| Module/Feature |
Description |
| The user and course management module |
This web based module enables the teacher – student communication and the delivery of all the necessary information about the course and its participants. The module prevents class registration for persons who do not have the right to participate. The information collected by this module is sent over to the other server modules |
The database
|
The database stores all the information about teachers and their classes, as well as about the people attending each course. The module uses the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database. |
The information module
|
Its function is to connect the client computer with the server and to deliver the latest information from the server to the client. Information such as the class status (active or inactive) and teacher status (on or offline) is stored and delivered by this module. The module administers the information collected by the User and Course Management Module and performs different functions based on user requests and status (e.g. it makes distinction between teacher clients and student clients and acts accordingly by sending them the appropriate pieces of information and granting them different rights). |
| Class member list |
This list is stored on the server and offers access to important details, such as the names of the class members, the name of the current speaker and the name of the person asking for the permission to speak next. It is updated each time someone leaves or enters the class. The user status is indicated by the color of her/his name. Teachers, for example, are listed in cyan, while a student who has just requested the right to speak is shown in red. |
The current speaker's picture
|
Any class member will have her/his picture stored and displayed whenever she/he takes part in a discussion. This feature helps create the atmosphere of a traditional educational setting, where people have not only names but also faces. |
The chat module
|
This module requires no description. Everyone joining the class can use this feature immediately after logging in. |
The voice module
|
This module enables real time communication between class members. The teacher has control over this feature, which means she/he can decide who speaks next. |
| Videoconferencing |
By using the videoconferencing feature, the current speaker (student or teacher) can be both heard and seen in real time. |
Application sharing
|
This feature allows the teacher to grant students access and rights to any application he/she wishes. It also allows students to request remote control over a shared application. |
Web Synchronization
|
This module relies on an integrated browser, which displays web sites loaded by the professor. |
The WhiteBoard
|
Its users can enrich their explanations/proofs by drawing lines, curves, circles, free-hand shapes and text, filling areas, photos, and selecting/moving parts of the screen. The access rights to this feature are also controlled by the teacher. |
The testing module
|
It enables teacher to design and administer a wide variety of examinations. The special tool for creating tests allows the teacher to add questions, answers (right or wrong), points for each correct answer, to specify whether the test is timed or not, to schedule the test and set up its duration, etc. (Note: some of this module’s components, such as the test scheduler or test builder have not been fully developed yet) |
The Recorder
|
Using this module, the professor and the students can save entire courses that can be played later using the iClassPlayer application. |
