Project Team Information Team Members Jeff Russell Cpr

Project Team Information Team Members Jeff Russell, Cpr. E Dimitry Berg, Cpr. E David Schwenker, Cpr. E Robert Sailer, EE Faculty Advisors Project Client Dr. John Lamont Professor Ralph Patterson, III Ames Community Schools Abstract Project Requirements Ames Community Schools (ACS) has been concerned with the performance of their students’ problem solving abilities on a nationally standardized exam. While ACS traditionally scores in the 90+% on traditional math skills, results from the problem-solving section are currently around 40+%. The purpose of this project is to provide web-based software that supplements classroom learning, particularly in the area of geography. By utilizing the software to extend classroom learning, the students of ACS will be better prepared for standardized tests, resulting in higher test scores. Problem Statement To develop software for 3 rd-6 th grade students To be user-friendly and interactive To provide updated U. S. geographical information To include practice and performance exams General Solution-Approach Statement ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Functional Requirements ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Server stores software and database Database contains geography data Database has exercises, exams, results Students operate from own client PCs Server talks to clients via the Internet Server generates a customized web page based upon client input ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Program includes login with a username/password scheme Students choose a state using an easily navigable map of the United States Program displays state information upon request Multiple platform use (PC, Macintosh) User-friendly for 3 rd-6 th grade students Basic instructions for new users Measurable Milestones ⋆ ⋆ PHP/My. SQL education Quiz Framework Integration & Coding Database population Testing Proposed Approach and Considerations Proposed Approach ⋆ ⋆ Operating Environment ⋆ ⋆ Program must be accessible to students via the Internet Results must be stored in database for teachers to retrieve and review Program must utilize the PHP quizzing framework provided by Ongo 8 d Program must be similar to Globey’s World (Ongo 8 b) but with US Geography Design Constraints General Problem Statement ⋆ ⋆ Design Objectives Components include: database design and population, HTML design, graphic design, and application code design Components divided amongst team members Technologies Considered Program exists on a LAMP (Linux Apache My. SQL PHP) architecture Application code written in PHP on Apache web server Database backend written in My. SQL Program runs on Linux operating system ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Java. Script SQL Server 2000 HTML Testing Considerations ⋆ Development testing ⋆ Installation testing ⋆ Functional testing Resources and Schedule Intended Users and Uses Intended Users ⋆ Students in grades 3 -6 ⋆ Instructors ⋆ School administrators Intended Uses ⋆ Supplement classroom instruction ⋆ Improve standardized test scores ⋆ Monitor student progress Assumptions and Limitations Assumptions ⋆ Computers have Internet Explorer or Netscape 5+ browsers ⋆ Computers are connected to the Internet ⋆ Supervision with computer experience exists ⋆ Students have previously been exposed to U. S. geography topics Limitations ⋆ Students may not have much prior experience using computers ⋆ Team members must learn PHP and My. SQL ⋆ Internet bandwidth can limit performance ⋆ Computer/processor speed of the client machines can limit performance Expected End Product ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ Application supplements U. S. geography curriculum Students will be able to log in Teachers will be able to access student statistics Teachers can create additional problems Solution can be viewed on any platform Students can work on problem solving skills at home Summary Test results and discussions with ACS teachers have shown that additional resources are needed to boost the district’s performance in the problem solving sections of standardized tests. This project will provide the supplementary instruction and drills that ACS students need to meet and exceed the goals of the school and the community.