VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING LAB FOR ON-LINE DISTANCE LEARNING （上）_计算机网络论文.docVIP

VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING LAB FOR ON-LINE DISTANCE LEARNING （上）_计算机网络论文 VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING LAB FOR ON-LINE DISTANCE LEARNING （上）_计算机网络论文 Abstract In this paper, we describe the design of the WebVL system, a Web-based Virtual Programming Lab for on-line distance learning. The underlying setting is a collection of computers hosting education and programming software. Students use personal computers at home to access over the Internet one of the Lab servers, which is typically located at a school. The Lab server performs functions to accommodate the various requests from the student, ranging from downloading software from the school lab servers, working through interactive demonstration and tutorial sessions, and submitting a program for execution on a Lab computer using specified software package. The collection of computers forms a virtual programming laboratory because the machines can be located in different buildings and even at different campuses. It facilitates resource sharing among different schools and overcomes the limit of geographical distances. The WebVL system design includes an agent-based client side functions and interface, the structuring of Lab servers, the mechanisms to locate user requested software packages / services and to present various forms of data and information, and the interfaces to various education and programming software packages. Technologies such as virtual reality, Java Applets and Servlets, mobile agent, XML, and Web/HTTP servers are used to implement the underlying mechanisms and facilities of the virtual Lab, such as software resource locating and interfacing, real-time interaction, and information presentation. Using these technologies allows the system to achieve high-performance, scalability, and disconnected operation through reduction in network bandwidth and delay, load balancing, and code mobility. 1. INTRODUCTION During the last several years, e-learning has emerged as one of the fastest-moving trends in education and is bo