A Framework for a Distributed-Measurement User Interface

Hamadou Saliah-Hassane, Télé-Université, LICEF/CIRTA Research Center, 4750, Henri-Julien, Montréal, H2T 3E8 saliah0@licef.teluq.uquebec.ca Patrick Dumont-Burnett, LICEF/CIRTA Research Center, 4750, Henri-Julien, Montréal, H2T 3E8 pdb1@hotmail.com Colombiano Kedowide LICEF/CIRTA Research Center, 4750, Henri-Julien, Montréal, H2T 3E8 colombiano.kedowide@hec.ca Abstract In an earlier publication, we presented RVLabX, a remote virtual laboratory environment that lets many users interact while running lab sessions via Internet. This system is made up of virtual interfaces, measuring instruments and communication and control components. At the application program end, users and learners can interact by accessing these interfaces via a Web browser. At the server site, the teacher or his/her assistant can implement a software application that manages tutorial sessions within a virtual laboratory. The system’s virtual instrument interfaces can be created either with the application we have developed to generate interfaces whose parameters are contained in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) files, read by a visualization control, or with a language compatible with ActiveX technology that implements a particular programming interface. In this paper, we will compare the two ways of going about creating the instrument interfaces. We will also present how to integrate the system into an online course distribution environment in keeping with current norms, standards and requirements that have either been adopted or are in the process of being adopted, such as Instructional Management Systems (IMS) and its derivative norms.