This section will address all aspects of the Eclass tool that deal with the performance (e.g. time and space) and other general characteristics. The functions performed by the tool are not discussed in this section.
a.
Time
Most of the Eclass operations occur
instantaneously as they are used. However, since the lecture notes are all opened
from the Network at each individual workstation, the amount of time it takes
to login and open a lecture is very dependent on the speed of the Network. Saving
is another issue that may slow down the performance of the Eclass tool. If the
entire class attempts to save the changes to their private layers, they will
once again need to connect to the Network to store the data into their individual
folders.
b.
Space
A lot of space will be required
to store the lecture notes and all other data used in the Eclass tool for the
quarter. Private layers are combined with the lecture slides and saved as a
PDF, which will require a lot of space especially as the quarter progresses.
The video and sound recordings will take quite a bit of space as well. The Q&A
and Post-it logs are stored as HTML files and, therefore, will not require too
much space.
a. Reliability
This software is designed to be
a very reliable source for students and instructors by providing an interactive
classroom environment. Replacing the use of paper notes and handouts may reduce
some reliability; however, this reliability does not depend on this software,
but on the Network.
b. Robustness
This software is a very powerful
tool that gives lots of control to individual users as the instructor sees fit.
c. Accuracy
of Data
The data in this tool is as accurate
as the instructor makes it. The instructor creates the lecture notes and posts
them for the students to open with the Eclass tool. Therefore, it is assumed
the the data is accurate.
d. Correctness
Once again correctness of the lecture
notes all depends on the instructor. However, the student interactions allow
the students to note any corrections that need to be made.
e. Security
The instructor interface of Eclass
has access to some vital information for the instructor (e.g. Grader). In order
to verify that the person accessing the instructor interface is actually the
instructor, Eclass requires a matching user name and password to allow the instructor
access to the application. A password and user name combination is required
for the student to access their machine as well, to protect the information
that the student compiles over the course of the class. Cal Poly has a firewall
implemented that also increases the level of security for the Eclass information.
g. Safety
Eclass allows for an environment
where there is much regulation, in hopes of preventing needless user error.
By having the instructor as the administrator over the student machines, control
is taken out of the hands of the student, and into those of the instructor.
With one person mainly in control, there is less room for error.
h. Portability
For the time being Eclass is limited
to the explicit sub-network designated by the instructor. The application can
be installed on any machine, but must be connected to a specific sub-network,
in order for Eclass to recognize the user. With the advancement of technology,
students can use a form of Remote Desktop, which allows the student to use their
computer, from an outside location to access the machine in the sub-network.
Student's doing so at Cal Poly would need to be able to bypass the firewall
run by the school, but can be allowed access through firewall pinholes.
i. Modifiability and Extensibility
Eclass has been created as per the
specifications of a specific user, Dr. Gene Fisher. The needs of instructors
change over the course of a class though and therefore requires the need for
modifiability. The instructor is able to use Eclass in anyway they deem fit.
There are tools created for Eclass that the instructor may, or may not use,
and will not hinder Eclass's functionality. Eclass is fairly loosely designed
to allow for use with other applications, per the instructor's desire.
Besides modifiability, Eclass has the ability of a more wide-spread user range than Cal Poly Computer Science classes. Eclass remains fairly neutral in much of its functionality and therefore can be used in different environments that have the necessary tools. As more needs are presented, Eclass upgrades can be created to accommodate these needs to a more general populace, without losing the individual touch of the instructor.