USSUM : A system for computer learning

Upon a request by several directors of secondary schools of Armenia to carry out computer literacy courses for 9-10 grade schoolchildren, YCRDI during July-August 2002 trained groups of schoolchildren from Yerevan (school N21 after Shirvanzade) and villages Aragatsavan and Arteni (Aragatsotn Marze).

A group of schoolchildren from Arteni and Aragacavan villages

The training was carried out without charge on Institute technical equipment (in a specially organized for the purpose computer class) under guidance of high qualification specialists.

Training was carried out individually (1-2 pupil with a tutor and a computer).

Training was including WINDOWS 2000, WORD 2000, EXCEL 2000, INTERNET and e-mail with a program agreed upon with the directors of the schools. After courses certificates were given to all schoolchildren.

Based on positive results of training experience the USSUM system was developed and during 2003 computer literacy courses were carried out for high and lower grade (8^th grade) schoolchildren Results were satisfactorily.

The USSUM system is developed for computer literacy and subject “Informatics” self training for schoolchildren, teachers and individuals of different ages.

The system consists of two subsystems:

• USSUM-1 - a subsystem for self training computer literacy
• USSUM-2 - a subsystem for training the subject “Informatics” according to the program for 9-10 grade schoolchildren.

The USSUM system allows addition of new subsystems related to school internal procedures and new subjects of curriculum as a part of general e-learning system.

1. USSUM-1 system for computer literacy training

The USSUM-1 subsystem is aimed at getting computer literacy training within the limits necessary for successful implementation in everyday activities. The training may be carried out individually or in a group.

The Self-training is carried out in Armenian with voice and/or text assistance taking into account limitations of time and conception of a given individual.

The system has a version with distance learning and assistance using INTERNET. USSUM-1 may be used separately or in a network. This makes possible:

• For every trainee to have personal pace and timetable of learning on his convenience and abilities. The system supervises and monitors the process of learning.
• Automatic registration and evaluation of training results by local or distance means.
• Testing the results of training.
• During the learning to clarify trainees questions and to assist them using distance learning possibilities and e-mail.
• Update of the system via distance learning means.

Content of the system and its features

• The system carries out training in Armenian
• The system displays on a screen the lesson to be learned with voice support.
• For presentation of the lesson, static slides and dynamic sequence of explanations is used with animation means. If computers are not supplied with sound cards textual mode of training is available.
The system has the following sections:
• General information about computers.
• WINDOWS 2000.
• MS WORD 2000.
• MS EXCEL 2000.
• INTERNET, E-mail.
• Tests for checking the knowledge after each section.

Training of all sections is carried out in 36 hours.

USSUM-1 is developed in WINDOWS 2000. Multimedia possibilities and INTERNET connection between the system and trainee is ensured.

The system supports the following modes of operation:

1.1 Individual mode

The training is carried out on an individual computer, in arbitrary place and a trainee himself fefines the pace and results of training. In this case USSUM-1 is a substitute for a teacher and a textbook.

1.2 Network mode

Training is done in a classroom or any auditorium where a local area network of PCs exists. Training is done in network mode. Every trainee works on its own computer and the responsible for tuition follows the process of training on its own computer. In case of necessity he/she may interfere to the process.

1.3 Distance learning mode

This mode benefits from possibilities of INTERNET technology. This technology makes it possible to enlarge the catchment area of tuition and to monitor from a single place activities carried out in different places. This mode may be operated if computers for training are attached to INTERNET (at least one server in case of local area network). In this case it is possible to monitor the training process in several places simultaneously with analyses and evaluation.

During 2003 the system was tested with higher grade and lower grade (8th grade) schoolchildren and showed satisfactorily results.

2. USSUM-2 -- a system for training in subject “Informatics”

The USSUM-2 system is aimed at learning the subject “Informatics” in secondary schools. The system may be used by schoolchildren who have home PCs for learning or doing home work.

The system has individual, network and distance learning modes of operation.

The content of USSUM-2 and its features

The USSUM-2 carries out the training in Armenian. The subsystem displays the current lesson with voice support. For a lesson representation static slides and dynamic sequence of explanations with animation means is used.

In case of absence of sound cards a textual mode of operation is available.

The content of USSUM-2 corresponds to the “Informatics” subject approved by the Ministry of Science and Education of Armenia.

USSUM-2 subsystem has the following sections:

• Foundations of Informatics
• The structure of computer
• Software of a computer (WINDOWS, WORD, EXCEL).
• Computer based communications (LAN, INTERNET, e-mail).
• Algorithms and block-diagrams.
• Basis of Pascal language.
• Modeling principles.
• Data bases.
• General idea about information search systems.
• Laboratory tests, demonstration and explanation.

USSUM-2 is based on WINDOWS 2000. Multimedia means are also used.

3. Minimal hardware / software needed for the USSUM system

• CD for USSUM system.

For work stations

• Processor Pentium 133 MHz.
• RAM 64 Mb.
• CD ROM.
• 800 x 600 High Color Video Card.
• 16 bit sound card.
• 20 Mb free space on HDD.
• Earphones / loudspeakers.
• WINDOWS 95/98/2000/XP/NT.
• LAN Card – 10 / 100.

For Servers

• Processor Pentium 400 MHz.
• RAM 128 Mb.
• HDD – 4 GB
• CD ROM
• LAN Card – 10 / 100.
• Modem – 56 K and IP address for distance learning and monitoring