Open JDK And Oracle JDK, THE BASIC FACTS

There is a lot of buzz around users switching to OpenJDK from OracleJDK. Some are keen on it and some find it laborious and unnecessary. We too have debated on this in our previous blogs (Blog1, Blog2).

But, in the process of going with the flow, a lot of developers and engineers alike are sometimes grappling in the dark when it comes to the basic need or necessity for this migration.

In an endeavor to enlighten all of us, here are some of the basic facts and comparisons between OpenJDK and Oracle JDK

Licensing

OracleJDK: It was licensed under GPL (General Public License) License

OpenJDK: It was licensed under GNU GPL (General Public License) License

Development

OracleJDK: Developed by Sun Microsystems Inc.

OpenJDK: Developed by Oracle, OpenJDK & Java Community

Performance

OracleJDK: Provides performance as per OracleJDK’s development and implementation

OpenJDK: Provides high performance which was developed by some vendors on top of Oracle JDK

Scalability

OracleJDK: As per Oracle’s implementation

OpenJDK: Can be improved using other libraries or on top of Oracle JDK

Pricing

OracleJDK: Oracle’s Official implementation license

OpenJDK: Open Source and free implementation available for free use

Speed

OracleJDK: Normal as per OracleJDK implementation

OpenJDK: Third party vendors will be improving the speed of JVM by making some tweaks

Operating System

OracleJDK: Supports Microsoft Windows, Linux, Solaris, MacOS

OpenJDK: Supports FreeBSD, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X

Ease of Use

OracleJDK: Can be used with any application development

OpenJDK: Can be used with any application development and other open source tools to improve the performance in the open source implementation model.

Having read and understood the above, we can say that all the operations and tasks that are currently being performed by OracleJDK can also be performed by OpenJDK. The stark difference lies in the licensing and other tools integration and implementation on top of the existing OracleJDK by Open JDK. There are many advantages of using OpenJDK in performance, scalability, and implementation. It can also be modified as per the requirement of the application.

The biggest advantage also is in the Secure Environment in which the OpenJDK community will continue to be updated for critical bugs and security fixes. This will be a boost towards and secure and trustworthy development environment.

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The Java Version story and what’s in store next?

There are a lot of users who use previous versions of Java such as 6 or 7, it’s highly recommended that Java 8 becomes the standard when it comes to using the language. Here are a few benefits of Java migration to the trusted Java 8. Before that, here’s a look at the Java Version story so far.

Auto Delete for Previous JavaVersions

One of the best things about Java migration to the newest version would be the fact that it can automatically delete all the previous versions of Java. So, let’s say that you have Java7 as your previous version installed on your computer. Once you install Java 8, Java 7 will automatically be deleted, completing your Java migration in just a few steps.

Open Source Migration

It’s pretty interesting to take note of the open source migration of Java 7 to Java 8. What exactly does this mean? Java 7 and previous versions used to be run by Oracle. Since Java 8, the platform underwent an Oracle JDK to OpenJDK migration. This means easier coding and less hassle. Open source coding allows you more freedom to move around. That said, Oracle JDK to OpenJDK migration is highly recommended.

New Collection Methods

By going for an Oracle JDK to OpenJDK migration, you’ll have new collection methods to existing classes. This allows you to combine JDK environment variables with more expressions using a simpler code. That way, you won’t have to manually input too many JDK environment variables or other classes manually to get the result that you want. It’s actually a way to shorten your coding and make everything more efficient.

Fewer Codes to Use

Not only will you need fewer expressions because of the integrated JDK environment variables in the new collection methods, but you’ll also use fewer codes as a whole. The whole focus of the new Java migration to Java8 is more on the API so that you won’t focus a lot on how you’re going to produce the app you want but how you would want to design it.

Added Lambda Expressions

The Lambda expressions are new to the open source Java development kit. Just like the new collection methods, the lambda expressions simplify the Java open source code in such a way that makes the programming process much more efficient as well as effective. With the changes made for Java7, the lambda expressions in Java8 came out. It’s a great addition to your open source Java development kit and a great feature you can use for your Java open source code programming activities.

Easier Handling of Date and Time

The new API in the Java open source code perfectly handles the date and time better than the last version. With this version, you’ll be able to understand the date and time much easier without having to backtrack your references. It’s a cleaner way of handling such data, especially if you’re a programmer who is developing a full Java-based app with an open source Java development kit.

Integrated Lightweight Java Script Engine

This new version allows Java open source platforms to access a new type of JAVAscript engine that is more lightweight than the previous versions. Being lightweight, this new engine, known as the Nashhorn JAVAscript engine, has a higher performance rate, enabling you to have more functions for your Java open source codes when you make your apps. source coding has never been so much easier with this strong engine.

Added Streams API

If you had a hard time with manipulating data using the previous Java versions, this new update will make it much easier. The streams API allows you to have enhanced control over your Java open source data, especially big data. An example would be for long lists of objects. If you would like to get a separate list of the unique objects out of the total objects in chronological order, the streams API can arrange the data for you easily. That way, you don’t need to do any tedious coding or manual arranging when you’re handling a lot of data at the same time.

Less Null Values

One of the best things about Java8 is that it has a function in its source code to help tell the programmer what to do with the null values. Let’s say one of your functions ran into a null option, you’ll have more flexibility on what you’re going to do with it. That feature makes handling nulls so much easier as compared to using the previous versions.

Higher Security

With the open source migration to Java 8, there has been a vast improvement in overall security. As compared to previous versions, you can expect more reliable methods in which security methods can be implemented. With that, you won’t need to worry about safety problems when it comes to programming your app. Security should always be one of the key factors when choosing programming tools.

Conclusion

Ever since the open source migration of Java7 to Java 8, there have been so many improvements that have been made — many of them are geared towards helping web development teams with their Java programming activities. That said, the new Java version is definitely recommended for all users since it has so many new features to brag about. Also, Java 8 is no longer run by Oracle, so the creators of Java have been pushing for users of the previous versions to start migrating as soon as they can to enjoy the latest features. After all, they have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Of course, the new Java platform isn’t only targeted toward enterprises. It’s also really good for existing programmers and newbies. It can help with overall productivity letting you make the most of your time. It further helps you save a lot of time and energy with regard to coding so that you can get the best results for your Java-based project.

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The Role of Immersive technologies & Artificial Intelligence in Education

The Untold Secret To Mastering The Future of AI Education: current barriers, resolutions & the future!

The role Artificial Intelligence in education landscape and Immersive technologies in learning space have propelled impactful transformations across all industries such as finance, healthcare, chatbots, art, manufacturing, IT, innovation and many more. Likely, its penetration, especially in education realm, has grown by leaps & bounds.

With a skyrocketing success in achieving remarkable literacy rate on the planet, the education space is facing new barriers and challenges when it comes to raising the bars higher and taking the current education to a whole new level.

Now that, the AI in the education industry is well equipped and advanced with digital technology, still, we believe the way we teach, however, has to CHANGE.

No matter if it’s a physical classroom or an e-learning session; the contemporary learning methodology is still archaic. We arbitrarily group learners based on their age or preference and make them listen to a trainer and sit back and expect that the involved parties are competent enough to keep the learners engaged through a static educational curriculum.

Indeed, the current methodology works, but up to an extent. For a fact, the trainers or tutors are overloaded with work such as building curriculum, imparting, planning assignment, grading, etc. Thus, it’s next to impossible for them to give hundreds of students personalized attention.

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While a tutor is busy with all this, students remain under consistent pressure to secure grades in a stipulated time frame.

Despite being equipped with digital technologies, the education system is crippled when it comes to catering individualized learning & self-development.

Today, students don’t know why they are learning the lessons that they are learning, it makes matters worse and a big question in the face of the student’s personal ambition. However, AI in education plays a game-changing role in making the system more effective but still numerous Edtechs are unaware of the role of artificial intelligence in education.

So what’s the solution here? What could make the learning more exciting, fun & productive?

Let us rundown on three key pillars- Individualized Learning, Experimental Learning & Mastery Learning that can make the learning ecosystem more powerful, however, the theories are not new by any means but still education providers are struggling to incorporate the same.

Individualized Learning: the need of the hour!

It’s a way to offer instructions based on interest, aspirations, weaknesses, and background of individual learners. It caters to an intuitive learning where the learning experience best fits into an individual and helps you get the most out of each session.

The True Potential of Individualized Learning is still unfulfilled- Here’s why?

So, as numerous theories substantiate to the fact that Individualized Learning is the need of the hour. In fact, the true potential of Individualized Learning is still unfulfilled.Even if you hire dozens of specialized instructors to pay individual attention, the challenge still extends i.e. how to collect and process personal student data in large scales to create actionable insights.

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Individualized Learning is all about non-linear curriculum and embracing student differences, this is where contemporary digital learning solutions and methodologies are losing value with each passing day.

Kudos to advanced technologies that helps providers to bridge the chasm when it comes to Individualized Learning, but before we dive deep into that, let’s explore the second pillar i.e. Mastery Learning.

Mastery Learning: key to Intuitive Learning & self-development!

Mastery Learning is a way to offer instructions that determines a level of performances that all learners must master before moving to the next module or unit. It is impactful when learning maths, where past lessons are necessary to understand the next lessons. A learner will only be allowed to move to the next lesson when they have mastered in all the fundamentals that precede it.

In today’s education platforms, if you secure 70% of a subject, you are entitled to move further- that’s general knowledge, not mastery. The grading mechanism fails to provide the exact performance feedback of a student and provider.

Thus, the learning needs remain unattended by the system they are leveraging.

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Why providers fear to deploy mastery learning?

Learners are pressured to rush through the semesters without understanding them and eventually, all those subjects become so unintelligible over the years that create broad knowledge gaps that lead to loss of intuition.

Mastery learning can invade all such issues with its in-depth individualized and personal approach. Here, a student won’t be allowed unless and until they don’t display mastery in a specific subject.

Though it’s a strong theory but still, providers are resilient to implement the concept. Due to hefty financial resources involved providers fear to deploy it realistically at large scale.

However, we will see that how AI will play a crucial role in thrashing such challenges but until then let’s understand the third pillar i.e. experimental learning.

Experimental Learning

“Learning by doing”is a primitive formula to grasp things really fast. Experimental learning helps you to understand from experience. It engages most of your senses, improves critical thinking, creates a context for memorizing and builds social-emotional skills.

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It creates curiosity to understand things more deeply; students consider making mistakes as a part of learning process.

Today’s education providers certainly try to implement it and adopt the model of homework to ensure that students do it by themselves.

But surveys reveal that homework is uninspiring and does not involve the senses rather makes the student more isolated.

Experimental learning: it’s a myth, here’s why?

These days, providers very well understand that revamping the legacy course will be a big design challenge when it comes to teaching subjects like maths, history or biology in whole new way. Since ages, we have been acquainted with books & blackboards, so do we go ahead in engaging all senses, keeping the learning social and active, attaining the learning goals and keeping the cost low?

It’s a big question, but read on as you will get to see the resolutions that AI has to offer before we conclude.

Now that we have identified the problems and our ultimate learning goals, let’s have a sneak peek on top 3 futuristic technologies can not only address the above challenges but can actually facelift the entire educational landscape.

Immersive technology: doors to the new world of education!

Immersive technology in education is the new way of innovation in the learning methodologies.

Technologies such as virtual reality empower a student to interact with the digital world and conceive realization of dwelling within a virtual world.

With Oculus Rift getting hype, providers have now started believing that it’s no more about just gaming. Rather, it’s a new world where you can explore new ways to interact and display information in the real world as if it’s actually there.

Microsoft HoloLens is another great example that interprets your environment — it identifies where your furniture is, your walls, and everything else, and uses that information to blend the physical and digital world into the reality perception.

Education providers can create real-world experiences at relatively low cost- be it a monument, experience the surface of the moon or the wreck of the Titanic. For education, this could be everything- a new beginning.

VR in education has taken its best foot forward in redefining education. It will take you through the human body in person not forcing you to learn from illustrations.

Recently, a start-up is developing an advanced learning platform that allows you to visualize human body holographic & 3D format.

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It’s a new way where students can apprehend concepts as characters, tests and exercises can be embedded as part of the story as hurdle and students will set free to explore and immerse themselves in the topics that are learning.This is where VR and artificial intelligence in the education industry is getting prominance with each passing day.

Hence, we can achieve our core education goals, immersive learning platforms allow you to learn socially & visually that is emotionally engaging and interactive that remains in your brain as long-lasting memory.

Learning analytics in education: blend BI with sentiments!

Today, headsets have become one of the primary tools to learn in an immersive environment and the good news is that headsets can be tracked. It helps you to understand what a learner is viewing at, for how long, what are they choosing to view and even ignore.

Image source; InstaVR

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Analytics platform displaying which areas users look at the most throughout a VR experience

Pupil tracking: the revolution in learning analytics!

You all might know that pupils expand on subconscious attraction but for a fact, it’s much more to that. The pupil expansion is also sensitive to emotional engagement and mental stress.

As per a survey, it was found that pupils expand proportionately with the difficulty ascending in a task. The variation in pupil can determine the level of difficulty in perception.

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Such a phenomenon can help education providers to gain a deep understanding of a learner’s psychology. It empowers them to create absolutely accurate student profiles to develop the right course that accurately resonates to a learner’s challenge.

It helps you to understand the relationship of a student with a respective course up to subconscious degree. Moreover, it can render exams and modules that best-fit to the ability of perception of a student.

Pupil analytics can be a revolution in digital learning platform that truly understands you as a student. It’s an immersive technology that blends with AI in education to automate mastery and individualized learning.

So how far, AI can take education? Will AI be your future teacher?

AI teachers: your future educator!

Let’s take our imagination further and see how the education world will look like with convergence with other advanced technologies.

With the smartphones being ubiquitous in the market, tools such as Amazon Echo, Google Siri, Assistant have become an integral part in daily lives. These tools help humans to have found intuitive ways to get things done. Here’s where we see voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies gaining ground with each passing day.

AI in education coincides with these immersive technologies will give physical appearance to AI assistants, chatbots etc. The technology will give these virtual assistants a body and an expressive face.

Image source: https://medium.com/futurepi/

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The day is not far when AI assistants will understand us deeply more then we understand ourselves. Going back, to our previous discussion about analytics, and capacity grasp student’s intellectual and emotions with the conjunction with AI, it’s apparent that AI teachers are the next potential recruits in the education industry.

You can spend hours with your AI teacher to gain mastery & experimental learning by great building projects together.

The burning news of Humanoid Robot Sophia gaining Saudi Arabia citizenship substantiates to the fact we are on the verge of a new world of education, where the concept of AI teacher will be no more a myth but a living fact. It’s quite apparent that role of artificial intelligence in education will take leaps and bounds and will create new wave of learning via AI in education industry.

UN deputy secretary general Amina having a dialogue with Sophia asking about her experience in gaining Saudi Arabia citizenship

Readers, the above innovations are just the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to the convergence of contemporary immersive technologies and AI in education space, possibilities are simply limitless.

Education is an endless ocean, and as an education provider or a learner, it depends on how you want to explore it to get the most out of your learning and development investment.

If you are a learner, then simply pull your socks up, as the next generation education platforms will have everything that will redefine your learning experience. Thus, it’s time to only learn what you want that too at its best.

However, with such advancements, Edtech will get numerous opportunities to educate learners in more interactive and productive ways. The future education market is going to be big and competitive.

Hence, if you are an Edtech and yet to make your roadmap to converge with the upcoming technology, it’s never too late, get started now before your competitor does it.

If the article resonates with your findings and learning roadmap and you are an educator, publisher, technologist or corporate interested to explore these challenges and resolutions, please contact Tarams, let’s do it together.

At Tarams, we help you design state-of-the-art digital learning platforms that accurately measure and collaborate learning programs giving you an extraordinary, intuitive and immersive experience.

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How Learning Analytics & xAPI integration can Help You Amplify Your L&D ROI

Video as a form of content has always displayed great caliber to scale and support education programmes. Conventional video technology caters to a wide array of learning needs but limited to point solutions only. It gives us the ability to record, edit, manage and share videos that too comes at a hefty cost.

However, with the inception of BI, it became smooth sailing to derive learning analytics and track performance of a video content utilized for the purpose of training and education. Benefits of learning analytics cater to education industry in creating customized videos and recording KPIs such as Subscribe, Like, Views, Share, etc. and enables to view the content using an integrated suite of tools.

Video optimization and inbuilt learning analytics have been helping several enterprises to plan strong foray for video-based learning and to get the most out of their existing videos.

Let us have a quick sneak peek at top trends & capabilities you would like to have on your video platform to amplify your L&D ROI.

Finding relevant content segment with in your video

Low-Code vs. No-Code: The Tech Behind It

A Low-Code platform is a boon for developers seeking efficiency in the app development lifecycle. With its visual interface and automated processes, it minimizes the grunt work of manual coding, letting developers focus on the higher-level aspects.

On the flip side, a No-Code platform is a game-changer for those without coding skills. Its drag-and-drop simplicity and ready-made templates empower users to craft their apps without wrestling with code complexities.

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That means the video platform must allow indexing the words spoken in the video or displaying on-screen on the video along with the traditional Meta description.

Hence, the capacity to index and optimize tags with every minute segment of the video timeline will be the game changer. That means, when a learner wants to view a specific topic or portion in a specific lesson under a large video module, the system will be capable to make the user to land on to that desired segment.

Viewing Analytics: Learning Analytics to track video performance at granular level

Now that the learning videos are segmented, ingested with relevant Meta data and optimized for specific search results, it’s time for the viewing analytics to run the show.

Viewing analytics gathers and analyses viewing patterns from each indexed and optimized segment of a video and converts them into actionable insights that help the L&D organizations to forecast future learning needs and optimize current content.

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The success of any training video can be recorded by monitoring when, how and how viewers interact with your video content. A video platform with advance viewing analytics helps the administrators to track the granular level performance of video in real-time and help them to create videos that actually resonates to goals and challenges of their learners.

When a user logs in to view a video, the viewing analytics gives you insights into what video they watched, what were the most viewed video segments, and how many have completely watched your video. It helps you to decrease churn and abandon rates and revise training content to ensure on-going success.

Integration of Experience API with viewing Analytics

The blend of Experience API (xAPI in education) and analytics prove to be the actual crux of success for any L&D organization. xAPI lms in education industry has been developed to capture and transmit metadata about events related to the segments. Companies are now using xAPI data to get information about any type of user interaction like time spent on the content, the time taken to complete the course, what content the learner started but did not complete, what piece of content they interacted the most. Such data integrate with viewing analytics to give you easy to read reports that give you a clear picture of the performance of the learning solution and its impact on the learner.

The xAPI model in education industry will empower the administrator or the trainer to drill down to identify successful learning behaviours of high performing learners and group similar patterns. These set of patterns may include multiple behaviours and activities that are more likely to result in overall learning success when practiced in a specific sequence and combination. And the same can be replicated and prescribed to underperforming learners and can be used to develop personalized learning models as well.

Thus, you see how learning analytics has evolved to reshape your L&D roadmaps. It has opened a new world of insights and data-driven decision-making capabilities. And the possibilities what you can track, optimize and measure is actually limitless.

At Tarams, we develop powerful learning analytic solutions that capture granular viewing stats and data to understand learning patterns and behaviour that cater to personalized learning models and convert into easy to read reports and dashboards. If you want to know how our analytics solution has helped fortune 500 clients, mid-sized firms & start-ups from L&D space then please connect with our digital learning solution specialist.

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