Papers in PDF format

instructor intervention (to prevent module update, transfer of student information, etc.), and for operation of a
license server. Specific objectives of the project include:
1. Identifying the kind of information which needs to be kept in an index to allow automatic checking and
updating of course modules.
2. Identifying the kind of information which needs to be contained in a license database.
3. Identifying the kind of information which should be collected as students proceed through a CAI course
(performance recordings).
4. Development of module index, performance recording and license databases on the central node.
5. Development of routines to automatically transfer update information over the Internet for both the remote
microcomputer and the server.
6. Provide electronic communication between students and instructors.
Current Status
At this time we have identified the kinds of information which needs to be kept in a license database, that
which is required to allow automatic updating of course modules and that which needs to be kept as student
performance recordings. Databases with this information have been designed. A series of routines have been
built which provide for the transfer of data between a stateless server (an IBM RS6000) and a computer
assisted instruction program running under Authorware Professional on a Macintosh computer which has an
IP address on the Internet. The routines have been built so that their operation is transparent to the user. The
routines developed allow: course registration, logon and password for four levels (course owner, license holder,
instructor, student) course licensing and version control, control of access to and updating of student/course
data by instructors, maintenance of student restart records at the server, downloading of course segments,
up/downloading of student data, and student/faculty communication. The routines have been built into the
course Understanding Statistics which will be used to deliver a first year statistics course to graduate students
at the University of Alberta in 1996-97.
How does it work?
A student or institution obtains the kernel or control module for the course either from a CD-ROM, through
FTP or from a WWW site. CD-ROM is preferable, since a “shrink-wrapped” product can be sold and original
versions of each course module, graphics, etc. can be stored on the CD-ROM to minimize network traffic.
Figure 1 is a simplified flowchart showing the interaction between the Student, the Client software and the
Server once the Student launches the kernel.
Program Demonstration
A kernel for this program is available from http://grover.educ.ualberta.ca/~gduguay/demo/. This Macintosh
demo will allow a user to register and download the files necessary to begin as a student in the Understanding
Statistics course. This demo will remain operational until November 15, 1996.