Advances in information and communication technologies has opened new opportunities for conducting distance learning programmes and application of hydroinformatics modelling systems over the Internet. Internet could become an efficient media to deliver course contents and manage educational processes at a distance. It also provides means for building decision support system and creating collaboration arena in managing water and environmental resources by applying remote modelling techniques.
This study has investigated different Internet technologies as applied to distance learning and remote modelling. In the course of the study the following prototype components were developed and deployed over the Internet:
The study has used combinations of technologies and tools to achieve the envisaged objectives. TopClass educational software is used to host a sample course at IHE's web site. CGI, ActiveX, Java and JavaScript technologies were used in developing prototypes of remote modelling, alumni database management, software up/down load utilities, discussion forum, and literature publication facilities.
Internet technologies are rapidly growing and changing. To cope with these growth and changes follow-up study should be carried out every year. In the area of remote modelling it can be concluded that the research attentions should be given to technologies that allow object oriented architecture such as CORBA and RMI using Java technology. Internet is capable of providing essential services to conduct distance learning programme, and in this area more research is needed to find out the marketing and organisational aspects of administering Web-based learning environments.
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