Last Updated - 30 June 2005

Project Description:

Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) provide a structured, web-based environment for students studying modules and courses. The University of Salford use the Blackboard VLE. The other main VLE is called WebCT. Students log into the VLE and then follow their course. The VLE provides a range of features to support learning including course material, discussion boards and online assessment. The also VLE provides a simple interface to allow lecturers to post material, including online assessment, without having to be familiar with web design tools. The lecturer can also track student use of the VLE.

Currently, VLEs operate from a central database that requires the student to be logged on when using the system. This is inconvenient for students who wish to study whilst not online e.g. whilst on a train. This project is to design a simple VLE that will allow the student to work within the VLE whilst not online. When the student goes back online the central VLE database will be updated with the local information.

Project Plan Introduction

The ways in which students can access course related material have changed since the introduction of VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments). I aim to build a proof of principle system (based on a VLE) accessible online via a web site and to offer offline, limited resource access via a Windows application. This will involve synchronizing a central database with the online and offline modules.

The availability of certain features and tools offline will allow students to access required information and continue with their studies whilst in a location where an internet connection is unavailable (e.g. on a train).

Project documents and Application demo

view Project Plan (Word doc - 348 kb)

view Progress Report (Word doc - 305 kb)

view Dissertation (Word doc - 3.57 Mb)

PC VLE Windows application (req. MyODBC and .NET Framework on local machine and access to MySQL ports) Download here

Website access http://www.mitcourse.co.uk/tong/index.aspx

• Passwords and usernames avalible during installation of PC VLE Windows application.