Model-Based System Development for Asynchronous Distance Learning

The recent advances in multimedia technology such as the high-speed communication networks, large-capacity storage devices, digitized media, and data compression technologies have drastically changed the way learners communicate with their instructors and with each other, especially in distance education. With the innovation of new network and Internet infrastructures and the development of multimedia technology, the distances perceived by the learners have been virtually diminished and distance learning has become one of the most interesting new directions for education. Multimedia information has been used in several applications including education, computer-based training (CBT), manufacturing, medicine, entertainment, video conferencing, etc. In particular, distance learning has become the mainstream of computer-based training and education. For ABSTRACT The innovation and diversification of development in multimedia technology and network infrastructures have brought a significant impact to education, especially for distance learning. This paper presents a model-based asynchronous distance learning system development that consists of a presentation semantic model called the multimedia augmented transition network (MATN) model and an asynchronous distance learning system called the Java-based Integrated Asynchronous Distance Learning (JIADL) system. The MATN model is powerful in modeling the synchronization and quality-of-service (QoS) for distance learning multimedia presentations. The JIADL system can support diverse asynchronous distance learning services by integrating RealPlayer and Java technology to augment the superiority of both models. A course sample is used to illustrate and validate the effectiveness of the system. How to use the MATN model to model the diversity requirements of a distance learning multimedia presentation is also discussed. Furthermore, the initial experimental results show that our system is cost effective and has a wide range of applications.