evidencia el proceso investigativo seguido con el fin de dotar a un EVA representativo (Moodle™) de caracteristicas adaptativas, empleando interfaces hacia servicios web desarrollados para diagnosticar estilos de aprendizaje, segun multiples modelos debidamente validados, y recomendar materiales educativos a cada estudiante, empleando como tecnica las redes bayesianas. Los resultados permiten evidenciar l...

The undergraduate enrollment rate is rapidly increasing. Many students want advice on their journey to graduation. The students are unfamiliar with the major sheets and academic timetable of the university where they have enrolled. Thus, a model that handles the advising process for students who are unclear about how to choose their courses must be designed. This study provides a model for an academic adviser who may help students navigate their university experience. The model recommends a list of courses to the student depending on his current study level and categorizes the major sheet's courses by difficulty, which varies from easy to challenging based on previous exam results. Lastly, with so many students, the suggested model can assist in automating the advising process without requiring a lot of work.

The conventional e-learning approach emphasizes a learning system more than a learning environment. While traditional e-learning systems continue to be significant, there is a new set of services emerging, embracing the philosophy of Web 2.0. Known as e-...

This study rigorously analyzes the attributes of technical-vocational graduates in the Maasim, Sarangani Province, emphasizing their skills, curriculum completion, employability, and correlation with college course enrollment. The study employed a purposive sampling method to survey 119 participants from three senior high schools. A descriptivecorrelational study methodology was utilized to evaluate the correlations between the graduates' profiles and the important factors. The results indicated no substantial association among competency, employability, the finished track, and the students' current college courses. The National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) demonstrated a substantial correlation with the alignment of students' selected college courses. This indicates that the choice of senior high school tracks ought to be based on the outcomes of the NCAE, the High School Occupational Inventory of Interest, and the National Career Achievement Examination. The research reveals that students selecting pathways closely matched with their prospective college courses, especially the General Academic Strand and Humanities and Social Sciences, are more favorably positioned for future professional success. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive and data-informed methodology in the selection of senior high school tracks, guaranteeing congruence with students' academic and occupational objectives. The study emphasizes the shortcomings of providing educational courses simply based on the geographic location of schools, indicating that programs in remote locations, such as agriculture and technical-vocational education, may insufficiently equip students for higher education. This misalignment can pose difficulties for students transitioning to more demanding academic programs, highlighting the necessity of a curriculum that facilitates both short-term and long-term academic and career goals.

El presente estudio se centra en la optimización de entornos virtuales para la enseñanza de Emprendimiento y Gestión, con el objetivo de potenciar el aprendizaje activo y significativo de los estudiantes. A través de una exhaustiva investigación y diseño de un Plan de Unidad Didáctica, se busca determinar la incidencia de los entornos virtuales en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en el Bachillerato de una institución educativa en Ecuador. Se han identificado entornos virtuales clave, como Google Classroom y Moodle, destacando su usabilidad y relevancia en el ámbito educativo secundario. La propuesta se fundamenta en la integración de herramientas digitales innovadoras para estimular la participación y motivación de los estudiantes, fomentando el desarrollo de habilidades digitales y la autonomía en el aprendizaje. Se ha diseñado un plan detallado de actividades de Emprendimiento y Gestión, estructurado en unidades de estudio que abordan aspectos estratégicos, financieros, contables y legales del emprendimiento en entornos virtuales. La validación de expertos ha respaldado la propuesta, obteniendo un índice de promotores netos del 70%, lo que confirma su aplicabilidad y usabilidad en el contexto educativo. En conclusión, este producto científico representa una oportunidad para enriquecer la enseñanza de Emprendimiento y Gestión mediante la implementación efectiva de entornos virtuales, promoviendo un aprendizaje activo, colaborativo y significativo en los estudiantes, preparándolos para los desafíos del mercado laboral actual.

This work presents the application of subgroup discovery techniques to e-learning data from learning management systems (LMS) of andalusian universities. The objective is to extract rules describing relationships between the use of the different activities and modules available in the elearning platform and the final mark obtained by the students. For this purpose, the results of different classical and evolutionary subgroup discovery algorithms are compared, showing the adequacy of the evolutionary algorithms to solve this problem. Some of the rules obtained are analyzed with the aim of extract knowledge allowing the teachers to take actions to improve the performance of their students.

Open schooling has emerged as a major parallel system of education at the secondary and senior secondary level. Policy documents of the Government of India recognize the important role of open schooling in reaching the unreached. The Central Advisory Board of Education(CABE) Committee Report (2009, p.109) states that the open school network when fully developed should be able to cater to at least 15% students in secondary education. Hence it should be necessary to plan, set up as well as strongly promote open schooling in every State.

Abstract: Technological improvements have enhanced our range of educational experiences with such things as distance-learning. The education systems of today are needed to be supported by new architectures for managing the courses, instructors, students, performance records, for grading homeworks and exams, for supporting assessment, legacy systems, and security. We have developed a multi-tier architecture which integrates back-end tools and systems with commodity interfaces. Data at the back- ...

The Songkhla Lake Basin is one of rapid economic growth region, with associated discharges of waste products and conflicts of land use change. This study aims to investigate water quality and develop a statistical model for estimating when water quality conditions are conducive given Chlorophyll-a concentration exceeds 10 mg/l. The model is based on multivariate correlations between Chlorophyll-a concentration and limnological characteristics, season, climatic factors and water quality parameters from official data at 25 stations around Songkhla Lake collected by the National Institute of Coastal Aquaculture (NICA), Department of Fisheries of Thailand, from March 1992 to December 2003. The resultant forecasting model gave an r-squared of 50.5% and statistically significant associations with Lake Zone, season, climatic factors (air temperature and rainfall) and water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, transparency, total organic carbon, orthophosphate and ammonia). This model can provide a practical lake management tool for eutrophication surveillance. Furthermore, the study raised the problem of high potential risk and exceeding the relevant the surface water standards of some water quality parameter. We suggest that environmental awareness among the public is the first key to success in sustainable development of the Songkhla Lake Basin.

Abstract

Under the legal structure of Bangladesh, the interpretation of the law of torts is a decisive factor in providing justice through rights and liabilities. This paper focuses on the general concepts and methods of interpretation used in tort law in the context of Bangladesh, which has adopted English common law as its legal foundation. The book examines: Important interpretational rules like Literal rule, golden rule, mischief rule, harmonious construction, and beneficial rule/sharing light on some cases of defamation, negligence and nuisance. As the most crucial conditions to build a good legal position the paper delves into internal aids (e.g. preamble and definitions) and external aids (e.g. judicial precedent like Donoghue v Stevenson (1932)) that shapes the jurisprudence in support of Bangladesh.

Attention is particularly paid to statutes such as The Penal Code, 1860; The Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, and interests are shown in their impact on the interpretation of torts law. Focusing on landmark cases — Rabeya Khatoon v Dhaka Municipal Corporation (1977) and Mujibur Rahman v Bangladesh Times (1980) — the assignment identifies the unique challenges emerging from the lack of independent legislation. The conclusion calls for holistic tort regimes that promote transparency, consistency, and fairness in light of the societal objectives. ConclusionThis paper discusses the balance between individual rights and public interest, which will be necessary for adjusting to the emerging legal landscape in Bangladesh.

The study aimed to achieve a comparative analysis for the effective development of an integrated management system implementation in a selected pharmaceutical company. Gap analysis was utilized to evaluate the current situation of management systems' implementation and compare it with the expected requirements of international standards. The results revealed that the evaluated structuring and view of readiness of each clause from management systems. The study concluded that the implementation of an integrated management system can improve performance and meet the needs, expectations, and demands of customers and stakeholders by aligning quality with good manufacturing practices, environment, occupational health, and safety.

The growing global demand for tertiary education has led to the increased use of e-learning approaches around the world. Demand has increased most rapidly in low and middle income countries (LMICs), which account for half of the students currently enrolled in higher educational institutions (HEIs). But the implementation of e-learning programmes in resource-constrained settings faces many obstacles. This paper explores some of the key issues involved in implementation of e-learning in HEIs involved in the education of health professionals, given the resource constraints within which many institutions have to function. We present case studies of three such LMIC institutions of varying size and primary purpose. The paper suggests use of appropriate ICT infrastructure, both in terms of hardware and software, combined with effective access and bandwidth management policies is crucial to the successful implementation of e-learning courses on health within HEIs based in LMICs.

Son los principios y conceptos básicos de la Red de Petri (PN). Se presenta la evolución de una PN simple desde una (P, T, A) a una (P, T, E, S, Mo). Su definición Matricial, Marcado, Disparo de una transición, Ecuación fundamental de evolución, las propiedades de Comportamiento y Estructurales. Finalizando con la clasificación de las PN.

Los sistemas expertos son herramientas que pueden diagnosticar y apoyar el desarrollo del aprendizaje de los estudiantes, ayudando a mejorar sus debilidades una vez que han determinado su nivel cognoscitivo. El presente trabajo pretende desarrollar un sistema experto como herramienta de apoyo para la enseñanza de algunos temas de Cálculo, empleando redes bayesianas como motor de inferencia y registros de representación semiótica para la base del clasificador probabilístico. Se distinguen dos etapas: la primera consiste en diagnosticar ciertas debilidades en el estudiante; la segunda permite enfatizar la forma en la que se tratarán los aspectos relacionados con el aprendizaje y la manera en que serán presentados los tópicos del área a reforzar.

The results showed that Japan's motivation in cooperating in the field of space with Indonesia was based on research and science needs. Classification of diplomatic power in space assets consists of prestige, technology partnerships, access to space services, legal precedent, objective information, presence, and threat of punishment.

The results showed that Japan's motivation in cooperating in the field of space with Indonesia was based on research and science needs. Classification of diplomatic power in space assets consists of prestige, technology partnerships, access to space services, legal precedent, objective information, presence, and threat of punishment.

The results showed that Japan's motivation in cooperating in the field of space with Indonesia was based on research and science needs. Classification of diplomatic power in space assets consists of prestige, technology partnerships, access to space services, legal precedent, objective information, presence, and threat of punishment.

In the present paper, series of analyses of geotechnical works in Bangkok subsoil using three soil models with different levels of complexity are carried out by FEM and discussed with observed data. The analyses presented include pile load test, deep excavation and tunneling. The results obtained by using Mohr-Coulomb model, Hardening Soil model, Hardening Soil model with small strain stiffness are compared. The impacts of the chosen constitutive models on numerical analysis of such geotechnical works are shown. It can be concluded that using more sophisticated constitutive models which includes non-linear pre-failure and high stiffness under very small strain considerably improves the movement prediction.

Palavras-chave: educação a distância; aprendizagem social e aberta; e-learning; educação superior. open social learning in higher education. opportunities and challenges ABStRACt: the paper analyzes the potential of Open Social Learning (osl) in distance higher education. After discussing several aspects about the most widespread technological tools in this areas, as the Learning Management Systems (lms), the osl concept and its most important characteristics are reviewed: the openness idea, the social character and the centrality of the learning process. We review the opportunities offered to facilitate aspects such as the generation of personal learning environments (ple), the creation of a community; the validation of collective content, etc. However, the introduction of osl generates reticence and presents challenges for its integration in higher education systems, challenges that are also analyzed and that are linked, primarily, to the management process on the change of the process of the pedagogical model and the evaluation of learning.

This study compared the effect of Virtual Laboratory Experimentation (VLE)-use of virtual apparatus and material to conduct an experiment on a computer-and Real Laboratory Experimentation (RLE)-use of real apparatus and material to conduct an experiment in a laboratory-on undergraduate student teachers' understanding of electric circuits. A pre-post comparison study design was used for this purpose that involved an experimental (45 students) and a control group (43 students). Both groups used the same instructional method (inquiry) and instructional material (Physics by Inquiry-McDermott, 1996). However, participants in the control group used RLE to conduct the study's experiments in a physics laboratory, whereas, participants in the experimental group used VLE to conduct the same experiments on a computer. Conceptual tests were administered to assess students' understanding of electric circuits both before and after the study. Results indicated that the use of VLE improved students' achievement and understanding more than RLE

In this study the benefits and considerations related to implementation of "Learning by Design" (LBD) method through a Web-based learning environment were investigated from the instructor`s perspective. LBD is a project based learning approach on the basis of case based reasoning and problem based learning approaches. The case course of the study, Foundations of Distance Education, was given in blended form containing faceto-face sessions and web based instructional activities. The students were assigned to design a course site within LBD approach. The information gathered from the instructor in three different semesters were evaluated and compared. The 2010 and 2011 summer implementations of the course had some differences in technical and administrative level. These modifications were led by the previous experiences from the former implementations of the course. The outcomes of these differences were also investigated. It was emphasized that the project work had as a positive effect on the students' learning. Taking role in the design of a course with iterative processes was accepted to be effective in learning of the subject. It was also mentioned that this type of LBD implementation required a technical support. It was observed that the instructor has the sole responsibility of maintaining the servers, besides being the instructor.

Animating a Biology Curriculum With Research General biology research team members Dawn Valverde, Miranda Biegon, and Maria Robles collaborate on preparation of a paper describing the results of their student-designed project studying effects of nutrient deficiency on reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster.

FADxPMI is a project aimed at supporting the evolution from a training system ®rmly based on the face-to-face approach into one where Open and Distance Learning (ODL) techniques are widely used, especially to reach the sta of SMEs at their workplace. Within this project, the development of knowhow among course designers and trainers in the design of distance training events was achieved through a course called Design of Distance Training. This paper focuses on this course and discusses its design principles as well as the problems related to the development and implementation of courses of this kind. The Design of Distance Training course covered a wide range of ODL techniques and, since participants themselves were mostly SMEs sta members, it provided an interesting picture of the kind of problems that may be faced in developing distance training for SMEs. Among these, the most important issue concerns the compatibility of training and job commitments. The low degree of acquaintance with the new methods can also be a problem, especially at the beginning. In spite of these problems, the course managed to boost the desired process of introducing ODL techniques in SME training and to raise awareness among participants about the main positive and negative features of these methods.

provocó cambios en diferentes áreas universitarias, una de esas áreas son las bibliotecas. La digitalización de documentos llevó a replantear las herramientas utilizadas para la búsqueda de información, dando surgimiento a las hoy conocidas Bibliotecas Digitales. Generalmente, debido a la cantidad de información que cuentan estas bibliotecas, realizar una consulta resulta una tarea tediosa que consume una considerable cantidad de tiempo. Esta problemática podría solucionarse con la incorporación de agentes inteligentes que mediante una red bayesiana filtren y seleccionen la información, acorde con lo solicitado por el usuario, pero teniendo en cuenta también sus gustos y preferencias.

Sustainable use and development of watersheds become a major target of the national, European and global strategies and policies for sustainable development. This is based on recognition that: (i) the lotic and lentic systems are major components of the biophysical structure of natural capital which play a key role in providing a wide range of resources (e.g. water, food resources) and services (e.g. flood detention, recharging and discharging aquifers; nutrient retention and release, trace elements retention); (ii) the structure, water quality and their functions -production, regulation, information and support -were modified and degraded, in all EU countries (including Romania) in a proportion ranging between 50-90% (Castro et al., 2002; Nivet and Frazier, 2004; Revenga and Kura, 2003; Vadineanu et al., 2003); (iii) the water quality and the integrity or health of the lotic and lentic ecosystems are the results of long term integration of the cumulated stress of both human and natural pressures, acting at the watershed scales; (iv) there is a need to shift the former sectoral and reductionistic based management of water resources towards integrated/or ecosystem and adaptive management at the catchment scale (EU-WFD) and; (v) the management plans and decisions for sustainable use and development of watersheds have to rely on evaluation -in physical and monetary terms -of the impact of human pressures upon the water ecosystems structure and functions and, the quality and density of resources and services flows. Taking into consideration the above guiding requirements and the major social, political and economic changes emerged during more than 16 years of transition and negotiation of the EU accession and integration, the presentation is focused on the current status of the new emerging institutional, governing, legislative and administrative frameworks. A particular attention will be given to: (i) the 11 administrative units (hydrologic basins and watersheds) which cover the river network at the national scale; (ii) land use and landscape structure; (iii) water course 113

El presente trabajo propone modificaciones de los modulos tradicionales de un Sistema Tutorial Inteligente (STI) a fin de incorporar su implementacion en dispositivos moviles. Cabe senalar que el aprendizaje puede ser aprovechado eficientemente al anadir tecnicas que relacionen a las ciencias con la vida cotidiana, de este modo, el estudiante comprende lo que se le desea ensenar partiendo de teorias orquestadas por una herramienta que le permite aplicarlas para resolver problemas, es el caso que se presenta para las teorias asociadas a Energia. De las fases de desarrollo de un STI se enfatizan el analisis y diseno; conforme a la metodologia de desarrollo de software educativo se eligio XP considerando el alcance de las tres primeras etapas.