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:

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

“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

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

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

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

AIOU Regional Network

“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

“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

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.

“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)

“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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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.

terima kasih 谢谢