What are Java Applets?
An applet is a program
written in the Java™ programming language, an object oriented programming
language created by Sun Microsystems. Java is a device independent
language, meaning that programs compiled in Java can run on any computer,
in theory. Java programs can be run as free- standing application
or as an applet placed on a web page. Applets run only on web (HTML)
pages, in much in the same way an image does. When an applet is used,
its code transfers to your system and the browser executes it. Java
applets have a built-in security feature, which prevents them accessing
the file system of the client computer.
To include an applet on
a web page, one specifies the name of the applet and the size (length and
width—in pixels) that the applet may employ. When accessing the web
page, the browser downloads the applet from a server and runs it on the
user’s machine. Applets differ from applications in that they are
governed by a strict security protocol. For example, although applets
actually run on the client computer, they can not read or write data onto
the hard disk. Additionally, applets are further restricted so that
they can only read and write data from the same service domain.
A large number of applets
are available from various locations on the Internet. In most cases,
applets were found with their source codes and available without charge.
Applets exist that teach Java programming and how to build applets.
Those interested should be aware that the learning curve is supposed to
be one month. Considering the amount of effort required for this
assignment, and all before, I intend to defer my self-instruction until
summer, 2002.
Potential Educational Use:
I discovered applets that are educational
games, rewarding tests, directed lessons, etc. The value of the various
applets is up to the imagination of the teacher and their use in the curriculum.
I found some discussed later in this assignment report that I will definitely
use this year. Additionally, several exist that are beneficial in
a personal manner, allowing me to manage my time, life, and therefore,
my job much better.
Cost: So many of the applets are free for use depending upon how employed.
URLs for more information:
1. Applet Power; http://java.sun.com/features/1997/oct/applets.html
2. Java technology Directory; http://www.developer.com/directories/pages/dir.java.html
3. EarthWeb Chat; http://earthweb.com
4. Java Boutique; http://javaboutique.internet.com
5. JARS, the Java Applet Rating Service; http://www.jars.com
6. Intel Web Applets; http://www.intel.com/cpc/webapplets
7. Educational Object Economy (EOE); http://www.eoe.org
Hardware and software requirements:
Of course, you will need a computer with Internet
access. However, applets work with PC’s, Apple/Macintosh, and Amigas
without discrimination. The web browser employed may determine that
one may not be able to load the applets. The computer must have Internet
Explorer 3.1 or later, as an example. The various applets do require
considerable memory and time to load. The good ones, though, may
occupy you while the download is in progress.
Positive aspects of Java applets:
1. An educator reviews each applet, and a
brief description is available.
2. There are thousands of applets available.
3. The applet won’t access the computer’s
file system, therefore it is unlikely to load a virus
4. The user can close the Internet and do
what the applet loads up for you.
Negative aspects of Java applets:
1. There are thousands of applets available.
This does mean it takes considerable time to locate proper ones for your
class.
2. After researching (about a thousand), I
found that several URLs were non-existent; they had been deleted, or the
web page failed to operate.
As always, I try to make each assignment useful
to my class of third graders. I checked hundreds of applets and came
up with a short list of some I would like to share.
1. Exact Change Please--Abe Lincoln sells
items and kids must give him the exact change. It is simplistic,
but better than nothing. http://www.state.tn.us/financialinst/game.html
2. Storyteller (children’s)--students can
read stories other children have written and they can enter their own.
Other links to “Kid’s Activities” were fun.
http://www.edbydesign.com
3. The Earth and Sun (3D)--This shows the
rotation of the earth around the sun to explain the seasons. This
is a lot better than getting out the old broken model of the Sun and earth.
You can stop the rotation and discuss the features of each season.
I will put this on the TV monitor for a whole class discussion. http://www.blueneptune.com/~xmwang/myGUI/EarthSun.html
4. Game for elementary students--long loading
time, this is a higher level math game for two students. http://www.cs.rpi.edu/~moorthy/SciAmer/g.html
5. Natural History Museum--loaded quickly,
students can see different museum displays. http://www.amnh.org
6. You will enjoy driving the bus while Fun
School.com loads. http://www.funschool.com