The Development of Virtual Reading Room
in
Universitas Terbuka
OCWC 2013-Dimas Agung Prasetyo /T. Eduard AZ
Background
As an ODL institution UT:• provides flexibility and option for student
independence in learning.• provides learning support services for the
students.• has commitment developing e-resources
for students.
UT Learning System
• Based on printed material:– students are required to ‘have’ the textbooks
• buy from bookstore• read in local library / UT regional office• Borrow from friends
Ruang Baca Virtual
• Initiated project in the middle of 2011• Need to answer 2 main problems
– Logistical problem when providing/delivering printed textbook to the students
– Widening access to learning materials / textbooks
• ‘Free’ for UT Students
Problem
• Printed Textbook development cost• Textbooks sales as one of UT main
revenues• Digital security, how to prevent piracy in
digital world
Development Approach
• Security is the top priority• Platform selection
– Flash VS HTML5– Flash was selected
• Two modules– Repository– E-Reader
• Login required• Launched in January 2012• http://www.pustaka.ut.ac.id/
Repository System
• Based on jomla cms• Digital textbooks are categorized based on
program of study• Security purposes
– files are being encrypted– stored in secured directory / storage
Screenshoot
Screenshoot
Screenshoot
Ebook Reader
• Using flash technology– mature– security features
• Will function :– access the file– decrypt the file– convert to swf– protect swf file– display to the computer screen
Screenshoot
Screenshoot
Screenshoot
RBV Today
• More than 1000 E-textbooks. The collections are planned to be increased by 2013.
• Total 19,443 students (total access 77.926 visitor) have accessed and read e-textbook since January 2012 to May 2013 with average time of visit is 4:15 minute
• 26.52% growth rate each week. Peak access are 1-2 weeks before final exam.
• Average page accessed are 3 pages each visit
Conclusion
• There are no conclusive evidences that RBV would disrupt printed textbooks sales
• RBV and Printed Textbooks are complementary for students
• The RBV has restrict the access because of university policy
• The technology used in RBV can be used as OER platform
Further Development
• Increased security, bug fixes, user usability fixes.
• Expand to tablets (android) using HTML5