A baby-step Web application 1

[jimstarr]

My client teaches courses all over the world. The students take the final exam at their leisure in the weeks following the course. Test answers are collected in DBF's using VFP software given to each student. The process then is as follows:

1. The answers are emailed to the company.
2. The company "manually" runs the answers through a very spiffy AI program (also VFP) to do the scoring. This program creates a very detailed letter (PDF) giving the student all the ins and outs of his test performance.
3. The letter is manually emailed back to the student.

We'd like to web-enable this process, and I have no internet programming experience. The desired scenario would be something like:

1. A place on my client's website would say "Submit Test Answers." This would simply be a place where the student could point to the location of his data and press a "Go" button.
2. The data would be checked for prima facie usability. An immediate message would notify the student if problems.
3. Valid data would be run through the scoring program, and the letter would be immediately sent back to the student (email?).

What will this take? Thanks!!

Jim

 

[jesylv]

Many ways to skin this cat. Best way depends on the setup of your client (Web site technology, Hosting details, etc)

The route your are planning would require the following pieces:
(This suppose that the client software produces a file with client authentification data).

Create an uploading page. The tools you will need to use are dependent of the technology used to create your client's web site (altough you could have a link to a server of your choice). This page will copy the results into a specific directory (Make sure that you create filenames that do not enter in conflict with one other).
On upload write a validation test that will ensure proper file format.

If you have the choice, try building this block in asp.net


Next create a routine that will pool the specific directory for new files (once each 30 sec). Import your file in your actual process and you are in business.
This routine could sit on a desktop and use ftp to connect to the directory and copy the file in your process.

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On the other hand, you may want to suggest to your client to go another route. Build a accessment portal with user/password access. Have your exams in a Database. Have your students log in an write their exams on the web site and get instant feedback (http and/or email).



Jean

http://www.sigp.ca