WEB 101: Using the Web in Education and Training / Technical Issues

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CONTENTS:

1. Supporting Users
2. Browsers
   1. Different generations
   2. Custom Education and Training Browsers
3. Servers
   1. Server Hardware
   2. CGI Considerations
   3. CGI Performance

Supporting Users

FLS users will require some technical support in using their Browsers. Those that are able to launch their Browsers can access a Web page for configuring their Browser and using its full capacity. Some, however, will not be able to configure modems, or will have other problems. As new communications technology comes on line, new user problems will arise. A telephone support line will be required. This office should have a wide range of Browsers, so that they can help all users. This situation can be simplified if a particular Browser is specified for your site(s). The price for this is that potential customers will not be able to evaluate your courses.

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Different Generations of Browsers

There are already several generations of Web Browsers, and there will be more to follow. Even the earliest generation is still in use, even though more advanced versions are available at no charge. A Web site with the ambition of being open to all users must take this variety into account. From earliest to future, the various generations are:

• Text-only. Linx.
• Graphics-enabled. Mosaic, first versions of Netscape.
• Java-enabled. Netscape 2.0. Java is a downloadable cross-platform computer language that can extend the capacity of Browsers. It will accelerate the development of the Web.
• Audio- and video-enabled Browsers. Practical audio and video add-ons for existing Browsers are just becoming available.
• VRML-enabled Browsers. VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) is not presently practical, but it is being developed energetically.

Indeed, the life of the Web developer will become even more complicated. Those with the latest Browsers will want to use their advanced features. On the other hand, this will always be a very small audience. Except, of course, that most people will migrate upwards, continually raising the standards.

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Custom Education and Training Browsers

There are several potential reasons why a given educational or training organization might want to develop a customized Browser. If the cost could be spread over several institutions this might become a more attractive option. The advantages would be:

• Uniform software for which to provide technical support. Automated and uniform connection would make life easier for everybody.
• Can store and echo keystrokes for research purposes. It might be necessary to tell users that this was going on, but it would benefit all learners.
• If printout and file saving features were disabled, this would prevent use and appropriation of course materials by others.

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Server Hardware

Most Servers are not limited by their processor. Most of what a processor does is to open, read and transmit files. A fast hard drive is much more important for good performance than a fast CPU. The Server should also have the fastest network connection that you can manage. Because the Server can be handling several hits simultaneously, a large amount of RAM memory is also important.

It is tempting to start off with a low-powered Server, or even a desktop that is someone's working computer. It is easily available and the price is right. However, if your site becomes heavily used, response times will get unacceptably long. It is important to have the budget and the capacity to migrate to larger and more capable servers as usage escalates.

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CGI Considerations

The choice of a CGI programming language is important. CGI programs are not seen by the users. They do not need icons, they do not open Windows and they do not generally send output directly to users. They do make up a custom HTML document that gets returned to the user by the Server. Some of the considerations in choosing a language for programming CGI applications are:

• It is more convenient if the language has a natural interface to the Server.
• CGI applications do lots of text-processing and file reading and writing, and the language should support this.
• A convenient interface to a capable database is also a benefit.
• Over the course of time, many people will need to work on the CGI applications. The language should be well-known and accessible.

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CGI Performance

Fast CGI response times are important for learner acceptance. However, CGI programs involve many files for a single response. The sequence is:

1. The Server receives the CGI URL and loads the CGI program file
2. For lengthy inputs, the CGI program reads an input file
3. In many cases, the CGI program reads and updates one or more data files
4. The CGI program writes the HTML response file
5. The Server reads and transmits the HTML response file

Some Servers, such as the Windows 3.x CityNet Server, involve additional files as follows:

1. All user input is passed from Server to CGI application in a file
2. A CGI program in Visual Basic must load VBRUN.

Any system that can reduce the file handling will greatly reduce the CGI response time.

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