On the Role of the World Wide Web and Web Technology in Educational Courseware

There are many types of computerized training systems available today ranging from text-based "quizzers" to interactive multimedia "edutainment". However, each system is proprietary to the platform for which the binary executable is compiled. Additionally, when the information in the training material changes, a new copy must be created, distributed and installed before it is available to the end user. This thesis explores the use of the Java programming language as a fundamental element in the creation of interactive courseware deployable through the World Wide Web. Java is used to add interactive, executable content to Web pages in the form of simulations and complex demonstrations of educational concepts. Complete online materials were developed in support of the initial offering of CS2973, a Java programming course. Following that success, a prototype interactive online exam system, using a Java applet and file server, was developed. This prototype foreshadows a complete virtual classroom environment supported by a Courseware Creation Interface. Both of these have the distinct advantage of being cross-plafform by virtue of being created in the Java programming language, thus usable on a majority of operating systems and platforms through Java-enhanced Web browsers.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'On the Role of the World Wide Web and Web Technology in Educational Courseware', published 1997 under ISBN 9781423571896 and ISBN 1423571894.