The most promising approach seemed to be network-based computing, using the Internet as its base. This design is independent of any information content related to its use. The details of application in specific areas may require any combination of multimedia resources. Language learning requires the ability to record, forward, and archive sound. Medical systems require display and annotation of images.
Some scientific communication is dependent on manipulation of formulas.
All are included in the design. We divide the process of learner communication into three broad areas, with opportunities for overlap between each. It keeps track of the courses and their students and instructional staff, controls login and communication with and between clients, and manages the RTA databases, including all messaging, logs of all interactive sessions, indexes and pointers to supplementary resources, and statistics on RTA usage. The Server is currently installed on UNIX platforms, but it could probably be installed on other systems. All traffic for a class goes through the server assigned to that class.