Web-based Distance Experiments: Design and Implementation

Abstract: As part of the effort to enhance retention and improve learning, web-based distance experiments have been designed and implemented so that full-time and part-time students may carry out their experimental work from home or other convenient sites on a flexible schedule. This project differs from other existing web-based distance learning experiments in the following way: First, our experiments are based on a Texas Instruments TMS320C31 floating point Digital Signal Processor (DSP) which is capable of very hi gh bandwidth, real-time signal processing, independent of the host PC’s configuration. Second, Java is used to implement the Internet communication so that multi-user, near real-time interactive access can be achieved. Third, an Application Programming Interface has been written for the DSP to facilitate platform independent programming. Finally, the users have the option to upload their code segments to the DSP via the Internet for to customize the experiment without posing security problems on the server