Virtual classroom solution with WebRTC in a collaborative context in mathematics learning situation

Abstract

The acquisition of practical skills is an essential point in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). In the case of distance learning, it becomes even more difficult since students are physically remote practical work rooms and laboratories they must use to obtain these skills. In research, solutions of virtual classrooms (BigBlueButton, Openfire) have been proposed to solve this problem. These solutions integrate video, audio, chat, screen sharing, audio recording of the different actors. However, with the development of terminals, these solutions are not readily adaptable to a mobile phone and are not as easily integrated on training platforms. In addition, a virtual classroom for STEM must also offer shared features such as presentation slides online, whiteboards, and writing mathematical formulas. While these features are not available with WebRTC, we intend in this paper combine the WebRTC with command line tools for extending document viewer opportunities for an online presentation quality and allow learners and teachers to communicate in real time from a browser. Our virtual classroom solution can be easily integrated into distance learning platforms.