The Development of Virtual Reading Room

inUniversitas 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

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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

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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