Distance Examination using Ajax

Distance Examination using Ajax to Reduce Web Server Load and Student’s Data Transfer

Ridwan Sanjaya¹, Prof. Dr. Chaiyong Brahmawong^2
1 Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia.
² College of Internet Distance Education, Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Email: mail2ridwan@yahoo.com, chaiyong@ksc.au.edu

Abstract

Using Ajax in the web application is becoming popular now. It is a new approach of web application that closes the gap between desktop application and classic web application. Ajax is able to deliver all web contents better, smarter and richer using only technologies that are already installed on the majority of modern computers. To use this technology, a student does not need to change his/her web browser. The benefits of Ajax can be adapted by E-learning to serve a distance examination faster and more convenient for the students. Only the specific part will be requested to E-learning web server. It will reduce E-learning web server load and reduce the data transfer from students’ computers. If the students access the examination at the same time, they can access the examination faster than usual from their computer.

Keywords

Ajax, Remote Scripting, Dynamic HTML, E-Learning, Education, Web Platform

*) Published in Special Issue of the International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management (IJCIM), Vol. 15 No.SP3, Assumption University of Thailand, November, 2007, ISSN: 0858-7027.

**) Presented at The Fourth International Conference on E-Learning for Knowledge-Based Society held at Bangkok, Thailand on November 18-19, 2007.

PDF Version [Download]

 

1. Introduction

The web based learning is now used by several universities in the developing countries now, including Thailand and Indonesia, to give an educational opportunity to their citizens. Ministries of education in both of countries are pursuing several educational institutions to educate more people in their countries via internet, which is popularly called e-learning.

Several problems might occur in the middle of e-learning process. However, the show must go on. Several limitations in the e-learning technology can be delimited one by one by several innovations in the web technology. For educational institutions in the developing countries, one limitation to hold the e-learning is the lack of bandwidth. In the reality, every process in the e-learning website needs enough bandwidth to open the material of learning, do the group discussion, and do the examination.

Do the examination is one of important factors in the e-learning process because it is the evaluation part for the students to know how far they understand the contents of subject. For the students who have limitations in the bandwidth, do the exam smoothly without problem on the bandwidth can make them focus on the result.

Decreasing the data transfer between the web server and student can reduce the bandwidth problem. It will reduce the e-learning web server load also. Using Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript + XML) can be one of the techniques to solve the problem on the bandwidth. Ajax can minimize the amount of traffic between the client and the server. Making sure that your Ajax application doesn't send and receive unnecessary information adds to its robustness [6].

Ajax is basically a web development technique which uses existing technologies like JavaScript and XML, and which is able to deliver the web contents faster and more convenient to the students using only technologies that are already installed on the majority of modern computers.

Only the specific part will be requested to E-learning web server. It will reduce E-learning web server load and reduce the data transfer from students’ computers. If the students access the examination at the same time, they can access the examination faster than usual from their computer.

An Ajax application eliminates the start-stop-start-stop nature of interaction on the Web by introducing an intermediary - an Ajax engine - between the user and the server. It seems like adding a layer to the application would make it less responsive, but the opposite is true [3].

Figure 1: Request specific part of webpage

Ajax has ability to deliver all web contents better, smarter and richer using only technologies that are already installed on the majority of modern computers [1]. Developers use Ajax technologies to build Web applications with improved performance and interactivity, as well as responsive user interfaces [4].

The primary advantages of Ajax-style Web applications are less waiting time and more control for the user [5]. Ajax accomplishes this by eliminating full-page post-backs in favor of smaller, incremental in-place updates; leveraging the client machine’s processing power and temporal proximity by making the Web browser responsible for more aspects of the application execution; and exploiting modern Web browsers’ rich graphics capabilities transparency, shading, animation, Z-ordering, compositing, and so on to add more glitz and interactivity to the presentation of information.

2. Concepts Overview

Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is the latest boom in the Web development world. Ajax helps developers narrow the gap between desktop and web applications. Google Maps, Google Gmail, Google Earth, Yahoo Flickr, and MS Outlook Express Web Version are some of the applications powered by Ajax [2].

There is no additional feature that must be added to users’ computer because Ajax is not a new technology. It is basically a web development technique which uses existing technologies like Asynchronous JavaScript and XML.

Asynchronous means that users can make a request to a server and perform other actions while the server is processing users’ request. The response can be performed only in the specific part of webpage. In the classic web applications, the user has to wait and see the blank screen while the server is processing the request [2].

Ajax architecture is very simple; a user makes an initial request and, in response, the page with the Ajax engine is loaded. Thereafter, the user sends all requests to the Ajax engine through JavaScript function calls, while the Ajax engine forwards requests to the server, parses the responses, and displays the HTML in the browser.

Ajax engine is collections of JavaScript functions which use XmlHttpRequest object to make requests to the server. XmlHttpRequest is the main player in an Ajax application it handles all the communication with the server.

Figure 2: Ajax Architecture

Ajax applications take an advantage of dynamic HTML, which consists of HTML, Cascading stylesheets (CSS), and JavaScript glued together with the Document Object Model (DOM). Ajax uses XML to encode data for transfer between a server and a browser or client application. CSS gives Web site developers and users more control over how browsers display pages [4].

Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface that lets developers create and modify HTML and XML documents as sets of program objects, which makes it easier to design Web pages that users can manipulate. The DOM defines the attributes associated with each object, as well as the ways in which users can interact with objects. DHTML works with the DOM to dynamically change the appearance of Web pages. Working with the DOM makes Ajax applications particularly responsive for users.

JavaScript interacts with HTML code and makes Web pages and Ajax applications more active. Ajax uses asynchronous JavaScript, which an HTML page can use to make calls asynchronously to the server from which it was loaded to fetch XML documents. This capability lets an application make a server call, retrieve new data, and simultaneously update the Web page without having to reload all the contents, all while the user continues interacting with the program.

Systems can use JavaScript-based XMLHttpRequest objects to make HTTP requests and receive responses quickly and in the background, without experiencing any visual interruptions.

Several benefits of using Ajax can be gained by the developers and users, such as (1) high interactivity, Ajax applications are more interactive than classic web applications; (2) high usability, it is updating only relevant portion on each user request will improve the usability of users’ application; (3) high speed. Ajax applications are much faster than classic web application [2].

3. Strategies

Based on the concepts, e-learning website can adapt the benefits of Ajax, especially in the examination part of e-learning. The examination page should not request the entire page for each question but only the questions themselves. The components for the page are web template, internal frame for the questions, the questions database, and the server side programming to show the questions from database.

The web template is a web design or layout which is combined from several pictures and HTML codes. The web template is loaded once only when the user requests for the examination page. To minimize the size of web page and reduce the need of bandwidth, the web design should not be full with pictures. The combination of colors can give an added value of the design without increasing the size of web page.

Figure 3: The Web Template

The internal frame should be placed in the web template to show the questions. The content inside will be changed after the students submit the answer or cancel the examination. Using Ajax, the internal frame can be dynamically showing another question without having to reloading all the web page. The students should not load all the web page but the questions only.

The questions database is needed as a bank of questions. It will be shown by the server side programming. Several served side programming languages, such as PHP, ASP.NET, JSP, and so on, can be used to open the questions database and show the question to the web page.

4. Implementation

To provide the web based examination using Ajax, the university can develop a web application which has main page (index.php), examination page (examination.php), and ajax engine (ajax.js). The example of the web examination can be shown at http://ridwan.sanjaya.org/research/ajax for the Ajax web and http://ridwan.sanjaya.org/research/non-ajax for the Classic web.

Figure 4: Implementation

The Pseudo-code of main page (index.php) of the examination web page, Ajax Engine (ajax.js), Question page (examination.php) can be seen bellow.

index.php

Begin

Create a web template

Create an internal frame

Load javascripts

Call a javascript function to show a question

End

ajax.js

Begin

Check Ajax web browser support

Collect parameters of request

Send the request to server side programming

Receive the result

Send the result to the internal frame

End

examination.php

Begin

Start SESSION

Connect to database

Check the answer

Give score and save to SESSION

Show the question

End

Based on the 10 questions which are prepared to students at http://ridwan.sanjaya.org/research/ajax, the total of web page size is 84 KB and total of loading time is 10.43 seconds.

Table 1: Ajax web measurement

At another experiment, to answer 10 questions which are prepared to students at http://ridwan.sanjaya.org/research/non-ajax, students will download 858 KB and they need 41.91 seconds to load and do the examination. The comparison of size and loading time can be shown at figure 5 and figure 6.

Table 2: Classic web measurement

5. Conclusion

Ajax is a great functional tool for web applications that is updating only relevant portion on each user request. Looking at the time comparison between Ajax and Classic examination web page, using Ajax can reduce the loading time of questions and reduce the bandwidth usage also. For the students who have limitations in the bandwidth, it can help them to do the exam smoothly without having problem on the bandwidth.

Figure 5: Size Comparison

Figure 6: Loading Time Comparison

Reference

[1] Crane, Dave, et al. Ajax in Action, Manning Publications Co., Greenwich, 2006.
[2] Eginam. 2007. An Introduction to Ajax. http://www.topcoder.com/tc?module=Static&d1=features&d2=071706.
[3] Garrett, J. 2005. Ajax: A New Approach to Web Applications. http://www.adaptivepath.com/ publications/essays/archives/000385.php.
[4] Paulson, Linda D. Building Rich Web Applications with Ajax, Computer, October 2005.
[5] Smith, Keith. Simplifying Ajax-Style Web Development, Computer, May 2006.
[6] Zakas, Nicholas C, et al. Professional Ajax, Wiley Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, 2006.

Continue reading...

Building Educational Content Business

Building Educational Content Business using SMS and Java Mobile Application

Saranpong Pramsane, Ph.D.
Assumption University,
Bangkok, Thailand.
prammicester@hotmail.com

Ridwan Sanjaya
Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia.
mail2ridwan@yahoo.com

Abstract

This paper presents a business perspective of Short Message Service (SMS) content business in the educational field. The university has a lot of valuable information that students need such as grade release, enrollment information, university announcement, and internship opportunity which can be a value added services (VAS) for mobile communications.

The university has two options of architecture. The first architecture will use the independent architecture which is created by the university itself using one cell phone and one server. The next option is using the dependent service which is provided by the university and the cellular operator using one web server and 24-hour internet connection. Both alternatives have their own benefits and difficulties in different levels which depend on the institutional condition. This selection will also affect both cost and pricing in providing the service, and their performance.

This paper is aimed to develop the educational content business based on SMS. This service will support their student’s need of information based on the comparison of the architecture and its costs. Providing a Java mobile application for the GUI interface of the SMS Application stimulates users to use this service without worrying about the typographical error, the false destination number, or the wrong choice of services.

Keywords

Value Added Service, Short Message Services, SMS, Education Services, Content Provider, Cellular Phone, Mobile Phone, Content Business.

*) Published in Proceeding of The Fifth International Conference on e-Business (NCEB 2006), Bangkok, 2-3 November 2006.

**) Presented at The Fifth International Conference on e-Business (NCEB 2006), Bangkok, 2-3 November 2006.

PDF Version [Download]

1. Introduction

With emerging mobile commerce, these are two different underlying technology platforms: Wireless web-based technologies, such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and text-based technology or Short Message Services (SMS). The former is similar to web interface. However, the latter, in controls, is a simple user interface.

Increase in need for new and ubiquitous, mobile communications are changing the way people communicate and work. In particular, GSM is anticipated to play a major role in personal communication inquire for new services, causing new infrastructure architectures to increase at the same time [3]. These approaches assist both network operators and service providers in facilitate their task of definition, deployment and management of new services.

SMS is a basic and common feature given by cellular operators to users. Recently, the growing influence of SMS has attracted significant attention. As a convenient and low-cost mobile communication technology, SMS is experiencing very rapid growth. In 2001, 700 million mobile phone users worldwide sent an average of 20 billion SMS messages every month. Indeed, the volume of SMS messages sent in December 2001 was 30 billion worldwide and it was expected to grow to 100 billion by the end of 2002. In Europe, Norway leads the region with an average of 47 messages sent per month per user in 2001 while Philippines lead the Asia-Pacific region with 336 SMS messages [4].

The worldwide increasing growth of SMS messaging services has spurred the developments of SMS commerce applications, which mainly cover consumer-orientated business such as alerting, ticket booking and retailing. Given that the huge SMS messaging customer base could potentially serve as major component of the SMS-commerce customer base, many commerce providers are becoming more interested in SMS commerce applications.

The university as an educational organization has many valuable information which can be provided to the students, such as (1) grade release, (2) enrollment information, (3) university announcement, and (4) internship opportunity. If the university can provide them on the SMS service, the students can get the information easier and faster. They can request the information from the service provider at their own convenient time through their cell phones.

There are two kinds of services which can be built to distribute the information through SMS:

(1) Independent Service. It is created by the university itself using one cell phone and one server.

Figure 1. Independent Service

(2) Dependent Service. The university only provides one server and 24/7 internet connection. However, there is a need for an agreement between the university and the cellular operator to provide the service.

Figure 2. Dependent Service

Both of them services have their own benefits and difficulties in the different levels which depend on the institutional condition. The choice will also affect both the cost and the pricing in providing the service.

2. Technical Comparison

Even though the architecture of two services is different, both of services have the same objective to provide the information based on the user’s request. The example of the user’s request and the reply can be shown on the bellow.

Figure 3. Illustration Request and Answer

The differences between independent and dependent service is located on the data flow between users and content provider.

2.1 Independent Service

To provide independent service, the University can use 1 mobile phone or GSM modem and 1 server as an SMS server. Database server also can be connected to the SMS server to supply data. If the user sends a request through SMS, the mobile network will receives it and sends it again to the SMS server mobile phone receiver. The SMS will be processed on the SMS server.

Figure 4. Conceptual Model

SMS server will read the message from mobile phone receiver and it will compare the message and the answer from the university database. The result will be sent to the user through the mobile phone on the server (See Figure 3).

The steps of reading and sending the SMS on the server show on the Figure 5. Those steps are (1) Frequently, server will check the SMS from the mobile phone and translate from PDU format into plain text. In the PDU mode, a complete SMS Message including all header information is passed as a binary string [4]. (2) The translation message will be read and divide into three parts (Student ID, Password, and Keyword). Then, the Student ID and Password will be compared with data on the Authentication table. (3) If match, the system will check the balance. But if not match, the SMS will be ignored. (4) If there are enough points to be used, the system will process the request and compare the keyword with the available services. If not available, system will send a SMS warning to the user. Otherwise, the system will query the answer from the database, (5) translate from plain text into PDU format, and (6) send the answer back to the user.

Figure 5. Reading and Sending SMS

Before students can use the services, they must pay the services through the website. (1) Students can pay the services using credit cards or bank transfer. Based on the payment, user will get points or add the user’s balance which will be used to use the services. (2) After that, students can use the services and send the request to the SMS server. SMS server will check the ID and password and compare to the student database. (3) If the ID and password are correct, server will check user’s balance. If there are enough points, server will check the answer based on user’s request. (4) The answer will be sent to the user and the user’s balance will be deducted.

Figure 6. A whole processes on the system

E-Commerce Website has to be provided to facilitate payment system for the services. The process of payment system can be the following steps: (1) Students pay the services through the website. (2) If students use credit cards, the payment will be processed at Payment Processing Center, (3) Merchant, and (4) accepted by Cardholder’s bank.

Each successful payment is done by users keeping adequate balance. It will be used for getting the information from the SMS services.

Figure 7. Adding User’s Balance

There are three entities, such as student, university, and lecturer. (1) Before students apply the courses, the availability of those courses must be checked on the database. (2) If the courses are available on the database, university will accept the enrollment and create the student list. The student list will be given to the lecturer and the enrollment record will be saved on the database. (3) After the end of semester, the lecturer will give the grade of students to the university through Grading process. Grade will be saved on the database. (4) If students request enrollment information through an SMS, a student can send a SMS to the Enrollment SMS Service. The system will check the student’s points. Then, it will inquiry the enrollment database and gives the answer back to the student. The request and answer will be saved on SMS-record database and deducted points based on its price. (5) It also happens on the Grade SMS Service. A student will send a request to the service and the system will check the student’s points. Then, it will inquire the grade database and gives the answer back to the student. The request and answer will be saved on SMS-record database and deducted points based on its price.

The SMS Enrollment and Grade Information consist four processes, which are (1) translation the SMS from PDU format into text message and save the request, (2) checking balance of student’s points, (3) find the answer on the grades data, and (4) send the reply SMS of enrollment/grade information, save the answer into SMS-record database, and deducted student’s points based on price data.

Figure 8. Data Flow of SMS Request

This system must be equipped with 8 (eight) tables to support the user’s request, authentication, and record the transaction, such as (1) Student table, (2) Study Courses table, (3) Grade table, (4) Authentication table, (5) Points table to record the user’s balance, (6) Price table for the base of balance deduction, (7) SMS-record table to support the payment, and (8) Transactions table to record all payment from the users.

2.2 Dependent Service

To provide independent service, the University must have agreement with cellular operator. After that, there is a need to provide 24-hour internet connection. It has function to receive any SMS from the SMS center via internet.

Figure 9. Conceptual Model

The user’s request from their mobile phone will be accepted by an operator cellular on the SMS center. Then, the SMS server will send the message via internet to a specific port on the HTTP server. The HTTP server will receive the message and compare it with the available services. The result will be sent to the SMS center via internet and forward it to the users’ mobile phone.

The process on the HTTP server can be seen on the following figure. First of all, a HTTP server will listen to the request from the SMS Center. Then, the request as the keyword will be compared with the available services. If match, it will query to the database and produce a result as the information. Otherwise, it will produce the error message as the information. The information will be sent to the SMS Center via internet.

Figure 10. Process on the Server Side

The benefit of using this architecture is (1) the capability to receive thousands SMS per seconds [5], (2) no need mobile phone or GSM modem, and (3) the payment system will deduct automatically by the cellular operator from their user balance. But some education institutions may not provide the 24-hour internet connection and the university as a content provider must have a license from the government to provide this kind of service beside the agreement with the cellular operators.

The limitation of the service, (1) one cellular operator can accept the requests from their own users only; the university must have an agreement with all cellular operators to accept the user’ requests from any different cellular operators, (2) the price of service is depended on the cellular operator. It might be more expensive because there is a sharing profit between the university and cellular operators, and (3) the service can be accessed by domestic users only. Premium mobile phone number can not be accessed by international users. This is the crucial problem for the international university.

3. Java Mobile Application

As a part of common marketing strategies which gives easiness to the users, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) is created. Using the GUI, users can request the information via SMS without worrying about the typographical error, the false destination number, or the wrong choice of services. The content provider can create the user interface by using Java language for mobile phone which is familiar to the users nowadays.

The main part of the program can be divided into two screens, (1) the configuration screen and (2) the SMS service option screen. The configuration screen will ask the user several data, such as the SMS server phone number, the student ID, and the password. It will be saved into mobile phone’s memory and be combined with another screen to request the SMS service.

Figure 11. Configuration screen

Another screen will show several options of the SMS service using radio button. Each service has its own keyword. After the users choose one of the services and press the Send Request button, the keyword of each option will be connected to the student ID and password. The combination string will be sent to the SMS server phone number.

Figure 12. Request SMS service screen

The keyword of each option can be shown on the following.

Tabel 1. List of Options and Keywords

The application will be produce the string which has format as the bellow:

[Student ID] + [Password] + [Keyword]

The Example:

G4829723 abcdef GRADE

After that, the String will be sent to the SMS server phone number. The algorithm of the application can be seen on the following.

Figure 13. Algorithm of Java Mobile Application

4. Business Perspective

The comparison of Cost, Revenue, and Break Event Point each service can be seen as the followings. Beside the technical comparison, this comparison also can be used to make a decision whether use independent or dependent service.

4.1 Independent Service

Independent service needs hardware and operating system to support the system to be able distributes the information via SMS. The cost can be shown on the bellow.

Number of Students = 19.500 Students

Potential User = 17,018 Users (See Appendix)

Revenue

If this service is launched after final examination, the calculation is in the bellow:

Revenue = 2 Baht x 17,018 User

= 34,036 Baht

If there are 3 final examinations (after first semester, second semester, and summer session) within 1 year, the profit can be 102,108 Baht

Cost

Total cost can be calculated on the below:

Total Cost = Fix Cost + 12 month Variable Cost

= (48,650 Baht + 7,900 Baht)

+ (100 Baht x 12 months)

= 56,550 Baht + 1,200 Baht

= 57,750 Baht

Break Event Point (BEP)

Because profit from two times final examinations only is 68,072 Baht and total cost within 1 year is 57,750 Baht, Break Event Point can be reached within 6 months or after 2 final exams. The calculation can be shown on the following table 2 and figure 14.

Tabel 2. Cost and Revenue

From the table on the above, the break event point chart can be seen on the figure 14.

Figure 14. Break Event Point

4.2 Dependent Service

Dependent service needs one web server, the operating system, and internet connection to support the system to be able distributes the information via SMS. The cost can be shown on the bellow.

Number of Students = 19.500 Students

Potential User = 17,018 Users (See Appendix)

Revenue

If this service is launched after final examination, the calculation is in the bellow:

Revenue = 2 Baht x 17,018 User

= 34,036 Baht

If there are 3 final examinations (after first semester, second semester, and summer session) within 1 year, the profit can be 102,108 Baht

Cost

Total cost can be calculated on the below:

Total Cost = Fix Cost + 12 month Variable Cost

= (20,000 Baht + 7,900 Baht)

+ (1,100 Baht x 12 months)

= 27,900 Baht + 13,200 Baht

= 41,100 Baht

Break Event Point (BEP)

Because profit from once final examinations only is 34,036 Baht and total cost within 1 year is 41,100 Baht, Break Event Point can be reached within 1 month or in the first final exams. The calculation can be shown on the following table 3 and figure 15.

Tabel 3. Cost and Revenue

From the table on the above, the break event point chart can be seen on the figure 15.

Figure 15. Break Event Point

5. Conclusion

In overall comparison between the Independent and Dependent service, the Dependant service is superior to another.

The benefit of using the independent architecture is (1) no need to have agreement with operator cellular, (2) no need internet connection to have communication between university and operator cellular, (3) the price is the university’s rule, (4) it can be accessed by domestic and international users. However, the limitation of the Independent service, (1) the capability to receive SMS depend on the memory buffer of mobile phone or GSM modem, and (2) the university must have payment system to manage the users’ balance.

The benefit of using the dependent architecture is (1) the capability to receive thousands SMS per seconds [5], (2) no need mobile phone or GSM modem, and (3) the payment system will deduct automatically by the cellular operator from their user balance. But the limitations of the Dependent service are (1) each user depends on their cellular operator; the university must have an agreement with each cellular operators, (2) the price of service is depended on the cellular operator. There is a sharing profit between the university and cellular operators, and (3) the service can be accessed by domestic users only. Premium mobile phone number can not be accessed by international users. This is the crucial problem for the international university.

From business perspective, the Cost, Revenue, and Break Event Point of the Dependent service are more benefit than the Independent service. In the first month, the dependant service can get its BEP. But for the independent service, the university has to wait 6 months to cover the expenses.

The content provider can stimulate the users to use the service frequently by creating the comfort situation when they want request the service. In order to create that situation, the content provider could provide the Graphical User Interface (GUI) to the users. Java Mobile can be the choice to create the user’s interface.

6. Appendix: Survey

To know the potential users, the survey was done at the Assumption University.

Table 4. Potential Users

Figure 16. Potential Users

If the total students of Assumption University are 19,500 persons, the potential users can be

= 19,500 students x 87.27%

= 17,018 students

7. References

[1] Andy Stone. “Mobile Scaffolding: An Experiment in Using SMS Text Messaging to Support First Year University Students”, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, IEEE, 2004.
[2] Devine A. and Holmqvist S. “Mobile Internet Content Providers and their Business Models - What can Sweden learn from the Japanese experience?”, The Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, Jan 2001.
[3] Giovanni Martini, et al. “Distributed Architecture for Applications based on the GSM Short Message Service”, Proceedings of the 1995 workshop on physics and computer modeling of devices based on low-dimensional Structures, IEEE, 1995.
[4] Siemens, AG. “AT command set for S45 Siemens mobile phones and modems”, http://utenti.lycos.it/m50/sw/Command_set.pdf, Siemens AG, 2001.
[5] William Enck, et al. “Exploiting Open Functionality in SMS-Capable Cellular Networks”, Proceedings of the 12th ACM conference on Computer and communications security CCS '05, ACM Press, 2005.

Continue reading...

Developing a Value Added Service in the Educational Organization

Developing a Value Added Service in the Educational Organization using SMS and Java Mobile Application

Ridwan Sanjaya
Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia
mail2ridwan@yahoo.com

Saranphong Pramsane, Ph.D.
Graduate School of Information Technology, Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand
prammicester@hotmail.com

Abstract

This paper discusses a development of a Value Added Service (VAS) in the educational field via Short Message Service (SMS). As an educational institution, university has a lot of valuable information, for instance, grade release and enrollment information which can be shared to the students via mobile communication. To meet this demand, the university can provide this service by using GSM modem or HTTP server so that students can access the information via SMS. The selection of these two tools can affect the complexity of architecture and the performance of service.

The objective of this paper is to give practical insights to develop their own education services based on SMS in which Java application is used as a user interface to reduce errors. A step by step explanation as well as its logical algorithm to send the request via SMS using Java mobile application will be further explained in this paper.

Keywords
Value Added Service, Short Message Services, SMS, Education Services, Content Provider, Cellular Phone, Mobile Phone, Java Mobile, Java SMS, J2ME.

*) Published in Proceeding of the International Conference on Network and Mobile Computing (NMC) 2006, INTI College Malaysia, August 28-29, 2006.

**) Presented at the International Conference on Network and Mobile Computing (NMC) 2006, INTI College Malaysia, August 28-29, 2006.

PDF Version [Download]

1. Introduction

Short Message Services (SMS) is a basic and common feature given by cellular operators to users. Recently, the growing influence of SMS has attracted significant attention. As a convenient and low-cost mobile communication technology, SMS is experiencing very rapid growth. In 2001, 700 million mobile phone users worldwide sent an average of 20 billion SMS messages every month. Indeed, the volume of SMS messages sent in December 2001 was 30 billion worldwide and it was expected to grow to 100 billion by the end of 2002. In Europe, Norway leads the region with an average of 47 messages sent per month per user in 2001 while Philippines lead the Asia-Pacific region with 336 SMS messages [5].

The worldwide increasing growth of SMS messaging services has spurred the developments of SMS commerce applications, which mainly cover consumer-orientated business such as alerting, ticket booking and retailing. Given that the huge SMS messaging customer base could potentially serve as major component of the SMS-commerce customer base, many commerce providers are becoming more interested in SMS commerce applications.

The university as an educational organization has many valuable information which can be provided to the students, such as (1) grade release, (2) enrollment information, (3) university announcement, and (4) internship opportunity. If the university can provide them on the SMS service, the students can get the information easier and faster. They can request the information from the service provider at their own convenient time through their cell phones.

There are two kinds of services which can be built to distribute the information through SMS:

(1) Independent Service. It is created by the university itself using one cell phone and one server.

Figure 1. Independent Service

(2) Dependent Service. The university only provides one server and 24/7 internet connection. However, there is a need for an agreement between the university and the cellular operator to provide the service.

Figure 2. Dependent Service

Both of them services have their own benefits and difficulties in the different levels which depend on the institutional condition. The choice will also affect both the cost and the pricing in providing the service.

2. Architecture Comparison

Even though the architectures are different, both services have the same objective, namely to provide the information based on the user’s request. The example of the user’s request and the reply can be seen below.

Figure 3. Illustration Request and Answer

The differences between independent and dependent services are on the data flow between users and content provider.

2.1 Independent Service

To provide independent service, the University can use one mobile phone or GSM modem, and one server as an SMS server. Database server can also be connected to the SMS server to supply data. If the user sends a request via SMS, the mobile network will receive the request and forward it to the SMS server mobile phone receiver. The SMS will be processed on the SMS server.

Figure 4. Conceptual Model

SMS server will read the message from the mobile phone receiver and it will compare the message and the information from the university database. The result will be sent to the user through the mobile phone on the server (See Figure 3).

The steps of reading and sending the SMS on the server are shown in Figure 5. Those steps are (1) Frequently, server will check the SMS from the mobile phone and translate from PDU format into plain text. In the PDU mode, a complete SMS Message including all header information is passed as a binary string [5]. (2) The translation message will be read and divide into three parts (Student ID, Password, and Keyword). Then, the Student ID and Password will be compared with data on the Authentication table. (3) If match, the system will check the balance. But if not match, the SMS will be ignored. (4) If there are enough points to be used, the system will process the request and compare the keyword with the available services. If not available, system will send a SMS warning to the user. Otherwise, the system will query the answer from the database, (5) translate from plain text into PDU format, and (6) send the answer back to the user.

Figure 5. Reading and Sending SMS

Before students can use the services, they must pay the services through the website. (1) Students can pay the services using credit cards or bank transfer. Based on the payment, user will get points or add the user’s balance which will be used to use the services. (2) After that, students can use the services and send the request to the SMS server. SMS server will check the ID and password and compare to the student database. (3) If the ID and password are correct, server will check user’s balance. If there are enough points, server will check the answer based on user’s request. (4) The answer will be sent to the user and the user’s balance will be deducted.

Figure 6. A whole processes on the system

E-Commerce Website has to be provided to facilitate payment system for the services. The process of payment system can be the following steps: (1) Students pay the services through the website. (2) If students use credit cards, the payment will be processed at Payment Processing Center, (3) Merchant, and (4) accepted by Cardholder’s bank.

Each successful payment is done by users keeping adequate balance. It will be used for getting the information from the SMS services.

Figure 7. Adding User’s Balance

There are three entities, such as student, university, and lecturer. (1) Before students apply the courses, the availability of those courses must be checked on the database. (2) If the courses are available on the database, university will accept the enrollment and create the student list. The student list will be given to the lecturer and the enrollment record will be saved on the database. (3) After the end of semester, the lecturer will give the grade of students to the university through Grading process. Grade will be saved on the database. (4) If students request enrollment information through an SMS, a student can send a SMS to the Enrollment SMS Service. The system will check the student’s points. Then, it will inquiry the enrollment database and gives the answer back to the student. The request and answer will be saved on SMS-record database and deducted points based on its price. (5) It also happens on the Grade SMS Service. A student will send a request to the service and the system will check the student’s points. Then, it will inquire the grade database and gives the answer back to the student. The request and answer will be saved on SMS-record database and deducted points based on its price.

The SMS Enrollment and Grade Information consist four processes, which are (1) translation the SMS from PDU format into text message and save the request, (2) checking balance of student’s points, (3) find the answer on the grades data, and (4) send the reply SMS of enrollment/grade information, save the answer into SMS-record database, and deducted student’s points based on price data.

Figure 8. Data Flow of SMS Request

This system must be equipped with 8 (eight) tables to support the user’s request, authentication, and record the transaction, such as (1) Student table, (2) Study Courses table, (3) Grade table, (4) Authentication table, (5) Points table to record the user’s balance, (6) Price table for the base of balance deduction, (7) SMS-record table to support the payment, and (8) Transactions table to record all payment from the users.

2.2 Dependent Service

To provide independent service, the University must have agreement with cellular operator. After that, there is a need to provide 24-hour internet connection. It has function to receive any SMS from the SMS center via internet.

Figure 9. Conceptual Model

The user’s request from their mobile phone will be accepted by an operator cellular on the SMS center. Then, the SMS server will send the message via internet to a specific port on the HTTP server. The HTTP server will receive the message and compare it with the available services. The result will be sent to the SMS center via internet and forward it to the users’ mobile phone.

The process on the HTTP server can be seen on the following figure. First of all, a HTTP server will listen to the request from the SMS Center. Then, the request as the keyword will be compared with the available services. If match, it will query to the database and produce a result as the information. Otherwise, it will produce the error message as the information. The information will be sent to the SMS Center via internet.

Figure 10. Process on the Server Side

The benefits of using this architecture are (1) the capability to receive thousands SMS per seconds [7], (2) no need mobile phone or GSM modem, and (3) the automatic deducted payment system by the cellular operator from their user balance. However, some education institutions may not provide the 24-hour internet connection. Besides that, the university as a content provider must have a license from the government and an agreement with the cellular operators to provide this kind of service.

The limitations of the service are (1) one cellular operator can accept the requests from their own users only; the university must have an agreement with all cellular operators to accept the user’ requests from any different cellular operators, (2) the price of the service depends on the cellular operator. It might be more expensive because there is a sharing profit between the university and cellular operators, and (3) the service can be accessed by domestic users only. Premium mobile phone number can not be accessed by international phone numbers. This is a crucial problem for an international university.

3. Graphical User Interface

As a part of common marketing strategies which gives easiness to the users, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) is created. Using the GUI, users can request the information via SMS without worrying about the typographical error, the false destination number, or the wrong choice of services. The content provider can create the user interface by using Java language for mobile phone which is familiar to the users nowadays.

The main part of the program can be divided into two screens, (1) the configuration screen and (2) the SMS service option screen. The configuration screen will ask the user several data, such as the SMS server phone number, the student ID, and the password. It will be saved into mobile phone’s memory and be combined with another screen to request the SMS service.

Figure 11. Configuration screen

Another screen will show several options of the SMS service using radio button. Each service has its own keyword. After the users choose one of the services and press the Send Request button, the keyword of each option will be connected to the student ID and password. The combination string will be sent to the SMS server phone number.

Figure 12. Request SMS service screen

The keyword of each option can be shown on the bellow.

Tabel 1. List of Options and Keywords

The application will be produce the string which has format as the bellow:

[Student ID] + [Password] + [Keyword]

The Example:

G4829723 abcdef GRADE

After that, the String will be sent to the SMS server phone number. The algorithm of the application can be seen on the following.

Figure 13. Algorithm of Java Mobile Application

4. Programming Analysis

To access SMS functionality on a GSM mobile device, the Java Mobile Application needs the support from an additional package. The additional package is also a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), but unlike a profile, it does not define a complete application environment. [3]

Additional APIs, for instance, Wireless Messaging API (WMA) 1.1 (Java Specification Request/JSR 120), WMA 2.0 (JSR 205) and PDA Profile for J2ME (JSR 75) are used for advance applications. By using the WMA 1.1 and WMA 2.0, it will be possible for Java applications to compose and send messages, which can contain text, images and sound [4]. JSR 205 is an extension to the original WMA (JSR-120) to provide Multimedia Message Service (MMS) support. This API will allow the Java Mobile Application to send and receive not only text, but also voice, video and graphics [6]. In this paper, the Java Mobile Application used is JSR 120.

The JSR 75 provides the FileConnection APIs which allows the program to access the removable storage devices and memory cards which are common on many mobile devices. The use of JSR 75 is also needed in this paper in order to be able to save the configuration permanently on the mobile phone. To get the support from those APIs, the programmer can choose the Additional APIs when creating a new project on the J2ME Wireless Toolkit.

Figure 14. Additional APIs on J2ME Wireless Toolkit

4.1 Configuration Program

This program is used to save the configuration of SMS server, Student ID, and Password. The Pseudo-code of Configuration program (configSMS.java) can be seen as the following.

Begin

Import APIs

Declaration Object

Create GUI to input/edit SMS server, Student ID, and Password

Display GUI (See Figure 11)

Read Configuration File

Show the configuration on GUI

Update the configuration File

End

To read the configuration file, the program needs FileConnection from javax.microedition.io package which is supported by JSR 75 and uses Connector.READ.

FileConnection fc = (FileConnection) Connector.open("file:///" + el + "config.txt", Connector.READ);

However, to write the configuration file, the following command is used. The program needs Connector.READ_WRITE to allow writing on the mobile phone storage.

FileConnection fc = (FileConnection) Connector.open("file:///" + el + "config.txt", Connector.READ_WRITE);

String el is the root folder and config.txt is the file to save the configuration of SMS server, Student ID, and Password.

4.2 Send SMS Program

This program is used to give the options of service to the user and send the request to the SMS server by using the Student ID, and the Password from the configuration file. The Pseudo-code of Send SMS program (sendSMS.java) can be seen bellow.

Begin

Import APIs

Declaration Object

Create GUI to give option of service (keyword)

Display GUI (See Figure 12)

Read Configuration File (SMS server, Student ID, Password)

Message connection: Student ID, Password and the keyword

Send the the message

End

The options will produce their keywords which will be used to send the SMS.

if (message.equals("Grade Release")) {

choice = "GRADE";

} else if (message.equals("Enrollment Information")) {

choice = "ENROLLMENT";

} else if (message.equals("University Announcement")) {

choice = "ANNOUNCEMENT";

} else if (message.equals("Internship Opportunity")) {

choice = "INTERNSHIP";

} else {

choice = "";

}

To read the configuration file, FileConncetion on the program above will be used to read the SMS server, the Student ID, and the Password.

FileConnection fc = (FileConnection) Connector.open("file:///" + el + "config.txt", Connector.READ);

To send the SMS, the command can be seen below. String to, studentID, and password are got from the configuration file, and String choice is a keyword which is got from the option of service.

MessageConnection smsconn = null;

try {

String address = "sms://+" + to + ":5000";

smsconn = (MessageConnection)Connector.open(address);

TextMessage txtMessage = (TextMessage)

smsconn.newMessage(MessageConnection.TEXT_MESSAGE);

smsText = studentID + " " + password + " " + choice;

txtMessage.setPayloadText(smsText);

smsconn.send(txtMessage);

smsconn.close();

}

5. Conclusion

In overall comparison between the Independent and Dependent service, the Dependant service is more superior to another.

The benefit of using the independent architecture is (1) no need to have agreement with operator cellular, (2) no need internet connection to have communication between university and operator cellular, (3) the price is the university’s rule, (4) it can be accessed by domestic and international users. However, the limitation of the Independent service, (1) the capability to receive SMS depend on the memory buffer of mobile phone or GSM modem, and (2) the university must have payment system to manage the users’ balance.

The benefit of using the dependent architecture is (1) the capability to receive thousands SMS per seconds [7], (2) no need mobile phone or GSM modem, and (3) the payment system will deduct automatically by the cellular operator from their user balance. But the limitations of the Dependent service are (1) each user depends on their cellular operator; the university must have an agreement with each cellular operators, (2) the price of service is depended on the cellular operator. There is a sharing profit between the university and cellular operators, and (3) the service can be accessed by domestic users only. Premium mobile phone number can not be accessed by international phone numbers. This is the crucial problem for the international university.

The content provider can stimulate the users to use the service frequently by creating easiness when they want to request the service. Easiness to the users can be provided by using the GUI. Java Mobile Application can be the choice to create the user’s interface. It needs JSR 120 to allow the Java application to send SMS from mobile phone, and JSR 75 to allow the program to access the storage on the mobile device.

References

[1] Andy Stone. Mobile Scaffolding: An Experiment in Using SMS Text Messaging to Support First Year University Students, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, IEEE, 2004.
[2] Devine A. and Holmqvist S. Mobile Internet Content Providers and their Business Models - What can Sweden learn from the Japanese experience? The Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, Jan 2001.
[3] Giguere, Eric. J2ME Optional Packages, http://developers.sun.com/techtopics/mobility/midp/articles/optional, Sun Microsystem, 2002.
[4] Java Community Process, JSR 205: Wireless Messaging API 2.0, http://jcp.org/en/jsr/detail?id=205, JCP, 2004.
[5] Jones, S, Next Generation Airline Information Using Consumer Devices to Keep Passengers Informed and as an Additional Channel to Market, Mobile Data Management Proceedings, IEEE International Conference, 2004.
[6] Shah, Apu. JCP Watch: Time for Review, http://www.developer.com/java/other/print.php/1690731, JupiterWeb, 2003.
[7] Siemens, AG. AT command set for S45 Siemens mobile phones and modems, http://utenti.lycos.it/m50/sw/Command_set.pdf, Siemens AG, 2001.

Continue reading...

Other Publications in E-Learning Conference 2006

Selected papers at International Conference of E-Learning 2006 was published as a Special Issue of the International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management. They are:

• Tenth Anniversary of the Distance Learning Foundation
  (Keynote Address) by Khwankeo Vajarodaya
• The New, New Internet - Ipv6: Technology's Next Big Step
  (Keynote Address) by Latif Ladid
• eLearning As A Science And Profession
  (Keynote Address) by Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip Martin Komolmas
• To Develop Or Not To Develop New Courseware For University-Level eLearning
  (Keynote Address) by Prof. Dr. Srisakdi Charmonman and Dr. Natanicha Chorpothong
• Technogogy: Facilitating The Transformation Of Learning
  (Keynote Address) by Rozhan M. Idrus, Karen McComas
• Learning Theories And eLearning
  (Keynote Address) by Rangsan Saengsook
• Solving Ethical Issues In eLearning
  (Keynote Address) by Kuldeep Nagi
• Introducing eLearning Into Secondary Schools In Thailand
  by Arthur Morse and Suwat Suktruisul
• eCollaborative Projects For Better Learning
  by Lim Kin Chew
• VEBA: A Virtual Experience-Based Approach For Graduate Study In eLearning
  by Prof. Dr. Chaiyong Brahmawong
• Knowledge On-The-Move
  by A. Noel Jones
• Content Reusability In eLearning - ICRISAT's Experiments With LMS
  by Sylvester Asil Gerard, Dixit Sreenath, Boyanapalle Diwakar, Sahu Ritesh Kumar and Venkataraman Balaji
• Identifying And Protecting eLearning Systems From Corrupt Use And Plagiarism
  by Emil Marais, David Argles and Basie von Solms
• The Development Of eLearning Methodology Degree Programs
  by Prof. Dr. Utumporn Jamornmann
• Types Of Learning Objects
  by Ion Mierlus - Mazilu
• eLearning Pedagogical Design: Tsoi? Model
  by Mun Fie TSOI, Ngoh Khang GOH and Lian Sai CHIA
• eLearners, A Special Breed Of Learners With Implicit Learning Characteristics
  by Chao boon Teo and Robert kheng leng Gay
• The Value Of International Standardization Of Basic Computer Literacy And Online Testing
  by Colin Glass and Jonathan Khongwir
• iCamp: A Cross-Cultural Research Approach For A Cross-Cultural Learning Design
  by Barbara Kieslinger and Sebastian Fiedler
• Technological Intelligent Agents [TIA]: A Stimulus for (e)Didactics?
  by Gerald Moshammer and Benjamin P. W. Ellway
• Instructional Design For eLearning Courseware: The IT-Plus System
  by Nuttaphong Kanchanachaya and Taminee Shinasharkey
• Statistical Analysis Of eLearning Usage In An University
  by Vajirasak Vanijja and Montri Supattathum
• A Methodology To Support Six Sigma Implementation In SMES As eLearning
  by Runchana Sinthavalai
• Collaborative E-Testing Construction Using Prediction Tools To Improve Test Reliability
  by Pokpong Songmuang, Maomi Ueno and Toshio Okamoto
• MySLU : A WEB Portal Project To Promote ICT And WEB Based Collaboration In Higher Education, Philippines Experience
  by Cecilia A. Mercado and Gerry Paul C. Genove
• Synchronic Distance Learning: A Brief Review And Implications
  by David Bregman, Yossi Raanan, Yael Amitai
• eLearning And Knowledge Management, Symptoms Of A Reality
  by Prasit Teekaput and Pairoj Waiwanijchakij
• Flexible Learning: The Digital Engine Of The Knowledge Economy
  by Christopher Johnson
• A Comparison Of Group And Individualized Motivational Messages Sent By SMS And E-Mail To Improve Student Achievement
  by Damith Wickramanayake and Charles Schlosser
• One Stop Services For eLearning Program
  by Prasitchai Veerayuttwilai
• Intelligent Instructional Resource Planning System For An Enterprise eLearning Management System
  by Thaveesak Ganjanasuwan and Charan Sanrach
• Cognitive Architecture For Affective eLearning
  by H. Ekanayake, D.D. Karunarathna and K.P. Hewagamage
• Interactive Distance Learning Based On SIP
  by S. Sae-Wong, T. Kamolphiwong, S. Kamolphiwong and S. Anantakunupakorn
• An Invitation Method Enhance Internet-Based Survey Response Rates
  by Poonsri Vate-U-lan
• Mobile Devices In eLearning
  by Rear Admiral Prasart Sribhadung
• The Biggest And Best Schoolbook Of The World: The Internet; Homeschooling And Global eLearning Experiences
  by Andreas Becker, Lisa Becker and Martina Heinze
• From Blended Learning To eLearning: Experience With The MScICT Program
  by Santithorn Bunchua
• Business Game - An Illustration of Intensive Web Based eLearning support Technologies Usage
  by David Bregman, Gila Keinan, Arik Korman, and Itamar Shabtai
• Reengineering UNITAR's Courseware Development Model
  by Zaid Ali Alsagoff
• Developing An Effective And Efficient eLearning Platform Using Open Source Software
  by Firouz Anaraki
• Thai Language E-Training For The Hard Of Hearing
  by Nalinrat Witsawakiti, Atiwong Suchato and Proadpran Punyabukkana
• A Learner Oriented Ontology Of Metadata To Improve Effectiveness Of Learning Management Systems
  by S.R. Heiyanthuduwage and D.D. Karunarathna
• RELAD: A Rapid eLearning Authoring And Development Model
  by Proadpran Punyabukkana, Boonchai Sowanwanichakul and Atiwong Suchato
• eLearning Operational Risk Assessment And Management: A Case Study Of The M.Sc. In Management Program
  by Sathima Patomviriyavong, Boonyarat Samphanwattanachai and Thanomsak Suwannoi
• eLearning Courseware Development: Experiences And Lessons Learned From AU-PLUS System
  by Jintavee Monsakul
• Typo-3 Goes E/B-Learning
  by Andreas Becker
• Web 2.0 And Its Implementation To eLearning
  by Ridwan Sanjaya and Rear Admiral Prasart Sribhadung
• eLearning Value Chain And Case Studies
  by Arisa Rojnuckarin
• Mobile Education Services Based On SMS And Their Architecture Comparison
  by Saranphong Pramsane and Ridwan Sanjaya

Continue reading...

Web 2.0 and Its Implementation to E-Learning

Ridwan Sanjaya¹, Rear Admiral Prasart Sribhadung^2
1 Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia.
² Graduate School of Information Technology, Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Email: mail2ridwan@yahoo.com, prasart@ksc.au.edu

Abstract

Web 2.0 is a new buzzword being used in the Internet these days. The concept had become popular after the discussion was made in 2004 between O'Reilly and MediaLive International. Although most people claim that Web 2.0 is the second phase of the World Wide Web development, it is not apparently clear what it means and what it takes. However, the proponents of Web 2.0 formulated the seven principles characterizing the current practices which are explored. These are (1) The Web As Platform, (2) Harnessing Collective Intelligence, (3) Data is the Next Intel Inside, (4) End of the Software Release Cycle, (5) Lightweight Programming Models, (6) Software [written] Above the Level of a Single Device, (7) Rich User Experiences. Relatively, the principles of Web 2.0 have the following key components: connectivity, interactivity and participation from the users. Nowadays, this concept is also being used in the field of education which has come to be known as E-Learning 2.0. This paper presents the process of implementing the concepts of Web 2.0 in E-Learning by integrating different tools into the concept which will help users learn fast and interact effectively while using E-learning website.

Keywords

Web 2.0, RSS, E-Learning, Education, Web Platform

*) Published in Special Issue of the International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management (IJCIM), Vol. 14 No.SP1, Assumption University of Thailand, August, 2006, ISSN: 0858-7027.

**) Presented at The Third International Conference on E-Learning for Knowledge-Based Society held at Bangkok, Thailand on August 4, 2006.

PDF Version [Download]

 

1. Introduction

Even though Web 2.0 is becoming an interesting topic in the internet, it is not a familiar word for the users. There are a lot of users still asking for the meaning, the function, and the objective of Web 2.0 and also comparing it to the present web technology. They are afraid that Web 2.0 will make incompatibility in the client side. But none of the technology on the client side is changing. The development of Web 2.0 emphasizes on the way of thinking to provide the content and interface on the website. The Web was shifting from being a medium, in which information was transmitted and consumed, into being a platform, in which content was created, shared, remixed, repurposed, and passed along [2]. Most of the concepts in Web 2.0 integrate some web technologies in the present days.

Nowadays, Web 2.0 is a new buzzword in the Internet. This concept has been well-known after the discussion between O'Reilly and MediaLive International in 2004. Despite the claim that Web 2.0 is the second phase of the World Wide Web development, it is not actually clear what it means and what it takes. Some of them emphasize on the social network between the website and its users, like the Blog does. But others push the ideas on using web as a platform, like AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML) does [5].

The users can run the word processor or spreadsheet software using the web browser only. They do not have to install the software in the computer, but they can access the website of the application provider via web browsers, for instance, Google Spreadsheet (http://spreadsheets.google.com) or Zoho Writer (http://www.zohowriter.com).

Through these applications, the users can create, format, and edit documents online with a powerful WYSIWYG editor. Moreover, they can access and share their documents from anywhere using only the web browser. Users do not need the conventional storage anymore. Saving and sharing the documents can be done via internet.

2. Concepts Overview

After the brainstorming between O’Reilly and MediaLive International, they published the seven character principles of Web 2.0 [4]. The first character is web as a platform in which the users can create the web as a place to work at everywhere. They only need to open the web browser and then they can type, calculate, analyze finance, or create a presentation document using any application related to the work and publish the work directly in the internet. The example of this first character can be seen in the following figure.

Figure 1. Web as a platform

The second character is participation from the users on the knowledge collaboration. It reminds the users about the trust that is given to the internet users like in the Wikipedia. They can share their knowledge in the Wikipedia, an encyclopedia based on the web which is developed by the internet users over the world. The content is characterized by open communication, decentralized authority, freedom to share and re-use, and dynamic interactivity [1].

The next character is data becomes a trademark of application. It reminds the internet users with the “Intel Inside” slogan which is famous among the computer users. That trademark has been a trust guarantee to the users who have a computer or want to buy a computer. The same objective explains the third character in which the data supplier will give a trademark. That trademark will be used by a website owner to give the trust guarantee to the visitors. A few examples of this character are “Nevteq Onboard” slogan for the map data on the GPS navigation and “Powered by Google” for the Google Maps which supports the world map based on web.

The fourth character is web 2.0 as the end of software release cycle; it illustrates every software producer which does not release their product physically. Because of web as a platform, users can come to the website to run the software that they want to use. Every update can be used directly by the users. Software is not sold as a product but as a service. Producer who gives the faster and better service will be chosen by users.

The fifth character is the support of the simple programming and the idea of web service. The existence of RSS can be remixed easily by other websites using their own interface, web design, and simple programming.

The sixth character is software which is not limited to specific devices. It emphasizes on the term of web as a platform in which all application can access. Computer is not the only device that can run any application on the internet. Every application on the web 2.0 must be designed to run at personal computer, handheld devices (mobile phone or PDA), or internet server.

Finally, the last character is innovation on the client interface using Rich Web Applications with AJAX. Supports of AJAX which integrates HTML, CSS, Javascript, and XML on the Yahoo!Mail Beta and Gmail make the users get more additional values than ordinary web based e-mail service. Combination Instant Messenger or Voice over Internet Protocol can create a stronger character of Web 2.0 on the website.

3. Strategies

The existing e-learning website can adopt several characters to be implemented in each situation. In this pre-eliminary experiment, the five characters which can be adopted are the first character (web as a platform), second character (participation from users), fourth characters (the end of software release cycle), fifth character (support from simple programming and the idea of web service), and the sixth character (software which is not limited to a specific device).

The first character is web that can serve as lecturers’ workplace. The lecturer can use the web to create the presentation, text document, or other else. If the lecturer has created the documents before, the documents can be imported to the web and saved in the server. Since it is saved on the internet, users can see the documents via the internet or participate in giving any input or changes if the lecturer share it for them.

Like Wikipedia, every change is saved in the history. Everyone can see the changes until the official document is released by the lecturer. This kind of collaboration emphasizes the second character of Web 2.0. The users are trusted to make changes but their activities are recorded to give clear information to other users about the changes.

The fourth character can be adopted to E-learning website to help the lecturers create their presentation, text document, or others without installing the application. The lecturers can visit E-learning website and do their job there. E-learning website must be equipped with several office applications to support the lecturing.

Based on the fifth character, the saved documents can produce RSS to support the simple programming and the idea of the web service.

The flowchart of produce XML RSS can be seen in the following figure.

Figure 2. Produce XML RSS via web based software

The flowchart explains (1) If the lecturers want to create a new document, they will get the software based on web. Otherwise, they can choose to import the existing document to be saved on the server. (2) After the lecturers finish the activity, they can save the document in the server, and (3) generate it to produce XML RSS.

Because the output is XML RSS, the educational content can be accessed via mobile phone, PDA, desktop computer, or other media using any communication media, such as GPRS, HCSD, EDGE, LAN, or WiFi.

Figure 3. XML RSS can be accessed by any devices

The XML RSS can be adopted by other website with simple programming. However, for the commercial education, RSS can be supported by HTTP authentication to limit the users. Only registered users can access the RSS from their own device.

Figure 4. XML RSS with HTTP authentication

4. Implementation

To provide the software based on the web, the university can develop E-Learning website using AJAX. An example of the office application can be seen on zohoshow.com (presentation software), zohowriter.com (word processor), zohosheet.com (spreadsheet), and spreadheet.google.com (spreadsheet). They have the capability to access from anywhere, share and collaborate, load the existing document based on the Microsoft Office and OpenOffice; thus, installation is unnecessary. A simple office application can be seen on Figure 5.

After the lecturer save the documents, it will create an xml file using RSS format (see Figure 6). This format is used to provide items containing short descriptions of web content together with a link to the full version of the content. The items can be seen by using the RSS aggregator application which is installed in desktop computer (see Figure 7), mobile phone, and PDA (see Figure 8).

Figure 5. Sample office application based on the web

Figure 6. Saved document on the XML RSS format

Figure 7.View of the e-learning content from the desktop application

Figure 8.View of the e-learning content from the handheld device

For the commercial education, RSS can be supported by using HTTP authentication. It will limit the number of users. Only the registered users can access the RSS from their own device. The HTTP authentication is a common method to provide security on the website. However, when HTTP authentication is combined with SSL, the RSS can become more secure [3].

For Apache web server users, they have to make sure that the value of AllowOverride parameter in the httpd.conf file has changed to All.

# AllowOverride controls what directives may be placed in .htaccess files. It can be "All", "None", or any combination of the keywords: Options FileInfo AuthConfig Limit

AllowOverride All

They have to create .htaccess and .htpasswd files in the saving directory. The content of .htaccess file can be seen on the following. Then, they have to modify the e-learning-directory string to the real location on the web server.

AuthUserFile /elearning-directory/.htpasswd

AuthGroupFile /dev/null

AuthName "E-learning Authentication"

AuthType Basic

<Limit GET POST>

require valid-user

</Limit>

To create .htpasswd, the command can be typed as the following. Then, they have to change the username to the real name on the student list. To make it dynamic, it can be connected to the database as well.

htpasswd -c .htpasswd username

Figure 9 describes the result of using HTTP authentication. Before the users access the content, they have to write the username and password. If it matches, the RSS XML will be read and it will be saved on the RSS aggregator application. The flowchart can be seen at Figure 4.

Figure 9. Using HTTP authentication

In order to invite the users to participate, e-learning website can provide editing forms. Each edited activity and the user’s identity will be recorded in the history. If the editing is not correct, the lecturer can rollback to the previous document based on the history list. The E-learning website can also be equipped with the shoutbox or chatbox as a communication tool between the lecturer and students.

5. Conclusion

E-learning website can add several characters on the Web 2.0 to provide some advantages for its users. First of all, by using the Web 2.0, users do not have to install the software. The next advantage is users can access the E-learning content without visiting the website. Finally, users can access the E-learning content from any devices.

Besides these advantages offered to its users, the use of HTTP authentication can limit the number of E-learning content viewers. Only the users who have rights can access the content of E-learning.

Although E-learning website is equipped by several communication tools to encourage users’ participation in sharing knowledge, this website still needs lecturers’ trust in order to maintain the participation.

Reference

[1] Daniel, Graeme. Web 2.0 and Education, http://magazines.fasfind.com/wwwtools/magazines.cfm?rid=2756, February 14, 2006.
[2] Downes, Stephen. Feature: E-learning 2.0, ELearn Volume 2005, Issue 10. ACM Press, October 2005.
[3] Garrity, Steven. Private RSS Feeds: Support for security in aggregators, http://labs.silverorange.com/archives/2003/july/privaterss, July 9, 2003.
[4] O'Reilly, Tim. What Is Web 2.0?, http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html, September 30, 2005.
[5] Treese, Win. Putting it together: Web 2.0: is it really different?, Networker, Volume 10 Issue 2. ACM Press, June 2006.

Continue reading...