Dimitrios Koutsomitropoulos, Georgia Solomou and Katerina Kalou
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework and system to address the inability to discover new and authentic learning material and the lack of a single access point for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework and system to address the inability to discover new and authentic learning material and the lack of a single access point for search and browsing of remote learning object repositories (LORs).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a framework for keyword-based query expansion using SKOS domain terminologies and implement a federated search mechanism integrating various disparate LORs within a learning management system (LMS).
Findings
The authors show that the expanded query achieves improved information gain and it is applied for federated information access, by simultaneously searching within a number of repositories. Results can be seamlessly aggregated back within the LMS and the course context.
Practical implications
It is possible to retrieve additional learning objects (LOs) and achieve a corresponding increase in recall, while maintaining precision. SKOS expansion behaves well in a scholarly setting, which, combined with federated search, can contribute toward LOs’ discovery at a balanced cost. The system can be easily integrated with other platforms as well, building on open standards and RESTful communication.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time SKOS-based query expansion is applied in a federated setting, and for the discovery and alignment of learning objects residing within LORs. The results show that this approach can achieve considerable information gain and that it is possible to strike a balance between search effectiveness, query drift and performance.
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Georgia Solomou and Dimitrios Koutsomitropoulos
Successful learning infrastructures and repositories often depend on well-organized content collections for effective dissemination, maintenance and preservation of resources. By…
Abstract
Purpose
Successful learning infrastructures and repositories often depend on well-organized content collections for effective dissemination, maintenance and preservation of resources. By combining semantic descriptions already lying or implicit within their descriptive metadata, reasoning-based or semantic searching of these collections can be enabled and produce novel possibilities for content browsing and retrieval. The specifics and necessities of such an approach, however, make it hard to assess and measure its effectiveness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Therefore in this paper the authors introduce a concrete methodology toward a pragmatic evaluation of semantic searching in such scenarios, which is exemplified through the semantic search plugin the authors have developed for the popular DSpace repository system.
Findings
The results reveal that this approach can be appealing to expert as well as novice users alike, improve the effectiveness of content discovery and enable new retrieval possibilities in comparison to traditional, keyword-based search.
Originality/value
This paper presents applied research efforts to employ semantic searching techniques on digital repositories and to construct a novel methodology for evaluating the outcomes against various perspectives. Although this is original in itself, value lies also within the concrete and measurable results presented, accompanied by an analysis, that would be helpful to assess similar (i.e. semantic query answering and searching) techniques in the particular scenario of digital repositories and libraries and to evaluate corresponding investments. To the knowledge there has been hardly any other evaluation effort in the literature for this particular case; that is, to assess the merit and usage of advanced semantic technologies in digital repositories.
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Maria Socratous, Georgia Thrasyvoulou and Christiana Stylianou
This paper aims to explore how technological developments can position Cyprus at the forefront of sustainable tourism through the perspectives of key policymakers. It examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how technological developments can position Cyprus at the forefront of sustainable tourism through the perspectives of key policymakers. It examines the potential impacts, challenges and opportunities of integrating technological developments in the Cyprus tourism industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research methodology was employed, using a focus group comprising nine key policymakers from the tourism industry in Cyprus. A thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data.
Findings
The findings underscore significant challenges in implementing technological advancements in Cyprus, including the need for substantial investments, bureaucratic processes and reliance on outdated systems. However, there is a clear recognition of the importance of technological developments, with many innovative ideas being proposed to overcome obstacles and drive progress in sustainable tourism.
Originality/value
This paper provides a unique perspective by focusing on the role of technology in promoting sustainable tourism in Cyprus through the lens of key policymakers. Its value lies in exploring specific challenges and opportunities in integrating technology into the tourism sector, particularly within the context of a small island nation. The study offers practical solutions for overcoming barriers, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration and investment in technological advancements to enhance Cyprus as a destination that has many aspects to offer in sustainable tourism.
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Surbhi Seema Sethi and Kanishk Jain
This study aims to explore the potential benefits of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in educational settings.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the potential benefits of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in educational settings.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of emerging AI technologies such as virtual reality, chatbots, sentiment analysis tools, gamification and wearable devices is conducted to assess their applicability in enhancing SEL.
Findings
AI technologies present opportunities for personalized support, increased engagement, empathy development and promotion of well-being within SEL frameworks.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should focus on addressing ethical concerns, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, conducting longitudinal studies, promoting cultural sensitivity and developing robust ecosystems for AI in SEL.
Originality/value
This study contributes by outlining pathways for leveraging AI to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that nurture students' socio-emotional competencies, preparing them for success in a globally connected world.