EdTech blog by Alexander Mikroyannidis

Projects

GenAI

Exploring the applications of Generative AI in distance and higher education

QualiChain

Decentralised Qualifications' Verification and Management for Learner Empowerment, Education Reengineering and Public Sector Transformation

OpenLang Network

A language learning network for Erasmus+ KA1 mobility participants

DEL4ALL

Transforming European research and innovation initiatives in the area of Digital Enhanced Learning

PT Anywhere

Gaining computer networking skills by performing network simulations on any device

Open Networking Lab

Practical learning about computer networking

Institute of Coding

Addressing the UK’s digital skills gaps

SlideWiki

Large-scale pilots for collaborative OpenCourseWare authoring, multiplatform delivery and Learning Analytics

EDSA

European Data Science Academy

HUB4NGI

Unlocking the value of the Next Generation Internet

FORGE

Forging Online Education through FIRE

weSPOT

Working Environment with Social, Personal and Open Technologies for Inquiry Based Learning

EUCLID

EdUcational Curriculum for the usage of LInked Data

ROLE

Responsive Open Learning Environments

OpenScout

Skill based scouting of open user-generated and community-improved content for management education and training

CASPAR

Cultural, Artistic and Scientific knowledge Preservation, for Access and Retrieval

PARMENIDES

Ontology driven Temporal Text Mining on Organisational Data for Extracting Temporal Valid Knowledge

Heraclitus

Web Usage Driven Adaptation of the Semantic Web

Professional biography

Dr. Alexander Mikroyannidis is a Senior Research Fellow (Associate Professor) in the Knowledge Media Institute of The Open University, UK. He holds a Ph.D. in Informatics from Manchester Business School, an M.Phil. in Computation from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), and a B.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Patras, Greece.

Research interests

The research expertise of Dr. Mikroyannidis is in the field of Technology-Enhanced Learning. He has been investigating the use of novel educational technologies for enhancing personalised learning, self-regulated learning, lifelong learning, as well as open education. He is currently working on the transformative applications of Generative AI and decentralisation blockchain technology in the context of distance and higher education. He is the author of over 120 publications that have received over 1,500 citations.

Teaching interests

Dr. Mikroyannidis has extensive experience in developing Open Educational Resources (OERs), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Badged Open Courses (BOCs), as well as rich interactive learning materials as eBooks. Some highlights from this work are the following:

Impact and engagement

The work of Dr. Mikroyannidis has led to strategic partnerships with key technological companies, most notably with Cisco and its global educational network, the Cisco Networking Academy, which has over 1 million students worldwide. Within this partnership, Dr. Mikroyannidis is in charge of the design, development and deployment of PT Anywhere, a novel educational tool for teaching computer networking skills by performing network simulations on any device. PT Anywhere has played a vital role in remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been featured in the UK government’s Digital Skills Toolkit, which is offering essential digital skills to job seekers.

Dr. Mikroyannidis has recently led a successful pilot for facilitating lifelong learning using blockchain technologies, in the context of the QualiChain Horizon 2020 project. In particular, he has been in charge of deploying and evaluating decentralised education and employment qualifications with learners and educators within various lifelong learning contexts. The results of this pilot have provided valuable insights into the different aspects of lifelong learning that require support, as well as into the guidance and training needs of the education community related to the use of decentralisation technologies.

External collaborations

Dr. Mikroyannidis has been driving significant educational technology initiatives at an international level, by establishing a network of collaborators inside and outside the Open University and acquiring external funding, in order to implement and evaluate novel educational solutions in real-life settings and with real users. He has been awarded and worked on a wide range of European and nationally funded research projects, including QualiChain, DEL4ALL, OpenLang Network, Open Networking Lab, Institute of Coding, SlideWiki, EDSA, HUB4NGI, FORGE, weSPOT, EUCLID, ROLE, OpenScout, CASPAR, and PARMENIDES.