@article {3061,
	title = {Efficient Web-Based Open and Distance Learning Services},
	journal = {Journal of Telematics and Informatics, Elsevier Science, Vol. 17, Issue 3},
	year = {2000},
	pages = { 213 - 237},
	abstract = {In this paper, we present data management issues faced during the design and development
of an open distance learning system for the University of Patras, Greece. In order to handle
data e\&$\#$129;ciently, as required in a web tele-training application, for each type of information
maintained, di\&$\#$128;erent strategies must be deployed according to their behaviour and structure.
The diversity and complexity of data, the network aspect of the application and web de{\textregistered}-
ciencies impose an architecture design incorporating a plethora of technologies and tools that
must be integrated in such a fashion that they e\&$\#$129;ciently organise these data preserving their
relationships. This presents a software engineering challenge requiring coherence of solutions
at all levels: structures, consistency, security, models, and protocols. The paper presents the
data components of an open and distance learning (ODL) system that access the information
stored in a database and the {\textregistered}le system, their underlying technology, their interaction with the
network services, and features regarding the ways they address issues faced in an open vendorindependent
distance learning environment and outlines the system{\textquoteright}s overall architecture. In
addition, this paper presents the architecture, the design and the services of a network-based
information system that supports open and distance learning activities. The open and distance
learning information system (ODLIS) o\&$\#$128;ers synchronous and asynchronous distance learning
and management of information system (MIS) services to support the educational procedure.
The ODLIS is a web-based application, which runs over the Internet using real time protocols.},
	author = {Christos Bouras and Apostolos Gkamas and Thrasivoulos Tsiatsos and P Destounis and J Garofalakis and G Sakalis and B Sakopoulos and J Tsaknakis}
}
@conference {2820,
	title = {Efficient Data Management to support Educational Activities},
	booktitle = {Interactive Computer aided Learning-Tools and Applications-ICL 99,Villach, Austria},
	year = {1999},
	month = {7 - 8 September},
	abstract = {In this paper we present data management issues faced during the design and
development of an Open Distance Learning system for the University of Patras,
Greece. In order to handle data efficiently, as required in a Web Tele-training
Application, for each type of information maintained different strategies must be
deployed according to their behaviourand structure.
The diversity and complexity of data, the network aspect of the application and web
deficiencies impose an architecture design incorporating a plethora of technologies
and tools that must be integrated in such a fashion that they efficiently organise these
data preserving their relationships. This presents a software engineering challenge
requiring coherence of solutions at all levels: structures, consistency, security, models,
and protocols.
The paper presents the data components of a open and distance learning system that
access the information stored in a database and the file system, their underlying
technology, their interaction with the network services, and features regarding the
ways they address issues faced in a open vendor-independent distance learning
environment and outlines the system{\textquoteright}s overall architecture.},
	author = {Christos Bouras and Apostolos Gkamas and Thrasivoulos Tsiatsos and P Destounis and J Garofalakis and G Sakalis and B Sakopoulos and J Tsaknakis}
}
@conference {2841,
	title = {The Design and Development of Advanced Network Services over the Patras University Campus Network},
	booktitle = {5th International Conference on Computers in Education-ICCE 97, Sarawak, Malaysia},
	year = {1997},
	month = {2 - 6 December},
	pages = { 420 - 427},
	abstract = {This paper presents some results of the initial phases of a big internal
project running at the University of Patras. In this project - which is co-funded by the
European Union - our team is responsible for the development of the Advanced
Network Services over the Campus Network, which is being established during the
project. In the following chapters we first present the general perspective and the
architecture of the integrated system which offers the set of advanced services to the
University community. We then describe in detail the different services (WWW and
Intranet, On-line teletraining, Computer supported cooperative work, and Off-line
teletraining). A key characteristic of the system is the integration of existing
commercial tools, with tools that we are developing for the specific needs of the
foreseen users. It is evident that this system can be considered as a pilot project for
large and demanding user communities, as is the case with the University of Patras.},
	author = {Christos Bouras and Paul Spirakis and Vasilis Triantafillou and J Garofalakis and J Tsaknakis and J Tzimas and A Tsakalidis and I Antoniou and D Karageorgopoylos and B Basiliadis and P Kappos}
}
