showing 47 related works from this author
Evaluation of an Educational Video Production Environment
2019
In this paper, a cloud-based solution for the easy production and meaningful distribution of video-based learning material is presented and evaluated. Using this system, lecturers can produce video material with their own computers anywhere, at any time. The system enables the production of longer lecture videos as well as short videos, each containing only one of the course's topics. The system also handles video sharing for students automatically in a meaningful way through the course's table of contents. An evaluation of the first production version of the video production and distribution system was carried out by collecting qualitative material from the lecturers and students.
Temporal Differences in Participation Modes in Video-Based Blended Learning Practice
2014
In traditionally organized education, the education provider also determines the teaching schedules. Education in accordance with the blended model and based on videos can be realized, when so wished, in such a way that the student will be free to decide about his/her time use. In this kind of environment students can still study in accordance with the proposed pedagogical model at a pace determined by lecture sessions so that the previous lecture is always seen before the next face-toface teaching session. Study can also completely adapted to one's own pace. In this case, the student watches the lecture videos before an exam, not worrying about the pace of face-to-face teaching. This resea…
H.264 QoS and Application Performance with Different Streaming Protocols
2015
Streaming techniques, including the selected streaming protocol, have an effect on the streaming quality. In this study, the performance of three different streaming protocols in a disturbed communication channel is evaluated with a modified version of the FFPlay player. A H.264 encoded video is used as a test sequence. The number of displayed image frames, the frame rate and playout duration are used as objective metrics for QoS. The metrics brings out differences of streaming protocols in our test environment. They are measured at the application level and have a connection to the user experience. peerReviewed
Producing Lecture Videos from Face-to-face Teaching
2014
There is a clear demand for lecture videos in modern education. Nevertheless, the desire to keep face-to-face education remains as well. In such a case, the natural option is to produce videos in face-to-face teaching situations rather than in a studio environment. The challenge this kind of production faces is how to make it to cover an entire degree program cost-efficiently while serving the purpose intended. This article explains the demands set for video production in the context of face-to-face education at the scale of a degree program and how to effectively respond to them in practice. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness and impacts of the production model developed in connect…
The Role of the Learning Styles in Blended Learning
2015
Education that is in line with the blended model and carried out with the help of videos enables, above all, flexible participation in study. Various participation modes enabled by video are suitable for different kinds of learners. The interaction when study ing with videos differs from that in face-to-face teaching. Among other things, videos allow pauses in study and enable study in peace. This study examines the role of various learning preferences, so-called learning styles, in blended learning. The study is based on a learning style mapping made for students and on data collected over several years about their study participation styles in education that is in accordance with the blen…
CiNetView - Graphic Interface for Wireless Sensor Network Deployment and Monitoring
2010
Reliable communication is crucial for successful deployment of a wireless sensor network. Many environmental factors can affect the performance of radio links, and the deployment of a network without real-time information about link qualities can be a demanding task. This paper describes the CiNetView application that is intended to support the deployment and monitoring of wireless sensor network. CiNetView is based on diagnostic information collected by sensor nodes, and it allows the user to see a graphical presentation of the network topology and to monitor the network diagnostic information in real time.
SmartCampus Project
2017
The aim of the SmartCampus project is to create an environment which enables high-quality, flexible and effective studying, both as traditional face-to-face and online. A focal result of the project is the CiNetCampus environment, developed in connection with the Master’s education in mathematical information technology. It increase flexibility in education with the help of video lectures and add interactivity to lecture videos. It was also possible to integrate other functionalities to the environment that are useful for teaching and studying. This paper focuses on the presentation of the CiNetCampus environment and the functionalities implemented for it. The paper also highlights the impa…
CiNetStrain - Wireless Strain Gauge Network - Calibration and Reliability Measurements
2013
Wireless sensor networks can be extended to include numerous different sensing devices. Strain gauges are the most common nondestructive sensing elements for measuring surface strain. This paper discusses the design, for the wireless CiNet network, of a strain gauge measurement system, which would make strain measurements more flexible while opening new targets of application in addition to those that traditional wired strain measuring systems can offer. The calibration and validation of the wireless strain measurements as well as energy consumption issues are also brought under observation.
The Role of Log Entries in the Quality Control of Video Distribution
2012
Diversification of university teaching with the help of video lectures has become much more common during the past few years. Once videos have become an essential part of teaching arrangements, whoever organizes the teaching must also pay attention to factors related to videos in quality system work for teaching. In the video production process it is the factors related to video transmission that exert influence on the usability of videos and set limitations for their production. A lot of information about those factors can be obtained from the media server log files. The particular focus of this paper is on the functionality of the connection between a server and a client and its effect on…
Self-directed Learning in Distance Education
2022
This full research paper studies the significance of self-directed learning (SDL) in distance education. A literature review revealed many characteristics related to SDL that are important to success in distance education. The self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) levels of 124 students were gathered for this research, and the results were compared between contact and distance learners. The effect of gender on SDLR and the relationship between SDLR and preference for distance education were examined. There was no statistical difference in SDLR levels between women and men but indicators of self-directed learners’ preferences for distance learning were found. In addition, the SDLR scale sc…
Collaboration network for inspiring children and youth into science, mathematics and technology in Finland
2021
The importance of STEM education is widely recognized. Despite the value of the sector and good associated employment prospects, young students generally lack interest in science and engineering. This is reflected in the difficulty universities experience in recruiting qualified students for STEM subjects, which in turn is reflected in business life and is a factor slowing down countries’ economic development. In Finland, efforts have been made to solve this challenge by launching the LUMA Centre Finland network, which consists of 13 university-related centres promoting STEM issues throughout Finland. This paper describes the network and its objectives, with a special focus on the activitie…
Development of Network Security Education
2021
Distance education has grown tremendously over the last decade. Internet technologies have enabled a large-scale dispensation of lectures, exercises, and training. Virtual Learning Management Systems (LMSs) offer a number of tools to realize distance education and distance learning. In this work, we present a virtual system architecture for training cyber security professionals with hands-on skills. The architecture is based on a VirtualBox virtualization environment. Guest machines are installed on an instance of VirtualBox. The installed environment offers a safe and isolated workbench for experiments. After installation and configuration of the environment, students perform a number of i…
Integration of an in-home monitoring system into home care nurses' workflow: A case study.
2019
Abstract Background The healthcare system faces a major challenge in caring for an increasingly ageing population as this task requires more resources than are currently available. Adopting monitoring technologies could enable more efficient care practices and support ageing in place. Objectives To investigate how the use of an in-home motion monitoring system can be integrated into home care nurses’ workflows and to uncover the factors behind system adoption. Design A single case study adopting a qualitative approach. Setting A home care unit serving older adults living in independent living residences within an apartment complex. Method Multiple data collection methods were used including…
Blended learning in master studies in Mathematical Information Technology — Impacts on attendance and learning outcomes
2011
Blended learning based on lecture videos and face-to-face teaching provides good opportunities for students for participation in education, regardless of time or place. This article examines the impacts of blended learning, as it has developed in connection with master studies in information technology, on participation in education and on learning outcomes. The solution is based on face-to-face teaching and the use of streaming lecture videos. According to the results, the use of lecture videos increases participation activeness, and the increase in participation has a positive impact on completion of courses. However, the use of lecture videos does not seem to have any clear-cut effect on…
Design of Low-Cost Noise Measurement Sensor Network: Sensor Function Design
2010
In this paper, we report the sensor function design and implementation of a wireless sensor network application for measuring environmental acoustic noise. The system is built on ATmega128 and CC2420 platform. The protocol stack is based on CiNet stack with a global synchronization scheme and supports multi-hop communications. Strict filtering function specified by ITU-R 468 (namely A-weighting) is followed. Both the indoor and outdoor test results were compared with standard sound level meters (CESVA SC-20c and Pulsar94) and showed a less than ±2dB error in both short-term and longterm measurement. Power consumption has been measured that a single AA-type battery can sustain the applicatio…
Wireless Strain Gauge Network : Best-Hall Measurement Case
2014
Wireless sensor networks can be used to perform structural monitoring. Strain gauges, which can be glued on or integrated to the observed material, are the most common nondestructive sensing elements for measuring surface strain. Wireless strain gauge measurement system makes strain measurements more flexible while opening new targets of application in addition to those that traditional wired strain measuring systems can offer. We have implemented a long term strain measurement in a PVC-covered hall using wireless sensor network. In this paper we evaluate the functionality and suitability of the developed wireless system for this kind of monitoring. The paper discusses the experiences gaine…
INTEGRATED VIRTUAL CINETCAMPUS STUDIES ENVIRONMENT
2016
Rapid growth of data communications and technologies has created favorable conditions for a strong increase in the number of videos produced for education especially in higher education institutes. New technologies make the production of videos suitable for teaching very easy. With the help of videos, it is possible to improve flexibility and diversity in teaching. On the other hand, the management and distribution of videos has often been realized separately from other applications (e.g., learning management systems) which are used in teaching. This makes their full utilization difficult and creates extra work. This article introduces the CiNetCampus environment designed for teaching with …
Network Capacity Estimators Predicting QoE in HTTP Adaptive Streaming
2022
The aim of adaptive HTTP streaming technology is preserving the best possible video streaming quality for viewers in heterogeneous network conditions. This can be achieved by making multiple quality versions of the video available. Switching between versions during playback should be imperceptible and fluent. The decision about quality-level switching is typically based on network capacity estimation and buffer occupancy, which predict the risk of stalling. Since quality-level switching and stalling are directly evident to the user, they are often classified as influence factors of quality of experience (QoE). In this paper, we observe different network capacity estimators and buffer behavi…
StateOS : A Memory-Efficient Hybrid Operating System for IoT Devices
2023
The increasing significance of operating systems (OSs) in the development of the internet of things (IoT) has emerged in the last decade. An event-driven OS is memory efficient and suitable for resource-constrained IoT devices and wireless sensors, although the program’s control flow, which is determined by events, is not always obvious. A multithreaded OS with sequential control flow is often considered clearer. However, this approach is memory-consuming. A hybrid OS seeks to combine the strengths of the event-driven approach with multithreaded approach. An event-driven cooperative threaded OS represents a hybrid approach that supports concurrency by explicitly yielding control to another …
Adaptive range-based localization algorithm based on trilateration and reference node selection for outdoor wireless sensor networks
2022
Locating the nodes of outdoor wireless sensor networks (WSNs) using (tri)lateration with a low-cost ranging technique, such as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), often results in inaccurate location estimates. This can mostly be explained by the combined effect of distance estimate errors and localization geometry, both of which are subject to the reference nodes used. To develop techniques for reducing localization error, the distance estimate errors and localization geometry must be analyzed and taken into account. To address these challenges, this paper aims to seek ways to improve the quality of range-based trilateration localization for WSN nodes in varying outdoor conditio…
Open Badge Concept in Education - Benefits and Challenges
2015
Digital learning badges offer new possibilities alongside conventional certificates. The Open Badge concept is one of the most common implementations of learning badges in use. The concept was piloted and the services required by it were developed in a project carried out in Finland in 2014. This research highlights the utilization opportunities noted in connection with the Open Badge concept and also challenges related to it. The paper also discusses some applications created during the project that enable the utilization of the concept. peerReviewed
A Statecharts-Based Approach for WSN Application Development
2020
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) software development challenges developers in two main ways: through system programming, which requires expertise in hardware and network management
The effect of time and place dependence when utilizing video lectures
2009
In many learning institutes, diversification of teaching with the help of various technologies has become an essential part of educational arrangements. With the increase in the use of networks for teaching purposes, the use of streaming videos is now one of the possibilities to be reckoned with in trying to increase flexibility in studies. Specially recorded on-demand videos provide the students with better chances to decide when, where and how to study. Information on how students use on-demand videos can be obtained, apart from student questionnaires, from the log files of a media server. These files offer an information source that, on the one hand, is diverse but, on the other, cumbers…
Road traffic detection using wireless noise sensors
2012
In this paper we present our experimental result of using wireless noise sensor network (WNSN) to detect road traffic. With the features implemented in our network such as multipoint measuring, synchronization, real-time data availability, and strict compliance of sound level meter (SLM) standard IEC 61672:2003, we assert the possibility of using WNSN to detect road traffic, such as vehicle amount, size, and velocity. This application can be extended and integrated as a part of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).
Peer-to-peer cooperative GNSS-based localization for stationary reference nodes in wireless sensor networks
2017
Most localization algorithms in wireless sensor networks rely on a few reference nodes with known locations to estimate the locations of unknown nodes. The locations of reference nodes can be either manually configured or, more practically, obtained by means of some satellite-based positioning system(s). However, satellite-based locations may be inaccurate and imprecise, which results in reduced location accuracy of localization algorithms. This paper proposes a peer-to-peer cooperative GNSS-based localization algorithm for stationary reference nodes to improve their relative location accuracy and precision. The algorithm applies simple statistical methods and GNSS-based information from mu…
Raising Awareness of Students’ Self-Directed Learning Readiness (SDLR)
2021
This paper describes the mapping of self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) for adult students applying for a master’s degree program delivered entirely as distanced learning. Since SDLR is strongly linked to both adult learning and online education, developing of self-directed learning (SDL) skills should be taken into consideration in our degree program. Making future students aware of SDLR is the first stage in introducing self-directed learning methods and practices in learning environments. The easiest way to do this is to have students answer an SDLR self-assessment questionnaire and give them feedback regarding their SDLR level. This paper presents how this is realized and provides t…
Flipped Learning Experiment in Video-Based Education
2017
Videos intended for educational use have increased significantly in recent years. This is partly due to the increasing use of videos for entertainment purposes, as well as an increase in broadband connections. Educational videos may include short video clips, screen capture videos or, for example, recordings from the classroom teaching situation. Videos can be utilized in revising, for compensating absences, making teaching more flexible or for developing presentation skills. The recording also enables the re-use of lectures. This allows completely new types of educational solutions, such as the implementation of flipped learning. In flipped learning, activities traditionally carried out in…
Nurses' Perspectives on In-Home Monitoring of Elderlies's Motion Pattern
2017
In-home monitoring systems have been proposed to support aging in place and facilitate home care service. Through a qualitative approach the study explores nurses' existing challenges and perspectives of an in-home monitoring system. Results indicate that nurses base care decisions on multiple, and sometimes, unreliable information sources. However, access to information about elderlies' physical motion could support the care planning process by reducing ambiguity and raising attention. Hence, a simple and affordable system that largely relies on nurses to interpret the sensed data could bring additional value. peerReviewed
Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Radio Signal Strength in Outdoor Wireless Sensor Networks
2015
Many wireless sensor networks operating outdoors are exposed to changing weather conditions, which may cause severe degradation in system performance. Therefore, it is essential to explore the factors affecting radio link quality in order to mitigate their impact and to adapt to varying conditions. In this paper, we study the effects of temperature and humidity on radio signal strength in outdoor wireless sensor networks. Experimental measurements were performed using Atmel ZigBit 2.4GHz wireless modules, both in summer and wintertime. We employed all the radio channels specified by IEEE 802.15.4 for 2.4GHz ISM frequency band with two transmit power levels. The results show that changes in …
Distance Learning with Hands-on Exercises : Physical Device vs. Simulator
2022
This Research to Practice Full Paper presents a comparison between a physical device and a simulator in a distance learning context. Programming embedded devices is very commonly taught using embedded hardware. One of the most used solutions is the Arduino microcontroller platform, which allows small embedded applications to be built and commanded in a programming language. However, there are some challenges in using physical devices for educational purposes. These challenges are particularly acute in distance learning or when the course needs to be scalable to a varying number of students. To address these challenges, we explored the potential of a simulator as a replacement for a physical…
Analyzing gastrocnemius EMG-activity and sway data from quiet and perturbed standing.
2007
In an experiment, we combined force plate measurements and surface EMG in studying quiet and perturbed standing, involving MS (Multiple sclerosis) and controls. The aim of this paper is to report the results thus obtained on the relation between filtered gastrocnemius (GA) EMG and the anterior-posterior center-of-pressure (A/P COP) coordinate. The main finding is the good correspondence between A/P COP and the filtered GA EMG in the low frequency range. The EMG envelope was calculated using a zero-lag filter. Combining this with time shifts around 250-350 ms produced a high correlation (85.5+/-8.4%) between the GA-EMG envelope and the A/P COP. This EMG-COP relation was closest when using a …
Choosing a study mode in blended learning
2012
Education providers aim to meet today's education requirements by employing, among other things, education technology solutions that increase flexibility. This has also happened with the master's level mathematical information technology degree directed to adults. In the degree program, lecture videos brought in together with face-to-face teaching provide good opportunities for flexible educational arrangements. Education with the help of videos can be arranged in such a way that students themselves will be able to choose their study mode in accordance with their needs. When students themselves can choose their study modes, many different ways to take advantage of the flexibility provided a…
Wireless strain gauge network — Best-hall measurement case
2014
Wireless sensor networks can be used to perform structural monitoring. Strain gauges, which can be glued on or integrated to the observed material, are the most common nondestructive sensing elements for measuring surface strain. Wireless strain gauge measurement system makes strain measurements more flexible while opening new targets of application in addition to those that traditional wired strain measuring systems can offer. We have implemented a long term strain measurement in a PVC-covered hall using wireless sensor network. In this paper we evaluate the functionality and suitability of the developed wireless system for this kind of monitoring. The paper discusses the experiences gaine…
Towards adaptive localization in wireless sensor networks
2012
It is often useful or even indispensable to know the locations of the nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN), from both network functionality and applications point of view. A potential yet one of the most challenging method is to utilize received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for distance estimation. Albeit easily adopted, using of RSSI is notorious for imprecise distance estimates which can lead to inaccuracies in location estimates. In this paper, we study RSSI-based localization in WSNs through simulation experiments. We evaluate and compare a hybrid algorithm and its modifications with well-known range-based and range-free localization algorithms. Simulation results indicate that …
A Blended Learning Solution and the Impacts on Attendance and Learning Outcomes
2011
Blended learning based on lecture videos and face-to-face teaching provides good opportunities for students for participation in education, regardless of time or place. The article describes a blended learning solution that is based on face-to-face teaching and the use of streaming lecture videos as it has developed in connection with master studies in mathematical information technology. The particular focus of this article is on the use of lecture videos and the impacts of blended learning on participation in education and on learning outcomes. According to the results, lecture videos have become very popular among students. Moreover the use of lecture videos increases participation activ…
Open badge factory project consortium
2014
Open Badges in Higher Education
2014
Open Badges is an open source code concept developed by the Mozilla Foundation to identify the learner's knowledge and skills and to display them in a modern way. Although the concept was originally meant to display informal learning, it can also be applied to formal education. Indicating competences electronically makes it possible to display competences for which traditional certificates are unsuitable. It also enables completely new features such as a restricted validity period for a certificate. The Open Badge concept also can make education marketing more effective, and it might be thought as a future solution for identifying competences acquired earlier when moving from one study leve…
Learning styles module as a part of a virtual campus
2016
For several years now, learning style mapping has been carried out for our students of the master's degree education in information technology. To better utilize learning styles in practice, a learning style module was integrated into the multimedia platform used in the education. The learning style module serves both the student and the educator. The goal was to create an application which, in the long run, would diversify the learning environment and make learning more efficient. This study describes the functioning and integration of the learning style application. The deployment of the application is monitored by collecting statistics of its use and feedback of its usability and usefuln…
From vertical to horizontal architecture
2006
Some of the main challenges related to wireless sensor networks implementation are low-quality communication, energy conservation, resource-constrained computation, distributed network management, data processing and the scalability of the protocols. This combination makes the implementation of software a demanding task and encourages to new approaches when thinking of software architecture.In this paper an architecture combining a low protocol stack with a cross-layer management entity is presented. One of the main ideas behind the architecture presented is to make application programming easier and to simplify the protocol stack in such a way that it would suit better for the limited reso…
Diversification of adult education with the help of video lectures
2010
For some years now, adult education and working while studying have had an important role in the modern society. Mature-age study brings with it some special features, such as time use limitations, which must be taken into account when creating educational programmes for the students concerned. Above all, flexibility must become a major feature of participation in education. In relation to the Master Studies in Mathematical Information Technology at Kokkola University Consortium, the aim for some years now has been to increase that flexibility by diversifying traditional lecture teaching with the help of real-time and on-demand video lectures. With the help of the results presented in this …
Analysis and Evaluation of Adaptive RSSI-based Ranging in Outdoor Wireless Sensor Networks
2019
Estimating inter-node distances based on received radio signal strength (RSSI) is the foundation of RSSI-based outdoor localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, the accuracy of RSSI-based ranging depends on environmental and weather conditions. Therefore, it is important that RSSI-based ranging adapts to prevailing conditions to improve its range and location accuracy. This paper analyzes and evaluates RSSI-based ranging and adaptive techniques in outdoor WSNs to improve the range quality. The findings highlight the effects of path loss exponent (PLE) estimation error and temperature change on RSSI-based ranging. Consequently, we analyze techniques for mitigating these detri…
Managing sensor data streams in a smart home application
2020
A challenge in developing an ambient activity recognition system for use in elder care is finding a balance between the sophistication of the system and a cost structure that fits within the budgets of public and private sector healthcare organisations. Much activity recognition research in the context of elder care is based on dense networks of sensors and advanced methods, such as supervised machine learning algorithms. This paper presents the data processing aspects of an activity recognition system based on a simpler, knowledge-based unsupervised approach, designed for a sparse network of sensors. By structuring sensor data management as a streaming system, we provide a simple programmi…
From face-to-face to blended learning using ICT
2016
This study examines the development of the education model created in connection with the Master Studies in Mathematical Information Technology. The model has developed from the first stage, where there was only face-to-face teaching supported with Learning Management System, to a stage where studying is possible also fully in online and students may choose themselves how much to take advantage of technology in their studies. The examination of the development of the education model is made from the viewpoints of accessibility, increased role of technology and interaction. In earlier studies, the education model has been evaluated for example from the viewpoints of changes in the participat…
On the Students' QoS-Awareness of Video Lectures
2016
Video lectures bring flexibility and enable distance learning in education. With the help of videos, educational organizations are able to serve a wider and more heterogeneous group of students. As streaming videos have become essential part of teaching in higher education, quality of service (QoS) issues should be taken more into consideration. However, systematic quality monitoring of video lecture delivery, to our knowledge, is rarely used in a way that would provide also the student with quality information. This paper describes our ongoing research on developing a streaming video quality evaluation tool integrated in a learning environment that our master’s students use. The tool serve…
Using WMS log files as an indicator of QoS and application performance in on-demand streaming videos
2012
When utilizing video streaming for professional purposes, the quality of service needs to be evaluated by the service provider. This is the case especially when the service must be available for a large number of customers with a wide range of network interfaces and terminal equipment. Service providers have usually information about network-level metrics. However, the problem is that conditions that appear similar in a networklevel may cause very different responses in an application level, and the other way round. In this article, we study how Windows Media Server's log files can be used to evaluate the QoS of video transmission, and we also examine the application level performance based…
How Do Students Blend Their Studies Based on Time and Place?
2017
The flexibility of participating in education can be improved by utilising lecture videos. By producing videos of contact teaching lectures and offering them to students as real-time videos and recordings, opens up new participation opportunities regarding time and place. This study examines an environment in which students can freely choose their mode of participation for each individual lecture. The objective has been to identify possible changes in participation by looking at participations between 2008–2012 and in 2017. According to the results, teaching bound to a specific location has disappeared almost entirely. Participation in teaching is instead mostly done using videos. Students …
Business Cooperation - Improving The Working Life Relevance of Higher Education
2021
Education programmes should provide students with the skills for working life. This is important not only for students, but also for companies. Skills refers, in addition to competence in a specific area, to general competencies, working life practices in common use and, for example, knowledge of software used in the business world. It is even more important to take into account the needs of working life when teaching adult students, who often study alongside work with the aim of progressing in their careers. In spring 2019, Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius conducted a survey targeting information and communication technology (ICT) companies in its local area. The results highlighted…