Thread: Virtual classroom?

  1. 11-02-2003 #1
    Shakespeare
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    Virtual classroom?

    Hi,

    I'm thinking of developing a virtual classroom application, what i want is a server(Teacher) and an unlimited number of clients(pupils), i want the application to have a number of features including a webcam window for the teacher, a whiteboard that would update(in real time) from the server and hopefully a number of resources for the students(clients) to download and use.
    Also it would have a GUI designed using the win32API or MFC although i havent really done MFC.

    My questions are:
    1. Is this a feasible project? (i have approx 6 months)
    2. How big a project is it?
    3. How difficult is it really?

    It would have to work over a network connecting using IP addresses (is that the best way?)

    I have done some network programming, confident in C++. It will be designed using VC++ and run on Windows XP.

    Finally i've been hearing things about a program called ACE, what is it and can it help me?

    Thanks for any input guys.
    "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous?"
  2. 11-02-2003 #2
    XSquared
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    Have you done anything with WinAPI at all? Also, you said you've done some network programming. What APIs were you using? What have you done with network programs?
    Naturally I didn't feel inspired enough to read all the links for you, since I already slaved away for long hours under a blistering sun pressing the search button after typing four whole words! - Quzah

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  3. 11-02-2003 #3
    Shakespeare
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    Hi Thanks for your reply.

    I know most of the basics of winAPI, i have petzold and have worked through it a few times, although i would say i'm far from advanced.

    As far as network programming goes i've only done a small amount, we (university class) wrote a simple server/client program on linux using sockets. but i don't know a lot, but i learn fast when i have to.
    "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous?"
  4. 11-02-2003 #4
    jverkoey
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    well, i'd say that that is possible, there already is a program built in to windows that (indirectly) does what you're asking, it is called NetMeeting, you meet have heard of it. If you click the start button, run, and type "conf", if you have xp, it should prompt you to go through some setup stuff, but basically, this program allows you to do multiple things.

    you have one person who acts as the "host", and everyone can "call" them by typing in their IP's. then, you can do things such as sharing desktops (so you can control their desktops), share a sort of sketchpad/paint program, chat, and a couple other things (can't remember all of them) it also has the ability to share ANY program that is running so others can use it

    i think that that is basically what you are talking about, so about feasability, yes, i think it's possible. I'd suggest checking out netmeeting to see their interface, it's pretty decent (albeit sometimes slow)
  5. 11-02-2003 #5
    Hubas
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    What's your target audience? Are you developing this in your spare time just for fun or are you going to sell the program? If you're not planning on selling it maybe you could start a project on sourceforge and let others collaborate on it with you.

    It really seems like a nice project, I wish you good luck.
  6. 11-03-2003 #6
    Shakespeare
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    My target audience is my project markers. I'll be doing it as my dissertation project to finish off my degree.

    Has anyone done anything similar or have any views on this project?
    "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous?"
  7. 11-03-2003 #7
    Iamien
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    It should be very posible.
    Learn socket programming. after that its a matter of interfacing with the web camera and just sendign the information to the clients.
    You could develop your own little protocol
    IE anything sent with a BB prefix could mean to color the blakcboard pixel a color, just an example of course.
    gona have to rememebr thouhg, with Webcam image comes the sucking up of bandwidth. While webcam would be nice, make sure to give clients the option of seeign it or not. IE students on 56k wouldn't want it probabaly :P
    Just my 2cents
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