Classroom Setup
Differences from Classroom Control
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Summary
This page is for those familiar with the web-based Classroom Control system who are interesting in knowing how Classroom Setup differs and why.
The major difference is that Classroom Setup is a Windows program and Classroom Control is a web-based "CGI" program. They provide similar functions but because of the limitations of web browsers, Classroom Setup is more "friendly" and responsive.
For example, when sending a command to all the computers in a room we don't know in advance which ones are turned on or off and how quickly to expect a reply from them. The web program needs to wait an arbitrary amount of time to collect all responses before displaying the results in the instructor's web browser. The Windows program can issue commands to all computers in the room and receive replies asynchronously, updating it's display as each reply is received.
Added Functions
The asynchronous communication between Classroom Setup and the student computers allows the addition of automatic updating of the logon/logoff status the student computers. A new MONITOR command, added to our proprietary control subsystem ("Update Service"), is sent to all student computers when Classroom Setup is launched. This causes a notice of each logon and logoff to be sent automatically to Classroom Setup, so the state of each computer doesn't have to be repeatedly polled.
The other major new function is setting the computers up for "eTesting". Unless the room is preconfigured for doing a web-based exam, you won't see this option in the Classroom Setup window. See the eTesting Setup page for details.
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This page was last modified: 8/23/2004 10:57:23 AM.