A feasibility study for the design of a web-based course delivery system : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis presents a feasibility study for the design of a new web-based course delivery system-Technology Integrated Learning Environments (TILE), which has flexible online and offline delivery modes and new functionality such as knowledge presentation and free-form querying, adaptation in computer assisted self-learning modules and curriculum planning. The issues covered in this thesis include all relevant technical problems such as crossplatform support, Java security restrictions, client/server architecture selection and firewall restrictions. All problems associated with these issues have been solved during the system design phase. And the resulting system architecture model is presented. System environments such as selections of the client and the server side database, web server and server-side technique are also discussed. System functionality analysis, interface and functionality design and database design on both the client side and the server side are all finished. A running system prototype with part of the designed functionality has been set up which proves the correctness of the system design. A complementary Java application is also developed to enable the system administrator to set up database based on an XML configuration file. Further study of the generic system model is now continuing within a large international research project.