Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: The Homework Server, a Learning Space for Introductory Web Classes

Name: John A. Beckett, DBA

Audience Level:

Audience: Instructional support, Web technology instructors

Length:

Abstract:
The Homework Server is a true Web hosting platform which provides the student a realistic Web environment for project testing and turn-in while preventing other students from stealing their code. The Homework Server is a comprehensive environment based on freely available software. It is scripted in PHP/XHTML, integrates easily with university systems using IMAP authentication, and requires very little maintenance since most routine tasks are automated. The server described supports student applications that use XHTML, JavaScript, PHP5, and MySQL.

Description:
Most introductory Web textbooks leave design of the hosting environment up to the instructor, with little guidance on what environment would be appropriate. This results in disconnects among the subject matter, students, and professor. The Homework Server (HW) bridges this gap while setting up security barriers between students to prevent code-stealing. HW is constructed from modest hardware (typically a castoff PC or Macintosh), freely-available software (including Debian Linux, PHP5,Cam Studio, FileZilla, and Fetch), and a simple set of PHP scripts. A Linux technician can set up the server, then leave it to the professor to maintain simply by uploading a text file of email addresses. No password management overhead is required.

HW provides students with a functional and secure server environment that works like a real Web host. The instructor/reader can access student files either as Web site components or as text files -directly on the server, as a virtual drive on their PC, or through a Web server resident on the instructor/reader's PC. Student Web projects are easily archived for reference or recovery.

Students like the realistic environment, and the assurance that other students are not able to steal their code. Instructors and readers like the convenience of easy access to student assignments either through a Web server or directly through the file system - and the ability to view "snapshot"; of the server contents at various points in time.

The session will show the steps involved in setting up such a server, provide all code required, and demonstrate an actual HW server in action.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
John A. Beckett, DBA
Associate Prof. of Computing
Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN
jbeckett@southern.edu

Equipment: Electricity, data video projector, Internet connection (either wireless or wired).

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