This project is a chat module for [ATutor] (https://github.com/atutor/ATutor), an Open Source Web-based Learning Management System. The goal of this project was to make a new version of the chat based on XMPP protocol and WAI-ARIA live regions introducing more efficient data transfer, larger feature set, accessible and intuitive interface. It was developed during [Google Summer of Code] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Summer_of_Code) in 2012.
####Currently the XMPP Chat has the following features:
- One-to-one messaging and Multi User Chat (MUC) among course members;
- Roster management (tracking participants’ presence);
- Subscription management (automatically adding new joined users);
- Saving user’s nickname and password after first authorization;
- Saving history for both private and group chat messages;
- Highly secured authorization on third-party XMPP server;
- Offline messaging support even for group chats;
- Message encryption (on ATutor server);
- WAI-ARIA accessible regions;
- User friendly interface (“started typing” detection, ajax content loading, links highlighting, etc.).
####Requirements The XMPP Chat uses the tools that provide all modern browsers: JavaScript and image support should be turned on. The PHP requirements are the same as for ATutor, 5.0.2+. This version is compatible with ATutor 2.1.1 and newer.
First you will need to have a working instance of ATutor, please get it from [github] (https://github.com/atutor/ATutor) or from [official website] (http://atutor.ca/atutor/). For a more detailed module-related information on installation, usage, screen readers compatibility, and troubleshooting please see the .pdf documents in the root folder.
####Tested environment Currently the XMPP Chat was successfully tested on:
- Linux Mint 12, 14 (Ubuntu)
- Browsers: Firefox 14.0.1, Chromium 18.0.1025.168, Opera 12.01;
- Screen readers: Orca;
- Windows 7
- Browsers: Firefox 12.0.1, Google Chrome 21.0.1180.75 m, Opera 12.01, Internet Explorer 9;
- Screen readers: NVDA, JAWS.