Virtual Worlds for Education Research at NDSU

Brian Slator and the NDSU WWWIC Group, North Dakota State University

The World Wide Web Instructional Committee (WWWIC) at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is an ad hoc group of university faculty dedicated to developing internet-based education and research software. Members of this group foster cross-disciplinary, collaborative relationships with WWWIC faculty, students, and staff as well as those from other universities and institutions. The content of WWWIC immersive environment projects includes subject matter across a variety of disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, cell biology, commerce, computer science, geology, and history. WWWIC's projects include the Virtual Cell for cell biology education, the Geology Explorer for geology education, and the Digital Archive Network for Anthropology for archaeology and anthropology education, as well as others. This paper will highlight many of these.

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HTML-eZ
Web Course Development for the 21st Century

Henry Borysewicz, Director - AeroSpace Network, Scientific Computing Center

What is HTML-eZ?
The AeroSpace Network at the University of North Dakota has recently launched a web tool that we call HTML-eZ (short for HyperText Markup Language made Easy -- eZ for short). We have applied for a patent on the technology behind the product and are currently seeking businesses partners interested in licensing it.

eZ is a tool that allows instructors to create and maintain graphically rich course web sites on their own, without learning any HTML. Some course web-tools only allow instructors to insert text into a rigidly defined template. Others simply allow document uploads. The HTML-eZ project does much more. eZ enables instructors to create and maintain an actual web site - allowing them to create and modify all aspects of their course web site, including content, layout, design scheme, and site navigation. Working in any standard word processor, instructors create content incorporating graphics, images, tables, etc. They upload their documents to the system through a web interface, where it is converted to HTML. All links, image names & locations, etc. are handled automatically, by the system.

Using eZ does not require special skills or training. If instructors know how to use a web browser and a word processor, they already have all the skills they need to create a fully customizable, graphically rich course web site. Basically, there is not a whole lot to learn (that's why we call it eZ!). eZ handles HTML conversion and database functions, invisibly.

Since it is completely web-based, eZ can be used by anyone, anywhere, as long as they have Internet access. There is no hardware or software to purchase, install, upgrade, or replace - those functions are handled in one place, on our end. Updates and new features appear as they are implemented - no need for users to update software.

The demonstration will illustrate how eZ puts complete control in the hands of the instructor or course developer. They control every aspect of the course web site(s). They create, edit, and delete sites, change a site's look and navigation, instantly, working from their office or home. They choose font face, size, color, and alignment. Pages can include backgrounds, graphics, images, tables, links, anchors, etc.

Class interactivity is supported in a variety of ways. There is a Survey tool that allows instructors to poll their class over the web. Results are tabulated and displayed, both graphically and numerically, in real time. A Quiz tool creates multiple choice quizzes meant to facilitate student self-assessment. They are automatically graded, and provide instant feedback to the student. eZ creates an internal Messaging System, asynchronous discussion Forum, and a real-time Chat Room, automatically, for each class created. File uploads are facilitated, allowing students to turn in homework online. Come and see how easy it is to create and maintain a course web site using HTML-eZ.

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