Teaching, Research and Innovation in Computing Education

Virtual Network of Innovative Educational Technologies Centres
in the field of Computing

Welcome to our Virtual Network!

As part of the European Thematic Network "Teaching, Research and Innovation in Computing Education" (TRICE), we are establishing a Virtual Network of Innovative Education Technology Centres (VNIETC).
Each Centre will have its own specialities and its own website, shown below.
The network should enable us to share experiences of using innovative educational technologies across Europe, leading to high quality education utilising modern technologies such as e-Learning, m-Learning, development of new educational programs etc.

The following Centres are part of our network:

“Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse, Distance Learning Center, Centre for Innovative Educational Technologies
Show Abstract
http://ciot.uni-ruse.bg/
The Centre for innovative educational technologies has been established in answer to the EC initiative “E-learning”. Mostly young lecturers, doctoral students and students work in it. The first development of the Centre has been a software platform for e-learning, which facilitates the lecturers in their fast and easy creation of web-based courses and provides the students with a virtual library. Two virtual laboratories have been created based on software models and real equipment.

In 2002 collaborators of the Centre created the website of the pilot Virtual Department in Computing “John Atanassov”. In 2003 the website of the Virtual Faculty of Information and Communication Technologies came into existence.

In 2004 the Centre was assigned the task of creating the website of the Bulgarian Virtual University, and in 2007 – the portal of the National Network of Virtual Libraries. All sites are on servers of the Centre and are serviced by its collaborators.

Annually, the Centre holds national seminars and international conferences, in which lecturers from almost all colleges and universities in Bulgaria, as well as scientists from many European countries take part.
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“Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse, Distance Learning Center
Show Abstract
http://cdo.uni-ruse.bg/index.php
The Distance Learning Centre (DLC) was created with a decision of the Academic council on 19 April 2005.
Its main functions, connected with teaching are:
• Organising the training of lecturers, participating in the distance learning form of education;
• Familiarising the students with the main features of distance learning;
• Working in collaboration with coordinators of programmes to achieve the aims of distance learning;
• Following the development of tools and technologies for distance learning and proposing updates of the currently used technologies at the university.

After the institutional accreditation in 2006 the Centre was granted a third technology level of distance learning. This means that the centre has a dedicated server with guaranteed high-speed internet access, on which the teaching materials and modules for training and evaluation will be published. The distance-learning form of education of students in a given degree programme can start after a corresponding programme accreditation and after the documentation and distance learning courses have been set in accordance with the internal regulations for distance learning of the University of Ruse. The centre has an Internet based e-learning system, in which teaching materials have been published (syllabi, lectures, workshops, tests, etc.) for more than 140 courses.
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Vienna University of Technology
http://vnietc-trice-austria.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-is-vnietc-trice-as-part-of.html
Sofia University
http://s3t.uni-sofia.bg/VNIETC/
Technical University of Sofia, Local E - Learning Centre
Show Abstract
http://cs-tusofia.eu/
http://cs-tusofia.eu/cscience/index.php?option=com_weblinks&view=category&id=19&Itemid=54
The e - learning in the field of Computer Systems is organized as part of services, provided to the students from the Computer Systems Department web site. Lectures, labs: case studies, conspectus and example tests are available for both the students in Computer Systems and Technologies studying in Bulgarian (first URL) and Computer Sciences studying in English (second URL). E – Learning system is opened only for our students and lecturers. It is intensively used and highly appreciated by the students.
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Technical University of Varna, Distance Learning Center
Show Abstract
http://tu-varna.bg/tu-varnado/
The Distance Learning Centre (DLC) was created with a decision of the Academic council on 02.09.1997. The main objectives and tasks of Distance Learning Center are:
• Creating and offering courses / distance learning programs as an alternative to conventional training;
• Providing training for different groups of people;
• Cooperation with the National Center for DL and other centers that offer distance learning;
• Cooperation with organizations in Europe;
• Training of trainers on DL methodology;
• Marketing in the field of distance learning technologies;
• International cooperation on projects related to distance learning.

The DCL staff was involved in more than 10 projects in PHARE, TEMPUS, MINERVA, Leonardo da Vinci and other programs. The Distance Learning Center has the facilities to enable IT and Internet support for training. Available techniques and tools are used to design, layout and maintenance of training materials, conducting methodical exercises, etc., as required by the Ordinance on state requirements for the organization of distance learning. Distance Learning Center has a rich library of literature and other materials for distance learning.
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Technical University of Gabrovo, Distance Learning Center
Show Abstract
http://www.tugab.bg/bg/distance
The Distance Learning Centre (DLC) was created with a decision of the Academic council reflected in Protocol № 4 of 30 November 2004.
-The main activity of DLC is to provide conditions for the diffusion of knowledge and satisfy their need for constant renewal and maintenance, where the student and teacher are separated by location, by using highly advanced information technology, real time saving, space and time to implement training.
-DLC activity is the organization of training in remote sensing of Bulgarian and foreign citizens to acquire educational qualification degree "master" for professional program accreditation areas rated "good" or "very good" by the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation.
- The activity of TSDO develop in the following areas:
1. methodological and technical support to the process of distance learning;
2. consulting and methodological support for teachers to develop textbooks and teaching materials for distance learning;
3. preparation of teachers and students to use technology for distance learning.
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Technical University of Gabrovo, Virtual Department of Computing (VDC)
Show Abstract
http://else.tugab.bg/index.php?lang=bg
Virtual Department of Computing "John Atanasov" was established as a result of 27 years work of the Computer Systems and Technologies Dep. at the Gabrovo Technical University. This is Internet based e-learning system, in which teaching materials are published (syllabi, lectures, workshops, tests, etc.
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University of Veliko Turnovo
Show Abstract
http://vk.uni-vt.bg
Virtual Department of Computing (VDC) was established as a result of 10 years work of the Computer Systems and Technologies Dep. at the Veliko Turnovo University, on different projects in field of virtual learning: Virtual Department of Computing, Virtual ICT Faculty, Bulgarian Virtual University and also research projects: Virtual Education and Mobile Learning. All this projects were established with a goal to develop and integrate in the education process of Veliko Turnovo University Innovative Educational Technologies.

Main functions, connected with teaching and learning are:
• Organising the training of lecturers, in order to know how to use the modern e-learning technologies in education;
• Familiarising the students with the main features of web based learning;
• Working in collaboration with another educational institution in Bulgaria and abroad to achieve the aims of virtual learning;
• Providing the research and development of tools and technologies for e-learning and proposing updates of the currently used technologies at the university.

We also have an Internet based e-learning system, in which teaching materials are published (syllabi, lectures, workshops, tests, etc.
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International Business School, Distance Learning Center
Show Abstract
http://www.ibsedu.bg/studylife/?p=Onlineku
The Distance Learning Center of IBS, together with Gatlin International LLC provides wide range of online courses.

Gatlin International is the trusted leader in online learning, fully immersed each day in its mission of providing quality education to the world. Offering innovative learning solutions to universities, corporations and governments in more than 50 countries, Gatlin International serves thousands of students and partners worldwide with offices and multilingual staff in the U.K., U.S., France and China.

Our Business Model. Offering certificate courses that students access through our partnering universities, corporations and governments worldwide.

We are continually updating our quality certificate courses in new languages as well as offer content from the worlds best eLearning providers to bring you the largest variety in online training.
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Czech Technical University, Open Informatics
Show Abstract
http://oi.fel.cvut.cz/en/home
Open Informatics is a research-oriented educational concept, whose primary objective is to provide students with quality education comparable with the rest of the world, in the field of computer science, to help them pave the way for connecting (master’s and doctoral) studies at universities in the Czech Republic as well as abroad. The highly demanded, highest-quality education is typically offered by research-oriented universities due to their close connection to the latest advancements in technology, top-level experts and reputation of individual research teams.
Education in modern, dynamic specializations (artificial intelligence, computer vision, computer graphics, software engineering, embedded systems) is led by a team of quality professionals with extensive international experience. The added value of the program is given by its openness, the following factors playing the key role:High degree of flexibility allowing students to configure their own study profile. Availability of minor specializations . A wide range of courses taught by top-level experts from across the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Focus on the standards of internationally recognized tests in computer science, GRE Computer Science . Cooperation with foreign universities . Graduates of the bachelor’s program are qualified to study their master’s program in computer science anywhere around the world . The master's program can be studied by bachelors coming from a wide range of fields, including those not purely informatical . Modern, freely available educational materials (inspired by MIT OpenCourseWare)
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Aalborg University, AAU Confucius Institute for Innovation and Learning
Show Abstract
http://www.cidenmark.com/about.php
The aims of Confucius Institute for Innovation and Learning in Aalborg University are:
• To provide Chinese language and Chinese language teacher training
• To provide cultural exchange activities
• To develop educational activities that contribute to creativity and innovation capabilities
• To conduct research and knowledge dissemination activities related to innovation and sustainability
• To facilitate the connection between education and research in various professional areas, such as environment, energy, health and technology, etc., and to link these innovation related activities to business community, industry, the public sectors and society
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Aalborg University, AAU Learning Lab
Show Abstract
http://www.learninglab.aau.dk/
AAU Learning Lab is a resource and development center for employees and students at Aalborg University. The lab should contribute to improving and developing of the pedagogical quality in education and to facilitate a discussion about university education and teaching. The lab develops and provides courses for educators and researchers at Aalborg University, among others the course for assistant professors that introduces the new assistant professors to theory of learning and prepares them for their career as professional educators. Other activities include the organization of workshops and seminars about the pedagogical aspects of studies and administration and the lab encourages peer-supervision in pedagogical study groups.
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Tallinn University of Technology
http://www.ttu.ee/research-and-development-office
University of La Laguna, Virtual Teaching Unit
Show Abstract
http://udv.ull.es/portaludv/
The Virtual Teaching Unit at ULL allows to all members of the university community undertake teaching, innovation projects and ICT-supported collaborative work.
The mission of the Virtual Teaching Unit is to assume the development of virtual teaching offer from the University of La Laguna (ULL) and establish a virtual training model taking into account the ECTS and the socio-geographical reality of the Canary Islands.

The objectives of this unit are the following:
• Complementing and adapting the educational model in order to face in order to stay ahead of new demands for innovation and academic upgrading.
• Linking ICT to the development of teaching activities, research and dissemination of knowledge and institutional linkages.
• Contribute to research and ongoing development of strategies and learning systems (methods, curriculum and evaluative) through the pedagogical integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the educational process for the construction of significant knowledge by students and thus foster the training of individuals with high learning ability.
• Participate actively in the process of updating and training teachers in the ULL to potentiate exercise in the classroom teaching and independent learning activities of students.
• Ensure excellence in media and storage media: print, audiovisual, digital and electronic importing the commitment of the corporate image of our University and society.

This unit was established in 2003 and currently offers support to more than 140 degrees and masters and more thn 8400 users and 500 virtual classrooms.
The platform used as base is moodle and all the subjects have the possibility of having a virtual space in such a platform.
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University of Malaga, “New Technologies Applied to Education” Reseach Group
Show Abstract
http://gtea.uma.es/
This goal of this research group is to establish channels of communication and development through new technologies, especially with the Internet and its potential for education, training and development of institutions, companies and professionals. This interdisciplinary group consists of teachers and researchers from different areas like pedagogy, mathematics, computer science, graphic design, amongst others.
Its main research areas are the following:
• Technological development: Tools and federated environments of learning.
• University teaching and educational innovation with ICT.
• Educational innovation and free software.
• Design, production, testing and evaluation of teaching materials.

This research group provides various Internet-based distance courses, oriented to help young lecturers to include ICT technologies in their workplace. It also offers postgraduate courses on the application of new technologies to education environments.

Finally, this research group provides various scientific-technical services to the University community, such as:
• Technical and pedagogical advice related to the development of training projects for distance learning and e-learning.
• Technical business support for social and educational projects.
• Scientific and technical advice on the impact of the information technology and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching.
• Evaluation of emerging training needs.
• Implementation of educational innovation projects.
• Development of educational resources for schools.
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University of Malaga, “Evaluation and Innovation in education” Research Group
Show Abstract
apgomez@uma.es
This research group is focused on the evaluation of the educational system in Andalusia with the goal to define improvements and to implement new sources of educational value. These sources include new technologies, ecology and bilingualism. Furthermore, the group is specialized in the improvement of the teaching staff regarding topics like digital alphabetisation, information and communication technologies (ICT) or new challenges in education as asked for by today’s society.

This research group provides various services to both university teachers and school teachers. There are the following:
• Supporting directives for the development of the education program in Andalusia.
• Advice for the training of personnel.
• Group dynamics.
• Evaluation of programs for training, innovation and improvement.
• Digital alphabetization of companies, local public bodies, and educational centres.
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Lappeenranta University, Communications Software Laboratory
Show Abstract
http://codecamp.fi/doku.php/wiki/educational_technologies_centre
Communications software laboratory has been established in 1988 and its goal is to perform high quality research in its focus areas and to educate future experts for the industry and academia. Comlab cooperates actively with national and international partners both in research and education.
The laboratory coordinates and develops in the Information Technology degree program the following major subjects:
• Communications software
• Information networks

Communications Software Laboratory is doing research with the following aspects inside mobile and ubiquitous environments:
• Communication networks
• Communications software
• Security, privacy and trust
• User-centric software solutions

The laboratory organizes an annual Summer School on Telecommunications.
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Université de Versailles, Institute of teaching technologies at Vélizy – Rambouillet
http://www.iut-velizy.uvsq.fr/
Service de la formation continue, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
http://www.formation-continue.uvsq.fr/
University of Szeged, Institute of Informatics
http://www.inf.u-szeged.hu/starten.xml
Dublin City University, Learning Innovation Unit
Show Abstract
http://www4.dcu.ie/ovpli/liu/index.shtml
The Learning Innovation Unit (LIU) has responsibility for teaching and learning support and development in the University. The Unit is concerned with academic staff development with respect to new approaches to teaching and learning, educational research and the support of a wide variety of educational technologies.

The LIU has responsibility supporting and promoting teaching and learning across the University, including:
* professional development of academic staff with respect to pedagogy and learning technology;
* development and implementation of the Learning Innovation Strategic Plan and educational policy;
* research on, and introduction of, new pedagogical approaches;
* collaboration with other institutions on teaching and learning initiatives; and
* participation in DCU committees and working groups.

Services offered include:
* Teaching and Learning Support
* Learning Technology Support
* Postgraduate Tutor/Demonstrator Training
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Dublin City University, Oscail - Distance Education
Show Abstract
http://www.dcu.ie/oscail/
Oscail was established in 1982 by Dublin City University. Its mission is to provide adults with access to third level education through Distance Education regardless of location, employment, domestic or personal circumstances, or prior qualifications.

All of their programmes are accredited by Dublin City University. Students study in their own time, at their own pace and wherever is most convenient, with the help of specially written self-instructional course texts and Moodle - a virtual learning environment. Students build their study timetable to fit their individual lifestyle. To date, thousands of adults have obtained Irish university qualifications through Oscail.
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University of Pavia, CELID - Center for E-Learning and Didactic Innovation
Show Abstract
http://lotarionline.unipv.it/moodle/file.php/1/presentazione/index.html
CELID, recently created (in 2010), has the main purpose to find, develop, experiment and validate methodologies, technologies and didactic materials that can be useful to enhance the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of didactics. Specifically, CELID aims at providing teachers with those tools, processes and materials which are more suitable to convey specialized knowledge and abilities.

In particular, CELID:
• proposes, develops and implements projects for on-line activities as a support to "traditional" didactics
• proposes and creates didactic materials
• helps teachers in innovating their didactic methodologies, providing them with the necessary ICT expertise
• organizes conferences, seminars and courses related to the issues of on-line teaching
• trains personnel necessary to support the on-line activities
• buys and maintains the equipments necessary for its action
• organizes and manages the gathering of the developed materials and didactic processes, properly publicizing them within the University
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University of Palermo, Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Education (C.I.R.E. Centro Interdipartimentele di Ricerche Educative)
Show Abstract
http://www.scienzeformazione.unipa.it/cire/
The “Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Education , ( in Italian CIRE Centro Interdipartimentele di Ricerche Educative) of Palermo University has been established in 1999. The Centre was established to promote and coordinate studies and research in initial and continuing training of teachers and educational workers, and testing of innovations in the field of school education and extracurricular activities.
To this end the centre:
• coordinate the exchange of scientific initiatives that promote collaboration among university agencies that deal with education
• promote the establishment of Educational PhD programs
• perform research that it can be delivered to programs intended to be carried out within the University
• carries out consultancy and research , in collaboration with organizations of other universities and with public and private organizations, and in collaboration with other public and / or private educational institutions.
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Anghelos Centre on Communication Studies and University of Palermo, U-LEARN
Show Abstract
http://www.citc.unipa.it/ietc/
U-LEARN is an innovative educational centre established by Anghelos Centre on Communication Studies and CITC, University of Palermo.

The goal is to enable usage of innovative educational technologies and tools in the Palermo educational community by means of modern technologies such as e-Learning, m-Learning, development of new educational programs, etc.

Some e-learning courses based on novel teaching techniques have been developed for the centre. These courses are:
- computer networks;
- programming languages;
- algorithms for computer vision.

Moreover, specific tools have been developed to allow users to perform self-learning on any topic of his/her interest or creation of e-learning lessons if they are teachers. These tools are:
- usearch, a meta engine for the creation of knowledge paths based on specific user requirements;
- saxsearch, an automatic search system of learning objects based on user-specific didactic indicators;
- web credibility, a tool for automatic assessment of credibility of web pages.
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Kaunas University of Technology, E-Learning Technology Centre at Kaunas University of Technology
Show Abstract
http://www.ktu.lt
E-Learning Technology Centre at Kaunas University of Technology was established after reorganization of Distance Education Centre, which has originated in 1996.
KTU E-Learning Technology Centre is actively working on:
• Higher education infrastructure based on modern telecommunication, information and video conference technologies
• Development of university teachers' and students' competence for digital communication
• Cooperation among higher education institutions in distance education development
• Promotion and development of university continuing education
• Membership in international networks of higher and further education institutions

Main activities:
• Development of Distance Education methodology for authors, tutors and administrators of Distance Education courses
• Tutors training
• Preparation and delivery of Distance Education courses
• Accumulation of Distance Education library
• Research in e- learning, KTU is the coordinator of National Distance Education Network.
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Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
http://nsc.vgtu.lt
Universite du Luxembourg
http://lorre.uni.lu/trice/
Riga Technical University (RTU), The Distance Education Study Centre (DESC)
Show Abstract
http://www.vu.lv/
The Centre is a structural unit of RTU and was founded in 25 June 1997 by a resolution of the RTU Senate. The aims of the Centre are to develop life long learning and distance education in Latvia and to research eContent/ eLearning related knowledge society technologies. The overall goal of the centre is to encourage the cooperation and knowledge sharing among Latvian Universities and other life long learning planners and participants. The Centre is active in and promotes international research and development in eContent related projects. The RTU DESC team has since 1998 implemented more than fifty eContent/eLearning development and research projects that promote the priorities of knowledge society technology development.
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Warsaw University
http://janusz.mimuw.edu.pl/TRICE/VNIETCdraft.html
Coimbra Distance Learning Project
http://www.ed.uc.pt/
Academy of Economic Studies, e.id - Portal for Distance Learning
Show Abstract
http://www.ase.ro/e-id/index.asp
The e-learning portal for distance learning from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies provides support for interaction in the virtual environment between teachers and students. The portal is based on the Moodle open source software. Even if at this moment the students who follow distance learning courses in AES must be physically present in the class for a few meetings during the semester, by using the e-id platform this time will be constantly reduced. The portal has four levels of access, as follows:
Administrator who has access to all courses and determine how the site is designed. The administrator can also post messages of general interest. The administrator creates courses and user preferences.
Coordinator of courses is a kind of teacher who is entitled to create and coordinate courses.
Teacher has full control in terms of the courses’ composition, administration and teaching, but cannot create accounts for students.
Students can use the e-learning platform only to learn, most of the options open to teachers being hidden for them. In order to interact with each other, but also with teachers and as well as to learn, students are offered a range of activities associated with a course, such as: chats, forums, glossaries, learning resources, homework, tests etc.

In 2010 the e-id portal was launched as a compulsory mean of interaction with all the bachelor degree students who attend distance courses. Prior to this, all course coordinators and teacher have been trained on how to develop specific courses for distance-learning and to collaborate with students.
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University of Nova Gorica, Centre for systems and information technologies
Show Abstract
http://ung.academia.edu/Departments/Centre_for_systems_and_information_technologies
The Centre was established in March 2007 in with the aim of integrating researchers in the fields of systems and information technologies. Activities concentrate mainly on:
• information technologies for support of activities in medicine, public health system and environmental sciences,
• theory of systems and control,
• design and optimisation of systems and operations.

Currently, the Centre’s work is concentrated on analysing large textual databases to generate new hypotheses for explaining complex, not yet sufficiently understood phenomena in the field of biomedicine.
The RaJoLink method, developed in the Centre, uses an innovative approach based on rare terms, to analyse large textual databases and search for new connections. It is a tool for both researchers and students. The UNG students use this tool in their research work.

Other research areas include:
• integration of computer applications and methods to support decision-making and data mining processes,
• data processing methodologies and tools for education and research in information society,
• mathematical modelling and use of automatic control of dynamic systems,
• optimisation of production procedures and processes,
• sustainable innovation systems and their performance in companies,
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Selcuk University, Technical Education Faculty, Distance Education Program
http://farabi.selcuk.edu.tr/egitim/index.html
http://www.sutef.gen.tr/
Liverpool John Moores University, Centre for Learning Development
http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/lid/ltweb/index.htm

Please explore, and we hope you find some ideas that will help you introduce more innovation.