Dimas Agung Prasetyo T. Eduard AZ Universitas Terbuka

1. The Development of Virtual
Reading Room
in
Universitas Terbuka
OCWC 2013-Dimas Agung Prasetyo /T. Eduard AZ

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Problem
• Printed Textbook development cost
• Textbooks sales as one of UT main
revenues
• Digital security, how to prevent piracy in
digital world

6. 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/

7. 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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11. 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

12. Screenshoot

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15. 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

16. 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

17. Further Development
• Increased security, bug fixes, user
usability fixes.
• Expand to tablets (android) using HTML5