1. SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU
ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
KAMRAN MIR
IN-CHARGE SOFTWARE SECTION / ASST. SYSTEM PROGRAMMER
Presenter:

2. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
Presentation Outline
Self Introduction
Study Outline
Introduction
Literature Review
Architecture
Implementation
Conclusion

3. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
1. Self Introduction
In-charge Software Section / Asst. System Programmer in Directorate of ICT, AIOU
PhD (Computer Science) Scholar, AIOU
MS (Computer Science ), AIOU
MS (Remote Sensing & GIS), NUST
BS (Computer Science), AIOU

4. 1. Self Introduction – Research Areas
“SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
1. Self Introduction – Research Areas
Mobile Assessment in ODL
SMS (Short Messaging Service)
GIS in Distance Education
SDSS for ODL Management
Mobile Social Media for Attitude Synthesis
ICT support in Distance Education 4

5. 1. Introduction to Pakistan
“SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
1. Introduction to Pakistan
Located in South Asia
Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Capital: Islamabad
Population: 199 million (6th)
National Language: Urdu
Motto: Unity, Discipline, Faith
Major Religion: Islam

6. 1. Introduction to AIOU Among the 17 Mega Universities of the World
First Distance Education University in South Asia
Established in 1974 as “People’s Open University”
In 1977, renamed to “Allama Iqbal Open University”
National poet and philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Among the 17 Mega Universities of the World
1.3 Million students enrollment per annum
More than 40 regional campuses nationwide and overseas
Multi disciplinary education from basic to doctoral level programs
More than 2000 courses are offered

7. AIOU Regional Network

8. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
2. Study Outline
Extensive use of mobile devices in developing countries like Pakistan
AIOU providing education to masses
1.3 million students / year
58% belong to rural areas
Student Support Services
Tutor Intimation
Study/Exam center allocation
Result intimation
Paper based & Internet
SMS based Query Agent – Developed & Tested

9. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
3. Introduction
The mobile phone usage in Pakistan is increasing incredibly.
Mobile density has been increased up to 75.6%. (PTA, 2013)
PTA, 2013

10. 3. Introduction - Objective
“SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
3. Introduction - Objective
To develop SMS based query system which is able to auto-respond SMS queries of students and act like support agent.

11. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
4. Literature Review
SMS is capable of handling short queries and can give optimum search results using existing web based search systems.(Chen, Linn, & Subramanian, 2009)
Use of SMS technology in distance education is cost-effective, efficient and acceptable by majority young students.(Sangi & Mir, 2013)
Success of Student in ODL depends on level and various forms of ICT support services available to them. (Pena-Bandalaria, 2007)

12. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
4. Literature Study
Literature review suggests that SMS is more acceptable and accessible than Internet in developing countries like Pakistan
There is no doubt that ICT is playing vital role in ODL but still there are many issues and challenges which varies from region to region, should be kept in mind before implementing.
SMS can improve the student support and informational services by making it more efficient and cost-effective

13. AIOU Student Support Services
“SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
AIOU Student Support Services

14. Other Student Support Services
“SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
Other Student Support Services
Degree Tracking System
Books Tracking System
Admission Tracking System
Web TV
Live FM Radio
Online Library
Social Media Updates

15. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
SMS Query

16. 5. Web Architecture / Three Tier Model
“SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
5. Web Architecture / Three Tier Model
Data Tier
Middle Tier
Client Tier
SMS Server
Result Services
Tutor Services
Exam Services
University Database
Misc.
Students
SMS Query Agent

17. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
6. Implementation
System was tested on PGD(CS)
45 students
10 courses
Workshop Schedule was stored in database group wise
Students were from different regions of Pakistan and they interacted with system using SMS

18. “SMS Based Query System for ODL Institutes – A Case Study of AIOU”
7. Conclusion
Such kind of SMS systems are best suited for developing countries where mobile accessibility is more than internet.
The system acts as an agent and automatically responds to student’s SMS based queries to provide them relevant information on their mobile phones. This will reduce the cost and increase the response time.
This system is implemented as a case study on post graduate students of AIOU.
Design and architecture of this system along with implementation result shows that this can be implemented effectively in any ODL system.

19. terima kasih 谢谢