1.5.3. Asc TimeTables

Asc TimeTables is a scheduling program that seems to be geared towards High Schools because it is based around an 8 period system. The user enters the days to be included in the schedule, the subjects, Teachers and contracts, and the classrooms. After all the information has been entered Asc TimeTables will generate a schedule. The schedule generated is based on the following criteria:

        • Contract specification;

        • Subject type specification;

        • Using the rule for the proportional distribution of lessons throughout the week;

        • Teachers’ and forms’ windows;

        • Specification of teachers’ maximum numbers of windows;

        • Specification of teachers’ maximum numbers of windows per day;

        • Enabling the generation of zero lessons;

        • Enabling the arrival on the second lesson or even specifying the teaching block manually;

        • Using the rule for the whole-form and split-form lesson sequences;

        • Allocation of lessons to individual classrooms;

        • Locking lessons in specified positions;

        • Setting the generation complexity level;

        • Checking the preparation for lessons;

        • Number of cards in question-marked positions;

        • All the card relations

Aside from its simplicity Asc TimeTables also provides great documentation which includes a testing section that make its interface easy for anyone. If Asc Timetables was slightly tweaked for college use it would be great to use in our situation.

Good Features:

• Easy to use - the program uses standard MS WindowsTM, simple and straightforward operation,
  and full graphic environment
  

• Effectiveness - Asc TimeTables is designed for effective entering and checking of data;

• Allows for restrictions:
  

• availability of specialized classrooms, gymnasiums,
  

• shared classrooms

• Teacher preferences
  

• Compile summary timetable for forms
  

• Archiving of schedules for later use

Bad Features:

Missing Features:

• Location Proximity

• Security

• Administration

• Student Input