Title: Distributed Multimedia Server
Performer(s):
Parvati Dev
Stanford University
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Cluster: CAPER
Contact Information:
Phone: 415-723-8087
Fax: 415-725-8668
email: dev@summit.stanford.edu
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1. Instructional Focus:
Content areas/topics: Initial module is anatomy; to be expanded by teachers; eventually no limitations.
Process skills: Inquiry; Collaborative or individual learning.
2. Target Population: Grades 5-12.
3. Summary Description: Distributed Multimedia Server is a MUD-based learning environment. A MUD (Multi-User Dimension) is a computer based "environment" which uses real world metaphors such as rooms, physical objects, and people. Users can move around and take actions in this imaginary but realistic "virtual" environment, just as they would in real life. Many Users can be in the virtual environment at the same time and interact with each other, usually by typing commands on their computers. Users can move and change things in the MUD, and other users see the changes on their computers immediately (in "real time").
There are two main spaces in this MUD. The first is a space typial to MUDs, in which students move around and interact with each other and with the environment by typing text or by pointing and clicking a mouse. The second space is a Gallery of visual objects, initially containing images related to anatomy, but eventually expanding as other objects are added. Students are able to browse in this Gallery, look at and "touch" the objects.
Eventually, as users are able to create their own Galleries by selecting their own objects to put into them, the technology can be expanded to support any curriculum area.
4. Training and Staff Development:
- Teacher prerequisite skills/knowledge needed: Be able to function in a MUD.
- Student prerequisite skills needed: Basic computer skills.
- Training needed/provided: Training in functioning in a MUD. Training provided to trainers, who will then train those in the field.
- Technical support needed/provided: Some phone and email support will be available.
5. Technological/Resources Needed: Client systems will need the ability to run NT, Windows 95, or any other operating system capable of fully supporting a Java Applet Viewer; Server will need to be running a UNIX operating system with a reasonable amount of RAM. Network access via TCP/IP is required by both the client and server.
6. Intended Outcomes:
Students: Students will improve learning as a result of the rich visual environment provided in the Galleries.
Teachers: Eventually, teachers will be able to modify MUD objects and add to or create Galleries.
7. Instructional Time Required: Covering the initial module will take around five hours. After that the time required will be up to individual teachers as they modify the product to meet their own requirements.
8. Role of the Pilot Teacher(s): Teachers will introduce students to product; subsequently they will modify it and use it as they wish.
9. Example(s) of the Use of this Product (Scenario): Students studying an anatomy unit log onto the computer and access an extensive collection of multimedia objects. They are able to browse through these objects and to examine them at various levels of detail and in various attitudes. Unlike students learning from a textbook, students are capable of viewing the media in a group and discussing what they see as a group.
