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(a)(i)Web applications are defined as
programs designed to allow any authorized user with a WWW browser
and Internet connection to interact with them. Describe four advantages
of Web applications.[8 marks ]
• web applications are inherently platform independent (1); should
be able to be accessible from any platform for which a WWW browser
is implemented (1)
• web applications upgrade themselves transparently to the users
(1); the users do not need to get the new version every time (1)
• application developers can monitor the use of the software
(1); once-only
ustomers pay less (1)
• the computational load for web applications can be distributed
to multiple servers (1); their execution time is reduced (1)
(ii)Name one potential
disadvantage of Web applications, and suggest a way in
which this shortcoming may be overcome.[2 marks ]
• web applications can face npredicatable and potentially enormous
peak loads
• applications need to maintain information about state from
one page to
another to prevent users having to re-enter information
• user authorisation for restricted access is more fficult because
of the large number of potential users
• the web changes rapidly and standards are still evolving
• robust web applications require reliable, secure and stable
processing under heavy demands
(1) for any one point;(1) for any reasonable suggestion as to how
to overcome it.
(b)Describe three possible uses of the WWW in education.Which of these
methods do you think support student learning the best, and why?[5
marks ]
• wide-area dissemination of information
• educational administration
• educational advertising
• provision on on-line resources and projects
• on-line assessment
• distance communication
(3) for any three points above; (2) for any reasonable discussion
as to which is best.
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