1. Globey’s World Ongo-08b Abstract End-Product Description Introduction
Team Members Faculty Advisors Client
Martin Moen*, Cpr E | Nichlas Soon-Seng Kim, CprE | Leanne Bihn, CprE | David Haila, CprE Dr. John Lamont | Professor Ralph Patterson Ames Community School District
*denotes team leader
Abstract
End-Product Description
Ames Community Schools (ACS) has been concerned with the performance of their students in problem solving on a nationally standardized exam. The purpose of Globey’s World is to provide software that supplements classroom learning in the area of geography while stressing the improvement of problem solving skills. To this end, Globey’s World will complement a suite of web applications currently under development by the remaining sub-teams of the Ongo-08 senior design team. The final product will give students an opportunity to enhance their geographic skills by interacting with the provided content. Through utilization of the software, the students of ACS should be better prepared for problem solving on standardized tests, resulting in an improved performance.
At project completion, the end product will be a web application that will be a supplement that teachers can use when teaching about world geography. The application will have an extensive help system and full quizzing functionality. Globey’s World will also integrate with the Mathematical Teaching System Software and Uncle Sam’s America by utilizing the framework currently being built by another sub-team. Students will be able to log in and use any of the three applications. They will be able to first learn about geography, and then solve problems based on selected topics. Teachers will be able to access student statistics in order to gauge student performance. Teachers will also be able to add to the applications in the form of creating additional problems for students to solve.
Introduction
Requirements
General Background
One of three applications for Ongo-08
Mathematical Teaching Software System (MTSS)
Globey’s World (World geography)
Uncle Sam’s America (US geography)
Problem Statement
ACS wants to increase their students’ performance in problem solving on a nationally standardized exam.
Globey’s World is an easy to use Internet based application that helps students learn about world geography while building problem solving skills.
Operating Environment
Host: Linux-based Apache server
Backend database: MySQL
Web application code: PHP
Intended Users
Students (grades 3-6)
Teachers and administrators
Intended Uses
Teaching aid to supplement classroom instruction
Monitor each student’s progress
Assumptions
Client uses Internet Explorer or Netscape 6.0 or greater
Client computers have Internet connectivity
Limitations
Product development
Unfamiliar programming languages for developers (PHP, MySQL)
Information integrity across semesters
Product implementation
Speed and bandwidth of client computers
Computer inexperience of students
Expected End Product
Fully functional application
Interactive maps
Country comparisons
Dynamic help
Quizzing functionality
Leverages Ongo-08d framework
Compatibility with Ongo-08a and Ongo-08c
Design Objectives
Simple to use interface
Intuitive country selection scheme
Dynamic help system
Measurable Milestones
Integration of CSS between Ongo-08b and Ongo-08c
Implementation of dynamic help
Quizzing functionality
Full implementation of framework
Automatic country database update daemon fixed
Functional Requirements
Select a region from a world map
Select a country from a region map
Display facts on chosen country
Compare facts between countries (2 up to 10)
Integrate mathematics problem solving
Design Constraints
Multiple platform use (PC, Mac, etc.)
Intuitive for third to sixth grade students
Basic help assisting students unfamiliar with computer operation
Technical Approach
Software Design
Graphical user interface
Coding (PHP, HTML, CSS)
Graphical design (Adobe applications)
Database (MySQL)
Framework integration (code structure provided by Ongo-08d)
Project Specialization
Team experts oversee development in their area of expertise
Team leader responsible for distribution of additional tasks
Testing Approach
External
Ongo-08
Prototype testing
Bug/error reporting
Ames Community Schools
Internal
Globey’s World sub-team testing
Development unit testing
Positive functional testing
Boundary (negative) testing
Usability
Acknowledgements
The Globey’s World team would like to extend thanks to Dr. John Lamont and Professor Ralph Patterson for the guidance they have provided and will continue to offer throughout this project. Also, thanks to the CprE 492 team members for their invaluable help and advice. Lastly, thank you to the teachers of the Ames and United Community School District, who will be providing guidance toward the final product.
Globey’s World Screenshots
Budgets
Financial ($65)
Personnel Effort (340 hrs.)
Martin Moen
David Haila
Printing &
Binding ($5)
(82 hrs.)
(90 hrs.)
Copying ($10)
Leanne Bihn
(82 hrs.)
Poster ($60)
Nichlas Soon-Seng Kim
(86 hrs.)
Figure 1: Welcome Page
Figure 2: Region Selection Page
Schedule
Figure 3: Country Page
Figure 4: Comparison Page