Hellenic Open University Research Articles

Insights into Teachers’ Intercultural and Global Competence within Multicultural Educational Settings

As multicultural classrooms appear to be the norm nowadays, giving rise to new, more particular and targeted needs which must be accommodated, teachers now need to reflect on and adjust the strategies and practices they apply in order to meet the specific learning needs of their intercultural classrooms. For this reason, teachers’ education should be re-examined, evaluated, and enriched. In this light, this original study uses a case study to explores the language views and attitudes of graduates of a Hellenic Open University Master’s international programme entitled “Language Education for Refugees and Migrants” (L.R.M.). The aim is to explore teachers’ level of intercultural competence and readiness as well as their global competences as future teachers in multilingual and multicultural settings after completing the programme. To do this, the study attempts to evaluate the programme through the lens of the personal experiences of the graduates in terms of successes, weaknesses, and strengths. To conduct the research, both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied in the form of a close-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview conducted in two different formats. The results indicate that the majority of the participants were confident enough to manage the challenges arising in multicultural settings after completing the program, as they felt they had developed appropriate Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes; however, a few among them still felt uncertain in doing this. In addition, a number of different approaches and methods were found to be appropriate as used for teachers’ training, while the importance of teachers’ intercultural training was highlighted.

Engaging high school students to remote laboratories: the case of the μNet project

The microNet (μNet) project aims at the development of an extended network of educational cosmic ray telescopes in the geographical area of western Greece. In the initial phase (2022–2023) of the project, 20 telescopes will be deployed in high school buildings, while more than 50 schools will attend the educational program of μNet by distance, using the remote operated extensive air shower (EAS) detection stations and astroparticle-physics experimental devices deployed at the Hellenic Open University (HOU) campus. A pilot run of the μNet project started in 2020 for the deployment and operation of a small school network of cosmic ray telescopes in the prefecture of Achaea where the HOU is located. Although the original design of the pilot run included mainly activities that are carried out in person, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the remote operations of the μNet project gained focus, advancing the corresponding distance learning activities and remote laboratory methodologies. In this report we present the design of the pilot project, the remote experimental procedures followed during the run and discuss the results and the findings concerning the students’ and schoolteachers’ receptiveness of our methodology.

The μNet project: A status report

μNet aims at the deployment and long-term operation of an extensive school network of educational Cosmic Ray telescopes in the geographical area of Peloponnese. In the framework of μNet, an extended educational program will take place, encompassing educational activities for the construction, testing and operation of μCosmics (microCosmics) detectors, as well as for the remote operation of cosmic ray detection stations and astroparticle physics experimental devices deployed at the Hellenic Open University (HOU) campus. A pilot run of the μNet project started in 2020 aiming at the deployment and operation of a small school network in the prefecture of Achaea. In this work we present the progress of the program to date and the feedback we have received so far from the students and the teachers participating in it.

Preface

It is my great pleasure to be the Chair and Organizer of the 2nd International Conference of Environmental Design, ICED2021. This Conference is organized by the Laboratory of Technology and Policy of Energy and the Environment of Hellenic Open University, located in Athens and Patra, Greece, and is held, due to global sanitary reasons, again in virtual form. The dates of this Conference is 23 and 24 October 2021.List of Organizing Committee are available in this pdf.

Extensive Air Shower Reconstruction using the timing information from the RF-system of the Astroneu array

The Astroneu cosmic ray telescope is a distributed hybrid array consisting of both scintillator counters and RF antenna detectors used for the detection of extensive air showers (EAS). The array is deployed at the Hellenic Open University campus, on the outskirts of the urban area of Patras in Greece. In the present development phase, the Astroneu telescope includes two stations consisting of 3 scintillation detectors modules (SDM) and one RF antenna while a third station includes 3 particle detectors and 4 RF antennas (3SDM-4RF). In each station, the RF-detectors are operating receiving a common trigger upon a 3-fold coincidence between the particle detectors of the station. In this study we present recent results from the 3SDM-4RF autonomous station related to the estimation of the direction of the incoming cosmic air shower using only the timing information from the 4 RF detectors. The directions of the reconstructed showers using the RF timing are in agreement with the corresponding results using the SDMs timing as well as with the simulation predictions. This verifies that the RF signal emitted from EAS originating form Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR), can be detected even in areas with strong electromagnetic background.

On the equivalence between bimodal and unimodal students’ collaboration networks in distance learning

This work is aiming to contribute to the field of Distance Learning through Learning Analytics. We propose a methodological framework based on network analysis metrics to provide multiple indicators for Course Learning Analytics. Social Network Analysis is proposed for this purpose due to its capacity to provide an integrated representation of students’ interaction, where individual behavior is expressed within the context of a learning community. We perform experimental evaluation on real-life data from anonymized forum posts of postgraduate students and their tutors in the School of Science and Technology at the Hellenic Open University. Initially, we create and examine two-mode networks (participant-discussion) for two different modules. Subsequently, these networks are transformed into one-mode networks. Key measures are estimated and compared and the differences between their pedagogical interpretations are highlighted. We conclude that the choice between working with a bimodal network or projecting it into a unimodal one is determined by the nature of the research questions because of the distinct features that each one of them exhibits.

To Use or not Use Collaborative Learning Techniques in Teleconference Teaching? A Case Study from the Hellenic Open University

The purpose of the small-scale qualitative research study was to examine the use and perceived value of integrating collaborative learning techniques at teleconferences at the School of Humanities of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). Qualitative semi-structure interviews with tutors from the School of Humanities at the HOU were conducted in order for the research plan to be fundamentally heuristic and generate original results. Purposeful sampling was chosen for the data collection process, cross-sectional organization for the data classification and thematic analysis for the data analysis. The results of the present research study indicate the parameters need to be taken into account in order for the tutors to use collaborative learning techniques at teleconference teaching at HOU. Adequate teleconference platform, tutors’ training on distance collaborative learning and group dynamics, and a common understanding regarding distance learning and group dynamics in e-learning environments are some of the most significant findings derived from this research study. The role of students, as well as the role of the distance-learning provider, in integrating and adopting distance collaborative learning strategies is also highlighted by the results.

The contribution of the distance library of the Hellenic Open University to adult education

Libraries in the context of open and distance education and adult education can make a vital contribution to the overall educational process of trainees providing services based on their users' needs. This paper investigates the contribution of the services offered to postgraduate students in the Education Sciences and Adult Education programs of the School of Humanities - Hellenic Open University (HOU) by their library. Our basic methodological approach consists of 214 postgraduate students, using the quantitative method and a questionnaire with closed questions. Based on our analysis, postgraduate students are mostly aware of the services offered by the HOU's library, however, they do not use them often. Moreover, despite the crucial role of HOU's distance library, our research showed that students are not satisfied with the services provided. As this study is the first in the last ten years to investigate the discussed subject, it provides the university administration a valuable lesson to improve the quality of the library tools.

Calibration Procedures for Accurate Timing and Directional Reconstruction of EAS Particle-fronts with Astroneu Stations

The Astroneu array consists of three autonomous Extensive Air Shower (EAS) detection stations installed and operated at the Hellenic Open University campus. Each station (Astroneu station) combines two different detection technologies. Three charged particle detectors arranged in a triangle and an RF antenna in the middle. Before installation several calibration procedures were performed both to the individual detectors of the array as well as to each integrated Astroneu station. In this paper we present the development of simulation methods, data analysis techniques and experimental procedures, which have been used to calibrate and optimize the operating parameters of the Astroneu particle detectors, to process the experimental signals and extract timing and amplitude information, to correct for systematic biases and estimate precisely the particle-front arrival time on each individual detector resulting to accurate reconstruction of the detected EAS direction. Furthermore, the performance of the Astroneu telescope in detecting and reconstructing EAS is demonstrated with special inter-calibration runs, where pairs of stations are detecting simultaneously the same air shower, as well as with comparisons against the predictions of a detailed simulation description of the detectors.

The contribution of the distance library of the Hellenic Open University to adult education

The contribution of the distance library of the Hellenic Open University to adult education

μNet: Towards the first array of educational air shower detectors in Greece

We report on the design and the pilot phase of the [Formula: see text]Net project that aims for the active involvement of Greek high school students in the experimental procedures of astroparticle physics and especially in cosmic ray physics. Through the anticipated educational program, the students from the geographical area of Peloponnese will construct and operate educational cosmic ray telescopes deployed at their school laboratory and/or perform distant educational activities utilizing the extensive air shower array and the relevant remotely operated experimental setups of the Hellenic Open University Physics Laboratory.

Predicting and Interpreting Students’ Grades in Distance Higher Education through a Semi-Regression Method

Multi-view learning is a machine learning app0roach aiming to exploit the knowledge retrieved from data, represented by multiple feature subsets known as views. Co-training is considered the most representative form of multi-view learning, a very effective semi-supervised classification algorithm for building highly accurate and robust predictive models. Even though it has been implemented in various scientific fields, it has not adequately used in educational data mining and learning analytics, since the hypothesis about the existence of two feature views cannot be easily implemented. Some notable studies have emerged recently dealing with semi-supervised classification tasks, such as student performance or student dropout prediction, while semi-supervised regression is uncharted territory. Therefore, the present study attempts to implement a semi-regression algorithm for predicting the grades of undergraduate students in the final exams of a one-year online course, which exploits three independent and naturally formed feature views, since they are derived from different sources. Moreover, we examine a well-established framework for interpreting the acquired results regarding their contribution to the final outcome per student/instance. To this purpose, a plethora of experiments is conducted based on data offered by the Hellenic Open University and representative machine learning algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that the early prognosis of students at risk of failure can be accurately achieved compared to supervised models, even for a small amount of initially collected data from the first two semesters. The robustness of the applying semi-supervised regression scheme along with supervised learners and the investigation of features’ reasoning could highly benefit the educational domain.

Polarity, emotions and online activity of students and tutors as features in predicting grades

The lack of physical contact and the demanding need for personalized services has prompted stakeholders in distance learning to benefit from the enormous volume of students’ online traces in the Learning Management Systems. Data mining methodologies are widely applied to analyze data logs and predict trends for early and efficient interventions. Thus, the retention of students in the educational process can be achieved with positive effects on the reputation and finances of the institutions. This work divides the moodle data sets from six different sections of an annual postgraduate program at the Hellenic Open University in six periods for each section, due to the number of written assignments. Then it implements data mining techniques to analyze the activity, polarity and emotions of tutors and students in order to predict students’ grades. The results indicate the algorithm with the highest precision in each prediction. In addition, the research concludes that polarity and emotions as independent variables provide better performance in comparative models. Moreover, tutors’ variables are highlighted as an important factor for more accurate predictions of student grades. Finally, a comparison of actual and predicted grades indicates which students have used a third party to fulfill their assignments.

The obstacles faced by distance learning students in achieving their autonomy. The case of the Hellenic Open University

The obstacles faced by distance learning students in achieving their autonomy. The case of the Hellenic Open University

Teaching through written assignments in the Open University: an approach to the “voice” of postgraduate students on Instructional Discourse

This paper aims to approach and analyse students’ views on educational work that is carried out through the preparation of and feedback on written assignments, which constitute a fundamental element of the Open University teaching procedure, by making use of the concepts of instructional discourse and regulative discourse from Basil Bernstein’s theory, as well as the concept of institutional habitus. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of postgraduate students who were following the “Open Distance Learning” Module with the Hellenic Open University (HOU). The research findings reveal that the students would like Visible Pedagogies to be implemented during the conduct of distance teaching through written assignments. In particular, in contrast to the regulations of the HOU institutional habitus they would like to be provided with a great deal of time to produce their assignments, and for their assignments to be corrected by their tutors within a week. In addition, the students would like the requirements concerning the selection of the educational material they should consult, and the sequencing of their text, as well as the assessment criteria used to evaluate their written effort, to be made clear and obvious, as much prior to the preparation of their papers, as during correction of them .

TRANSACTIONAL DISTANCE AND STUDENT SATISFACTION IN A POSTGRADUATE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

The present study examines the three dimensions of the transactional distance theory of Moore and their correlation with student satisfaction, through a quantitative survey with data collected from 115 postgraduate students of the Hellenic Open University (H.O.U). The results indicate that students perceived low levels of teacher-student transactional distance and slightly higher, but still low, levels of student-student and student-content transactional distance. Moreover, they seem to be satisfied by their distant learning studies. Male students perceived lower levels of teacher-student and student-content transactional distance than female ones, while students with previous experience in distance learning perceived lower levels of student-student transactional distance than those without such experience. Statistically significant correlations exist between the three dimensions of transactional distance and satisfaction, with the strongest, negative correlation, observed between satisfaction and student-content transactional distance. Finally, statistically significant and, moderate to low, positive correlations were observed between the three types of transactional distance, indicating their interlinkages.

Outreach activities with the µCosmics air shower detector

The Physics Laboratory of the Hellenic Open University has constructed a small scale and low cost air shower detector suitable for operation inside the classroom or school laboratory (µCosmics detector). In this work we present some of the educational activities foreseen with the µCosmics air shower detector, as well as the assessment of a first attempt to engage high school pupils to experimental procedures of astroparticle physics.

Angular reconstruction of high energy air showers using the radio signal spectrum

The Hellenic Open University extensive air shower array (also known as Astroneu array) is a small scale hybrid detection system operating in an area with high levels of electromagnetic noise from anthropogenic activity. In the present study we report the latest results of the data analysis concerning the estimation of the shower direction using the spectrum of the RF system. In a recent layout of the array, 4 RF antennas were operating receiving a common trigger from an autonomous detection station of 3 particle detectors. The directions estimated with the RF system are in very good agreement with the corresponding estimations using the particle detectors demonstrating that a single antenna has the potential for reconstructing the shower axis angular direction.

The Astroneu Extensive Air Shower array

Astroneu is an array of autonomous stations to detect Extensive Air Showers, which is deployed at the Hellenic Open University campus on the outskirts of Patras in western Greece. Currently 9 scintillators detectors and 3 Radio Frequency (RF) antennas have been installed and operated at the site. The detector units are arranged in three autonomous stations each consisting of three scintillator detectors and one RF antenna. We present the hardware components of the array, the online software for the remote control, monitor and Data Acquisition, as well as the offline simulation and reconstruction software. We report also briefly on the performance of the array demonstrating its potential to detect Extensive Air Showers.

Designing Infographics in a Higher Education context: content and aesthetics in a timeline layout

Infographics as data visualization practices, illustrate information creating a visual narrative, challenging students to visually communicate ideas and develop respective digital skills. Visual communication literature acknowledges appearance and explanation as important attributes of information graphics; however little research has been conducted so as to determine how these properties function. This paper aims to address criteria for the efficacy of infographics: an evaluation rubric has been used to examine appearance and explanation based on aesthetic and content values. Twelve (12) timeline infographics have been collected from Higher Education students who produced their digital artifacts in the context of the Module ‘Design and development of Educational Material and Digital Media’ which is a Thematic Unit of Masters Program ‘Language Education for Refugees and Migrants’ of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). Analyzed data revealed characteristics of timeline infographics regarding functionality and esthetics.