Using Elements of Semantic Parsing in e-Learning Environments

Possibilities for using semantic parsing to estimate the correspondence of text materials to teaching aims, correspondence of test task to theoretical materials and other problems arising during the distance course designing and educational process itself in e-learning environments.

Automating Exersises Validation in e-Learning Environments

E-learning is supposing an innovation in teaching, raising from the development of new technologies. It is based in a set of educational resources, including, among others, multimedia or interactive contents accessible through Internet or Intranet networks. A whole spectrum of tools and services support e-learning, some of them include auto-evaluation and automated correction of test-like exercises, however, this sort of exercises are very constrained because of its nature: fixed contents and correct answers suppose a limit in the way teachers may evaluation students. In this paper we propose a new engine that allows validating complex exercises in the area of Data Structures and Algorithms. Correct solutions to exercises do not rely only in how good the execution of the code is, or if the results are same as expected. A set of criteria on algorithm complexity or correctness in the use of the data structures are required. The engine presented in this work covers a wide set of exercises with these characteristics allowing teachers to establish the set of requirements for a solution, and students to obtain a measure on the quality of their solution in the same terms that are later required for exams.

Use of Start Pages for Building a Mashup Personal Learning Environment to Support Self-Organized Learners

The paper explores the functionalities of eight start pages and considers their usefulness when used as a mashable platform for deployment of personal learning environments (PLE) for self-organized learners. The Web 2.0 effects and eLearning 2.0 strategies are examined from the point of view of how they influence the methods of gathering and capturing data, information and knowledge, and the learning process. Mashup technology is studied in order to see what kind of components can be used in PLE realization. A model of a PLE for self-organized learners is developed and it is used to prototype a personal learning and research environment in the start pages Netvibes, Pageflakes and iGoogle.

Applying Data Mining Tools in E-Learning

Report published in the Proceedings of the National Conference on "Education and Research in the Information Society", Plovdiv, May, 2014

Game-based Approach in e-Learning

Report published in the Proceedings of the National Conference on "Education and Research in the Information Society", Plovdiv, May, 2016

Collaborative Learning and Assessment in e-Learning

Report published in the Proceedings of the National Conference on "Education and Research in the Information Society", Plovdiv, May, 2016

Exploring Linear Functions – Representational Relationship

Experiences from a German-Ukrainian project for the joint development of dynamic learning environments are reported. General methodological and technological aspects are discussed as well as special items arising from the cross-cultural collaboration.

A Computer-Based Strategy for Practical Skills Teaching

An adaptive learning technology embedded in e-learning environments ensures choice of the structure, content, and activities for each individual learner according to the teaching team’s domain and didactic knowledge and skills. In this paper a computer-based scenario for application of an adaptive navigation technology is proposed and demonstrated on an example course topic.

Иновации в математическото образование: европейските проекти InnoMathEd и Fibonacci

Petar Kenderov The paper considers the participation of the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, into two European projects, InnoMathEd and Fibonacci. Both projects address substantial innovations in mathematics education and their dissemination on European level. Inquiry based learning is the central focus of the two projects. A special emphasis is paid on the outcomes of the projects in terms of didactic concepts, pedagogical methodologies and innovative learning environments aimed at pupils’ active, self-responsible and exploratory learning.

Patterns for Active E-Learning in CMS Environments

The proliferation of course management systems (CMS) in the last decade stimulated educators in establishing novel active e-learning practices. Only a few of these practices, however, have been systematically described and published as pedagogic patterns. The lack of formal patterns is an obstacle to the systematic reuse of beneficial active e-learning experiences. This paper aims to partially fill the void by offering a collection of active e-learning patterns that are derived from our continuous course design experience in standard CMS environments, such as Moodle and Black-board. Our technical focus is on active e-learning patterns that can boost student interest in computing-related fields and increase student enrolment in computing-related courses. Members of the international e-learning community can benefit from active e-learning patterns by applying them in the design of new CMS-based courses – in computing and other technical fields.

A Proposed Structure of Knowledge-Based Hybrid Intelligent Systems for Sophisticated Environments

The paper deals with a problem of intelligent system’s design for complex environments. There is discussed a possibility to integrate several technologies into one basic structure. One possible structure is proposed in order to form a basis for intelligent system that would be able to operate in complex environments. The basic elements of the proposed structure have found their implemented in software system. This software system is shortly presented in the paper. The most important results of experiments are outlined and discussed at the end of the paper. Some possible directions of further research are sketched.

Outliers Resistant Learning Algorithm for Radial-basis-fuzzy-wavelet-neural Network in Stomach Acute Injury Diagnosis Tasks

In this paper an outliers resistant learning algorithm for the radial-basis-fuzzy-wavelet-neural network based on R. Welsh criterion is proposed. Suggested learning algorithm under consideration allows the signals processing in presence of significant noise level and outliers. The robust learning algorithm efficiency is investigated and confirmed by the number of experiments including medical applications.

Self-Learning Fuzzy Spiking Neural Network as a Nonlinear Pulse-Position Threshold Detection Dynamic System Based on Second-Order Critically Damped Response Units

Architecture and learning algorithm of self-learning spiking neural network in fuzzy clustering task are outlined. Fuzzy receptive neurons for pulse-position transformation of input data are considered. It is proposed to treat a spiking neural network in terms of classical automatic control theory apparatus based on the Laplace transform. It is shown that synapse functioning can be easily modeled by a second order damped response unit. Spiking neuron soma is presented as a threshold detection unit. Thus, the proposed fuzzy spiking neural network is an analog-digital nonlinear pulse-position dynamic system. It is demonstrated how fuzzy probabilistic and possibilistic clustering approaches can be implemented on the base of the presented spiking neural network.

The Cascade Neo-Fuzzy Architecture and its Online Learning Algorithm

In the paper learning algorithm for adjusting weight coefficients of the Cascade Neo-Fuzzy Neural Network (CNFNN) in sequential mode is introduced. Concerned architecture has the similar structure with the Cascade-Correlation Learning Architecture proposed by S.E. Fahlman and C. Lebiere, but differs from it in type of artificial neurons. CNFNN consists of neo-fuzzy neurons, which can be adjusted using high-speed linear learning procedures. Proposed CNFNN is characterized by high learning rate, low size of learning sample and its operations can be described by fuzzy linguistic “if-then” rules providing “transparency” of received results, as compared with conventional neural networks. Using of online learning algorithm allows to process input data sequentially in real time mode.

Virtual Environments as an Education Tool for Digital Natives

Report published in the Proceedings of the National Conference on "Education in the Information Society", Plovdiv, May, 2013