Case Study 1: Presenting the X Campus

This is the kind of article that gets less technically advanced teachers to run away from technology, it is written in highly technical terms and results in an extremely user-unfriendly piece! The concepts covered here are interesting, and completely applicable to educators from K to High School. However, because the information is approached in such a technical manner, the apparent applications become hidden in a jumble of techno-centric language. It's too bad, there is some interesting information presented here.

The article describes Web Services which use standard protocols, and provide modular content that can be dynamically changed and manipulated by end users. These services are cost effective and enable educators to share applications across a variety of platforms (such as Microsoft and Linux) and systems. A joint venture between Microsoft and MIT recently provided a successful web-based lab that offered an inexpensive but effective learning experience for students. Administrative services are also being offered via web services modules such as writing exams.

The crux of the article encompasses the notion that web services mapped onto the internet using a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface represents the "internet coming of age." This technology will allow a wider range of users to implement and integrate web services in a real, dynamic way. These services have traditionally been the domain of more technically oriented folks such as engineers and scientists, so its use has been confined to a small population until recently. With the advent of more user friendly (WYSIWYG) software, less technical users can soon employ these web based services effectively. Corel has developed a "Smart Graphics Studio" which will enable the creation of these web services from a graphical (and thus user- friendly) environment. Setting up these services will no longer be the domain of developers and coders; instead, the graphic interface will enable novices and designers alike to develop dynamic information.

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Corel's Smart Graphics Studio will employ easy drag and drop technology, making it easier to interact with information. Users will be able to find, analyze and adjust, and then display the resulting information directly on the web without knowing extensive coding. This information will be unified and easy to access by end users-our students. Interestingly, Corel is using Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) in the Smart Graphics Studio. This is an open standard used for describing XML-based vector graphics which are object oriented and enable data to be graphically represented.

One exciting development is MIT's use of web services to make its course content available for free over the internet (MIT's Open Courseware Initiative), using a multiple server platform. They have pioneered using web services for learning, and helped centralize management, control, authorization, resource allocation, and notification services all revolving around educational use.

Web Services Architectures are evolving today, albeit much later than expected because of the recent dot-com bust. While they are still focused on "demand" use (used by individuals and organizations who ask for them) the future is expected to encompass a wider range of uses and users. In this future environment, educators and students alike will employ web services to work in dynamic ways using collaboration, communication, and interaction. This will be the X Campus.

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