University of Houston
Department of Computer Science

In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science


Puqing Jia
will defend his thesis

Integrating Windows Media Technologies and Java Networking Technologies into a Virtual Class Environment



Abstract

Virtual Class, an environment created on the World Wide Web in which students and instructors can perform learning-related tasks, provides many advantages over traditional sit-in class. However, the development of a powerful Virtual Class is not an easy task. This thesis focused on the application of two computer technologies, Windows Media Technologies and Java Networking Technologies, to increase the manageability, functionality, and most importantly, the communication capability of a Virtual Class Thesis Model.

A set of server-side authoring tools is developed with Windows Media Technologies. They are Virtual Class Administrator, Virtual Class Presenter, and Virtual Class Switch Server. These server-side administration tools are integrated with Microsoft Management Console to improve manageability.

On the client side, Windows Media Script Command Technology is applied to synchronize lecture audio with presentation web pages and with java applets running on the web pages.

The communication capability of the Virtual Class Thesis Model is greatly improved by the implementation of three communication systems: Lecture Note System, Chat-Room System, and Whiteboard System using Java Networking Technologies.

Date: Friday, April 20, 2001
Time: 2:00 PM
Place: 550-PGH


Faculty, students, and the general public are invited.
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Stephen Huang