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Web-Based Training Using JavaScript
by Ron Kurtus (revised 11 June 1997)
One popular method for creating the interactivity necessary to teach, maintain interest and test users of Web-Based Training (WBT) is to use the JavaScript language.
Questions you may have include:
- What can be done with JavaScript?
- What are sources of JavaScript code?
- What are methods to verify knowledge?
This lesson will answer those questions.
CBT programs with web plug-ins
Standard CBT development programs like Macromedia’s Authorware and Asymetrix’s Toolbook have browser plug-ins that allow their CBT applications to be used on the web. Unfortunately, not only must the user have the plug-in installed, but the time it takes for pages to download is often excessive. There must be an easier way to present class content that does not strain the users’ capability to view the material.
Using JavaScript a simple solution
One solution for web-based training (WBT) is to use JavaScript to code the HTML pages and allow for some of the training interaction capabilities desired.
The advantage of JavaScript is that over 90% of all web users have browsers that can read and interpret the language. It is also very fast and does not require any plug-in or such.
Methods to verify knowledge
Methods to teach besides explanations and illustrations and the verification of knowledge that can be used in a WBT using JavaScript include:
- Multiple choice
- True-False
- Verifying text input
Feedback as to whether or not the answer is correct can be shown as an alert box or an indication shown on the browser status bar. The student’s score can also be tabulated.
Example of multiple choice
Sending data to the teacher
A copy of the test can be sent directly to the teacher via an e-mail submit button, provided the student has an e-mail account through the school or internet provider. A better way to get the test is through Common Gateway Interface (CGI), but that is not easy to program.
Summary
Using JavaScript is a definite solution to the problem of providing web-based training. Examples of this technique will be posted in this web site very soon.
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using_javascript.htm
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