WebClass: software to web-enable MATLAB for collaborative use

This paper presents the work being carried out in Strathclyde University to utilize generic methods for making computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation packages available on the Internet for distance learning and distance collaboration purposes. The system was developed over a 3-year period and has now evolved into a generic resource sharing structure with several features designed for use predominantly in education but also in other environments. This paper provides an overview of the development, illustrates the functionality and use of the system in sharing different applications and for various user-modes, analyses the significance of such systems in educational establishments, indicates the difficulties experienced thus far in implementation and gives a brief overview of the latest version of this development.

Resource sharing software for distance learning in engineering education

Providing software developers with suitable on-line training support for the tools they use is challenging. We describe Reciprocity, a tool we have developed to support on-line software tool tutorial authoring and usage. Reciprocity supports distributed tutorial construction and viewing, tailored user adaptation, and provides continuous feedback to tutorial authors on the use of their training materials. We illustrate the use of Reciprocity for the construction and use of a tutorial for a domain-specific health data mapping specification tool. We describe our tool's architecture and implementation and report on three evaluations we have carried out to measure its effectiveness.

/pdf/reciprocity-an-integrated-continuous-approach-to-software-4k6pys8n2a.pdf

Reciprocity: an integrated, continuous approach to software training authoring, delivery and monitoring

The paper examines ways in which standard internet-based tools and existing packages can be enhanced so as to provide efficient and cost-effective training both in academia and in industry. Aspects such as using existing CAI and CAD packages in conjunction with internet-based tools, the development of intelligent tutoring systems to assist the learning process and the existence of an environment for sharing information and resources are being considered as possible applications for such a development. The recent "web presence" of packages such as Matlab and Mathematica have also made this development more relevant from an educational viewpoint as both packages are used for training and both require further enhancement in their new role. We see the use of intelligent agents for the enhancement and subsequent control of such tools and packages as essential to the process of distance learning since the latter entails not only efficient communication over the internet, but it also requires the efficient control and management of a) access to facilities and software, b) user direction to the requested relevant information, b) protocols of information exchange between users and relevant software, c) techniques through which multiple distance tutoring can be effected, d) online decision support systems.

L. Petropoulakis

Papers

Agent-controlled internet tools for computer-based distance training in industry and education