The first objective of the Comp495 project was to test the course materials. One of the most time consuming tasks included checking out the links and making corrections as needed. Other tasks included checking for spelling and punctuation errors, and any other page errors. The material content was read over and the organization, user interface, understandability, and relevance were considered. Reports to Pete Holt regarding this were ongoing, and corrections were made as they were found.
The next objective included the testing of the communication service, including the PPP ease of use, comparing AGT services, Twinsock, and Fort McMurray ISP. This testing was ongoing throughout as the services were evaluated as the course materials were b eing examined.
The third objective was to assess the web browser and CMC tools. This included the load time of pages, the ease of use of the netscape and lynx browsers, assessment of any hardware required, and a look at the other CMC tools such as e-mail, and the AU Tal ker. These assessments and reports were also ongoing.
The fourth objective was to look at the tools, how to obtain them, their actual down-load and set-up, and an assessment of how they work.
The final objective was a look at student support services, such as tutor support and helpdesk. The assessment done here was in regard to what access there is, and what the need would be. The reports were ongoing for this as well.
The time expended for the field testing of comp482 is as follow:
October:
- * Develop initial draft of proposal --- 14 hours
- - includes revisions and time required to email between Karen and myself.
- * Develop second draft of proposal --- 3 hours
- * Develop third draft of proposal --- 2 hours
- - according to Pete's requests
- * Convert draft into HTML format --- 7 hours
- - includes time to learn basics of HTML
- * Meetings with Pete regarding progress --- 6 hours
November:
- * Verify initial links and materials --- 22 hours
- * Document initial links and material --- 4 hours
- * Verify software downloads --- 10 hours
- * Document initial links and material --- 4 hours
- - ensure software links, download software, install software and document results
- * Preliminary reports detailing any problems with above tasks --- 4 hours
- * Meetings with Pete regarding progress, problems and focus of project --- 5 hours
December:
- * Verifying revised links and documenting errors and solutions --- 40 hours
- * Software check for revised software library (same process as November), but to ensure all new software is functional --- 15 hours
- * Karen's revisions of the Proposal --- 2 hours
- * Meetings with Pete regarding progress, problems and new focus of project --- 5 hours
- * Software check for revised software library (same process as November), but to ensure all new software is functional --- 15 hours
January:
- * Final testing and corrections of materials and links --- 20 hours
(Comp482)
- Unit 0 --- 10 hours
- Unit 1 --- 40 hours
- - reading course material
- - net searches
- - net search and bibliography report
- - net searches
- Unit 2 - Research Proposal --- 25 hours
Total to February 17th --- 234 hours
The project proposal that has been submitted for Comp482 will encompass Comp496 as well. The main focus of this project will be the establishment of a page for the virtual helpdesk. This is a natural extension of the work done throughout the Comp495 project, as it will provide a compilation of all help materials available on-line for AU student, many of which were developed while the MDDE615/Comp482 course materials were in progress. As well, the process of field testing Comp482 enabled us to learn what problems to expect in on-line course delivery, and how to deal with them.
The estimated time for completion of this project will be about 200 hours. The deliverables will include the Helpdesk Web Page, with all related links, a link to a research paper regarding student modelling and HTML instructional systems, and a final project report regarding the process of course field-testing, and project development.
Appendix
Appendix A
A short assessment of what was learned and it's value.
Appendix B
Sample reports and file transfer comparisons
Appendix C
Project Proposal for Comp495
Appendix D
Project Proposal for Comp482
Last updated February 21, 1996.