ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS IN CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION

BACKGROUND

In April 1986 the Associated Schools of Construction, (ASC), requested ASU to create and host a BBS for construction activities. The BSS had to operate with personal computers, standard modems and telephone lines which currently are used in most academic departments in ASC colleges and universities.

The research criteria required the following:

A telecommunications project, such as this, requires many decisions. Ultimately, these decisions will become the collective effort of participating ASC schools. However, our approach was to just create a. prototype, start operations and solve problems when and if they occurred.

The prototype system helped identify some potential difficulties and adjustments to the BSS host station software were made. Also it has helped esta­blish examples of construction related uses, and provide an educational springboard to bring CONSTRUCTION NET to a reality.

IMPLEMENTATION

Most of the electronic mail and bulletin board systems in operation were reviewed, set up, and tested. "FIDO" software was the obvious choice. It was the only BBS software program featuring automatic electronic mail and easily met all other selection criteria.

The FIDO Bulletin Board System software is a public domain telecommunication package. Public domain software is distributed free of charge to noncommercial users. FidoNet is the electronic mail portion of FIDO and provides for unattended mail and file transfer between other FIDO host systems. This feature will permit ASC schools to network their personal computers and automatically exchange information and software programs.

The development of FIDO was begun by its author, Tom Jennings, in 1983 and has become a popular choice by thousands of BBS operators worldwide. Further, its popularity has inspired the creation of a wide variety of special utility software programs that further enhance its operation and maintenance. ECHOMAIL and SEADOG are two of these utility programs of special merit.

ECHOMAIL, written by FIDO Sysop Jeff Rush, has made the largest impact on FIDO BBS' since FidoNet was added. This utility permits the exchange of messages in ALL common topical message areas of participating FIDO BBS'. National conferences on a variety of topics can now be accessed. A network of ASC BBS' would utilize this feature extensively.

Although not a public domain program, the SEADOG electronic mail system works with FIDO and, among many other features, permits instant message and file transfers at any time. (Transfers in FIDO are achieved only during pre-scheduled mail times). SEADOG was created by FIDO Sysop Thom Henderson, also the author of the well known ARC utility program.

Also not public domain, the PROCONM communications software program has become a favorite among caller-users. It is simple, convenient and avail­able for trial use from many BBS'. It is well worth sending its author, Tom Smith (also a FIDO Sysop) the license fee requested on the PROCOMM title screen.

The following is list of the main software program combination used in the CONSTRUCTION NET system.

SOFTWARE FUNCTION

PC-DOS              Disk Operating System [Controls Computer Functions]

FIDO                  Bulletin Board System Software [Host station, answers calls]

SEADOG             E-Mail Software (optional) [Immediate file/message transfers]

ECHOMAIL FIDO     Utility Software [Automatic message handling]

PROCOMM                Communications Software [Makes calls for users]

ARC                    Utility Program File [Compresses files to reduce storage space & transfer time]

A familiarity with PC-DOS, the personal computer operating system, and WordPerfect, a word pro­cessing system, was extremely valuable in preparing the CONSTRUCTION NET system. In its original form, the FIDO BBS software is what might be called "un­finished". This is a feature, rather than a shortcoming, because custom modifications can be made easily.

The PROCOMM communication software program (previously downloaded from a Phoenix area BSS) was used to download (copy) the standard FIDO software f cast yet another BBS. These program files had been .compressed with the ARC utility. The ARC utility program was then used on the newly downloaded FIDO files to uncompress or extract the working files f out their compressed form.

Many FIDO BBS' in the United States were examined to gather ideas on the variety ways others had set up their BBS'. Additional files were created with Wordperfect and included with the FIDO files into the CONSTRUCTION NET system. After some setup decisions were made, the implementation of the prototype system was a smooth and relatively quick process. The ECHOMAIL and SEADOG programs were installed later.

The FIDO software was first installed on an IBM AT personal computer with a 30 megabyte fixed disk and a 2400 baud modem. This BBS, was located in Phoenix, Arizona. Networking experiments with twelve other Phoenix FIDO BBS' were conducted over a six-month period. Additionally, experience was gained in all aspects of the duties and responsibilities of a system operator (SYSOP).

FIDO software was then installed on the fixed disk drive of one of ASU's IBM-PC computers in Tempe, Arizona approximately 20 miles from the Phoenix system location. A dedicated phone line and 2400 baud modem was added to the hardware system for this purpose. The networking procedures were set up and the prototype system was in operation as CONSTRUCTION NET #1 and CONSTRUCTION NET #2!

Several illustrations of actual screen displays are included in the paper. Two of these show a facsimile of the greeting and sign-on screens for each of the CONSTRUCTION NET systems.

Both CONSTRUCTION NET computers operate 24 hours daily and is open to all callers who register. User access to the CONSTRUCTION net BBS' is only prevented for short periods of time during mail processing. This "downtime" for automatic message and/or file exchange occurs daily at 11:00 AM for 30 minutes, 5:30 PM for 30 minutes, and 2:00 AM for 90 minutes. During these mail tines, messages and selected files are automatically exchanged. The contents of each BSS in CONSTRUCTION NET then become identical.

Since the prototype currently only allows one caller at a time, this duplication gives other callers the opportunity to simply use another phone number to access to the same information on another CONSTRUCTION NET BBS. Additionally, because this process is automatic, the Sysop's maintenance time is reduced enormously.

THE OPERATION

The following describes the customized setup and operation of the prototype CONSTRUCTION NET BSS.

A first time caller (new user) is recognized as such by the system and some information regarding CONSTRUCTION NET is displayed. The new user is then given the option to register by answering a short questionnaire.

If the caller declines answering the questionnaire, instant "log off" occurs and the system resets itself for the next caller.

If the caller answers the questionnaire completely, a "preview" of the features and benefits of CONSTRUCTION NET is displayed and access is promised within 24 hours. The Sysop reviews the questionnaire answers, and manually registers new users and assigns them a privilege level. Higher privilege levels permit access to features of the BBS not available to normal users.

When a registered user calls and "logs-on" with his name and password, a welcome message is displayed followed by a list of users having messages waiting for them to read. This list is followed by a display of bulletin messages. The bulletins may be periodically changed or appended by the Sysop.

A "quote-of-the-day" or other message is randomly. selected and displayed followed immediately by a display of the Main Commands menu of the BBS. options. Greater detail on the meaning of each menu option is provided when the user enters the "?" (Help) at any menu prompt.

The two main sections of the FIDO system are the Message Section and the File Section.

The Message Section consists of a number of topic related areas. Users can leave private or public messages to other users or participate in an ongoing conference. The contents of the message areas of each CONSTRUCTION NET BBS are exchanged at mail times. A special message area known as the "NETMAIL" area permits messages (mail) to be automatically sent to any FIDO BSS in the world. This Message Section is extensive. In each mes­sage area, a user may enter and edit a message, upload a previously prepared message, list, read,. delete or reply to existing messages. The user can also quickly search through all messages by enter­ring a keyword and listing all messages that match the keyword.

The illustration, "MESSAGE SECTION, CONSTRUCTION NET ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM Message Areas" lists various topical message areas set up for the prototype BBS.

Other options of the Message Section Commands are explained in the illustration, "CONSTRUCTION NET­HELP W/ MESSAGE SECTION COMMANDS."

The File Section consists of a number of categorized areas. Each of these areas contain public domain software programs or text files. A menu of file options is provided for each file area. The program files may be transferred (downloaded) to the user's computer for later use. The text files may be read immediately or downloaded and read later. Users may also upload files to the BBB. Uploaded files go to a private area until reviewed by the Sysop. The file transfer menu includes several popular methods of uploading and downloading. These methods provide convenient error checking and correcting protocols for file transfers. A special file area known as the "NETFILE" area is where files are received automatically during mail times.

The illustration, "FILE SECTION, CONSTRUCTION NET ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM File Areas" lists various file areas set up for the prototype BBS.

Other options of the File Section Commands are explained in the illustration, "CONSTRUCTlON NET­HELP W/ FILE SECTION COMMANDS."

The "Outside" option of the Main Commands permits privileged users to execute other programs remotely outside of the BBS system. This feature provides for an almost unlimited variety of uses including access to information data bases.

Selecting the "Editorial" option causes a prepared text file to be displayed. This file is changed or replaced periodically by the Sysop.

The "Answer Questionnaire" option displays a specially prepared questionnaire to users and records their responses. The Sysop creates this questionnaire as needed.

Other options of the Main Commands are explained in the illustration, "CONSTRUCTION NET - HELP WITH MAIN COMMANDS."

The user's call is terminated in one of several ways. Typically, the user will select the Goodbye option and then may leave a private message to the Sysop.

Termination will also occur if:

1. The Sysop enters a special command.

2. The user exceeds his time limit.

3. A scheduled mail time occurs.

4. There is no activity for a period of time.

OVERVIEW

REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirements for a caller-user is a personal computer, modem, floppy disk drive, a communications software program and a standard. telephone jack. Most items are already available in the construction schools and construction companies. The caller-user should have some understanding of PC-DOS, modems and communication software.  It is recommended that caller-users refer to the CONSTRUCTION NET documentation.

The minimum requirements for a system operator is a personal computer with a self-setting clock, a 1200 baud or faster modem, a fixed disk drive, the CONSTRUCTION NET BBS software and a dedicated telephone line. The system operators must have a good understanding of PC-DOS, FIDO software, FIDO utility software, modems, communication software, and word-processing software. CONSTRUCTION NET workshop attendance and manuals are recommended.

THE ASU WORKSHOP

In September 1986, representatives float seven uni­versities met at ASU to participate in a "hands-on". workshop for caller-users. The participating

schools were:

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

NORTH TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, PINE BLUFF

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

Many benefits were derived by the experience of preparing for the workshop session that aided the ,research of this project. Its success demonstrated that BBS and telecommunications education can and should be conducted in a short course format.

A manual was written for this session and is available for the continuing education process. A variety of personal computer equipment was configured to serve as BSS host stations and caller stations for the "hands-on" learning experience by the attendees.

This workshop session revealed the necessity to concentrate on the caller-user aspect of the BBS communication process because the two-day session time frame was inadequate to bring a novice telecommunication user to the level of system operator.

The attendees participated in the creation of the next version of the CONSTRUCTION NET BSS system setup. This included a revised list of file areas and topics under a construction keyword concept using a modified Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) format.

The following is a list of the file areas/topics collectively recommended for a later version of the BBS setup.

REGIONAL PRESENTATION

In December 1986, representatives from six univer­sities met at BYU to participate in a Western Regional meeting of the ASC. The participating schools were:

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

CAL-POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO

CAL-POLY POMONA

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

The CONSTRUCTION NET system was presented, demonstrated and discussed. Two main points were learned by this session. 1.) A successful presentation condensed to two hours could be made and 2.) That pre-packaging the software system with a fast track type of documentation would get other CONSTRUCTION NET systems up and running sooner.

The discussion portion of the session also included encouragement to additionally investigate a "local call" access system whereby long distance call charges could be reduced or avoided.

OBSERVATIONS

Other observations in reviewing the BBS operation are:

1. That users are a vital part of the process. They must be encouraged to participate and put information and/or programs back into the BSS as well as take from it. We have to develop an environment of giving as well as taking.

2. That a national ASC construction network of shared information cannot operate without some funding for long distance telephone charges for the automatic exchange of information between parti­cipating schools.        '

3. That items of interest to the construction community must be placed on the BBS' regularly, updated and maintained. This will require dedi­cated construction professionals to become some­what proficient with personal computers to enjoy the benefits.

4. That each participating ASC school should have one or more system operators to set up, attend and maintain its own net station BBS.

5. That each participating ASC school should promote and educate the use of this system to faculty, alumni, students, and local construction businesses.

6. That construction trade associations should be actively encouraged to participate and become a part of the CONSTRUCTION NET program.

7. That policies and standard operating proce­dures should be adopted to maintain the integrity of the network as a whole. This does not preclude individual host stations having unique areas on their BSS' .

THE FUTURE

What is the future of CONSTRUCTION NET? It is obvious that personal computers and software are available at most universities. One problem is the under-utilization of them. The creation of a national construction network could solve this problem by providing the mechanism for a continued and varied exchange of information. A unique feature of FIDO allows the automatic creation and distribution of a weekly newsletter. Anyone may submit articles for publication. Articles with information regarding the use and contents of CONSTRUCTION NET can be written. Hard copies of this newsletter can also be produced and distri­buted to further draw users into the system.

EDUCATION

For education purposes CONSTRUCTION NET has the potential to develop and provide the following.

1. An active media for the best written work of construction students and faculty can be made available to a wider audience.

2. Programs of study and course descriptions for each school can be placed on its own CONSTRUCTION NET BSS. This will encourage continuing education and draw more students into construction education programs.

3. A listing of the resumes of the construction graduates will provide greater exposure to employment opportunities.

4. A facility for greater faculty/student com­munications will save time. Many students visit faculty members and ask the same questions. A special message BBS can provide answers to all students and eliminate the necessity of some visits.

5. Classroom assignments can be completed and uploaded by the students for display, review and grading by faculty.

6. Improved private communications can occur .between faculty members of each ASC school.

7. Construction firms and universities can exchange construction technology information. Faculty can stay current with real world construction, and real world construction can benefit from the faculty.

8. A calendar of current events and construction activities can be easily updated and viewed daily. Continuing Education seminars can be scheduled and promoted as well as the meeting schedules of national and local construction trade associations

CONSTRUCTION

For construction oriented purposes CONSTRUCTION NET has the potential to develop and provide for:

1. Support questions and answers in the use of construction methods, procedures, software and personal computers.

2. Standard contract text files and documentation. "Boiler-plate" paragraphs for word processing formulation of contract documents.

3. Descriptions of commercial construction 'software to assist the search, evaluation and selection process.

4. A "sounding board" for new ideas, techniques, and management procedures can be provided through the conference feature of the message section.

5. Standard specifications in "text file" form for use by construction managers.

6. Descriptions and pricing of construction materials, products, tools, and equipment.

7. Bid calendars with project descriptions and specialty trade bid solicitations.

8. Specialty trades and subcontractor listings with descriptions of the companies, their specialties and capabilities.

9. Membership rosters and notices of the various construction trade associations.

10. A technology that can link construction field offices with main offices and transfer jobcost, payroll, scheduling and other information.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this paper is to share the information obtained from creating a specialized BBS, relate operating experiences, and provide views for future CONSTRUCTION NET BBS development. The routine use of personal computers by constructors and academia will assist in this development.

The CONSTRUCTION NET system software and documentation package has been adjusted for a fast-track installation and is now available. Arrangements can be made for seminars, continuing education presentations and the BBS software setup.

A minimum goal of this project is to provide graduates with personal computer and telecommunication skills. The ultimate goal is for each ASC school to set up and operate one or more BBS' in a network. The benefits of sharing information and resources within such a network can be enjoyed by many.

The research effort of this project has identified these goals and the research results has provided the means to accomplish them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to thank Professor Vern L. Hastings, Director of the Construction Division at ASU, for his encouragement and financial support. He made it happen!

The representative of the Universities which attended the ASU workshop were essential in providing guidance for future development and direction. Our sincere appreciation to the following:

Prof Jay Newitt, Brigham Young University

Prof Steven Schuette, Clemson University

Prof Raymond Perreault,.Jr., North Texas State University

Prof David L. Lickteig, University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff

Prof Richard A. Furman, University of Florida Prof Glen A. Sears, University of New Mexico

Both Dr. William E. Lewis and Mr. Robert D. Morrison of ASU Computer Services were key advisors in the hardware setup of the ASU workshop.

Also, many thanks to Harold E. Parker, Research Analyst with ASU Computer Services, and Eugene Glover, technician for Original Solutions, Inc. for their extra effort in problem solving for the ASU workshop.

We wish to thank: John Kerr, the Phoenix FidoNet Coordinator, who saved us many hours of time with answers and public domain software; Dr. David Dodell for his many consulting hours in providing automation and SEAdog techniques; all the other Phoenix Net Fido Sysops for their cooperation and assistance and all our caller/users for their strong support and encouragement.

Our greatest thanks to Tom Jennings, author of Fido and creator of FidoNet, whose talent has made this project possible and to Jeff Rush, whose EchoMail concept expands the usefulness of FidoNet into a viable ASC network project. And the authors wish to thank Thom Henderson for the SEAdog electronic mail system and the popular ARChive utility soft­ware and also Tom Smith whose ProComm software makes a simple task of using a CONSTRUCTION NET BBS.