Multi-User Projects

This area highlights our experimental projects with "multi-user" learning environments, essentially shared multimedia spaces where people can share in the control or manipulation of this environment via the Internet

The technology used here is the Shockwave Multi User Server (SMUS) from Macromedia which provides the central messaging that runs from server software that sites on either a Macintosh or a PC dedicated server. The applications are created with Macromedia Director and delivered as either browser-based Shockwave applications, or stand-alone executables, or Director Projectors.

The following projects are in development mode and all require the Shockwave 8 plugin.. Details and project notes are stored in the "skunk works".

Note:

These software applications, developed in 2000, have been continuously running on a 1994 vintage Mac 8500 sitting on a shelf in my office. Unfortunately, as of March 23, 2006, due to changes in our network's security, I am no longer able to run the multiuser server that makes these applications work. Therefore, these sites will not be available, unless I can find another host.

MU Projects

Ideal Gas Law Game
Designed for introductory chemistry students, this provides an environment for them to understand the interplay of the four variables described by the Ideal Gas Las. Working in groups, the teams attempt to achieve a target pressure (P) in an experimental chamber by manipulation volume (V), Temperature (T), and number of moles of gas (n). A separate instructors tool allows the creation of new groups, adjustment to initial conditions for each group, and a means to monitor the progress of multiple groups while they are using the environment.
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/mu/igas/

Balancing Chemical Equations
Also developed with chemistry students in mind, this application provides a place for them to practice balancing stoichiometric equations by manipulating the coefficients. The all must agree upon their final answer before submitting it electronically. There is also a special tool for the instructors to import new equations into the server (from Word documents) and monitor the progress of groups as they work.
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/mu/eqbal/

Other Interesting Examples

These other sites,mostly games, provide examples of what feats the Multiuser Server can do