National & Kapodistrian University of Athens

The National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (University of Athens; National and Capodistrian University of Athens) supports online education through its Open eClass platform.

Previously known as the Othonian University, University of Athens is the oldest university in Greece, and has been in continuous operation since its establishment in 1837. Today, it is the second-largest institution of higher learning in Greece, with more than 50,000 undergraduate students.

The Open eClass platform is designed with the goal to bring new actions that promote its corporate utility in the already existing educational patterns into effect. The main user role is that of the teacher who can create practical and functional electronic courses easily and quickly, using the educational material provided (note, presentations, texts, pictures, etc). At the same time, students attain an alternative entry channel to the knowledge offered.

The adult education modules based on the Distance Learning model were designed in response to increased education requirements in various job environments. They spin around 5 thematic units in the field of finance and last from 5 to 9 months. Upon successful completion of the academic requirements, adult students receive a Certificate of Studies.

In particular, the University awards Certificates of Training and Certificates of Specialisation, each reflecting specific programme choices by the students. Eligible candidates to the University’s adult education programme are University and T.E.I. graduates and secondary education graduates with previous experience. Candidates are selected on the following criteria: Grade Point Average of Degree or Graduation Diploma (Apolyterio) and priority with respect to application filed. Candidates are required to have access to a personal computer and the Internet. Fees vary with respect to the thematic unit selected.

The Open eClass platform, used by the University, is a complete Course Management System. It is the solution offered by the Greek Academic Network GUnet to support Asynchronous eLearning Services. It is mainly designed, developed and supported by the GUnet Asynchronous eLearning Group and is distributed for free as open-source software.

The Asynchronous eLearning Platform uses a simple web browser. Its goal is the incorporation and constructive use of the Internet and web technologies in the teaching and learning process. It supports the electronic management, storage and presentation of teaching materials, independently of the spatial and time limiting factors of conventional teaching and creating the necessary conditions for a dynamic teaching environment.

The National & Kapodistrian University of Athens web site is at http://www.uoa.gr/uoauk/uoaindex.htm

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