CBTC had a technically outdated system for testing schoolchildren, which was impossible to modify, so the client wanted to make a new, more modern and simple one. Taking into account the shortcomings of the old system, key requirements were put forward for the new one:
- Easy app installation and configuration process;
- Intuitive interface for both student and teacher;
- Support for electronic tests in SCORM format;
- Cloud-based test library with the ability to automatically receive updates via the Internet;
- Simple process of updating the app itself;
- Optional Internet access;
- Low system requirements, given that computers in schools are not the most powerful;
- License sales system. Limitation of the system functionality depending on the selected license type;
- The system works in both desktop and cloud mode.
After analyzing the above problems, we proposed the following technology stack: Phalcon + NodeJS + React + Electron + VirtualBox. The combination of these technologies made it possible to fully implement the write once - run everywhere concept while remaining within the client's budget.
- Students’ testing progress monitored by the teacher in real time mode;
- Support for a huge library of ready-made tests in various subjects for various classes;
- Modern responsive interface design;
- Implementation of an automatic and semi-automatic system for checking results and setting estimates;
- Cross-platform software (windows, macOS, linux);
- The ability to run in the Cloud;
- Full support for CI processes, the Cloud auto-scaling based on the number of clients.
It has three login modes: the administrator, teacher and student modes (upon the client’s request we have added the option where the teacher can also login as the administrator). When the server application is launched at the school, it is configured.
Role Model and User Editor: Administrators, Teachers, Students:
Application settings editor. It allows you to add information about the school and activate licenses. The editor is integrated with the cloud version of the software package that automatically fills
in part of the school info.
The event log. Full logging of all critical operations in the system: who creates which users, when the application was updated, who started testing and when;
Class editor. A flexible system for managing the class, its composition and tests. The number of classes available is limited by the license
Test panel. Here the teacher sets up the test: the student list, the test version, the students to be removed from the testing. The testing process for the teacher is simple - they just watch how
fast the students take the tests. They see the progress of each student and the overall progress of the class, can pause the testing or complete it ahead of the schedule.
Testing process. The class editor consists of the four segments: classes, profile, overall results, test panel.In the Classes segment you can select or create a new class. When choosing an existing
class, you need to choose the level of difficulty (grades 1-11) and the name of the discipline in which the test will be conducted, and the teachers themselves can take the practice test first.
KQCS is a client application that requires a server. To introduce the product to schools an installer and a simple application for managing and configuring the virtual server were developed. What is behind that is a specially configured and system-optimized Linux distribution running in a Virtualbox virtual machine.
This module allows the customer to manage licenses: when schools purchase software they receive a license key with the product which must be activated. Each key opens access to a certain number of classes. If the client wants to expand the number of tested classes, they contact the CBTC and receive a new license key with extended classes.
