SoftBoard-a Web-based application sharing system for distance education

The paper describes the development of SoftBoard, a Web-based application sharing system that provides a convenient writing and sketching tool in delivering instructions and conducting virtual office hours for distance education over the Internet. It is a Web-based shared environment where students and instructors can participate in exchanging information in real time effectively. Similar systems in the form of whiteboards exist today but are quite different from SoftBoard. A SoftBoard system can be invoked by users equipped with a standard browser and Internet connection. A light pen can also be used with SoftBoard to provide a convenient way for creating non-textual contents freehand. Several experiments using different computer labs were conducted. Feedback from participants was very positive.