Casel, N., El Alami, M., Garot, D., Zampunieris, D. (2007). A new software architecture for learning managements systems with SCORM support, IADIS - International Conference on e-Learning, Lisbon, Portugal.
Some of the Department of Defense (DOD) services have had negative experiences when attempting to share SCORM content packages between their various LMS implementations primarily due to differences with both user interfaces and the Application Programming Interface (API) Implementation. The vision of plug-n-play interoperability of learning content is usually achieved only after several additional hours of modifying the content to work in a particular LMS implementation. In order to achieve adoption on a global scale, SCORM 2.0 must have a strategy to improve interoperability by standardizing the user interface controls in further support of flexibility, usability, accessibility, and durability. This paper provides a background and summary of the Navy's successes with extending the SCORM to support standardized user interface options, and further proposes creating or incorporating a new user interface interoperability specification and a recommendation for supplying a standardized API Implementation as part of the Core SCORM.
SCORM: A Quick Guide. What is SCORM? An introduction to Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM); the standards and specifications for web-based e-learning.
(At least) 27 Questions to Ask About SCORM in Your RFPRustici Software
Critical questions to ask your LMS vendor about SCORM before buying their learning management system. These questions are designed to help you get a SCORM implementation that works for you.
Some of the Department of Defense (DOD) services have had negative experiences when attempting to share SCORM content packages between their various LMS implementations primarily due to differences with both user interfaces and the Application Programming Interface (API) Implementation. The vision of plug-n-play interoperability of learning content is usually achieved only after several additional hours of modifying the content to work in a particular LMS implementation. In order to achieve adoption on a global scale, SCORM 2.0 must have a strategy to improve interoperability by standardizing the user interface controls in further support of flexibility, usability, accessibility, and durability. This paper provides a background and summary of the Navy's successes with extending the SCORM to support standardized user interface options, and further proposes creating or incorporating a new user interface interoperability specification and a recommendation for supplying a standardized API Implementation as part of the Core SCORM.
SCORM: A Quick Guide. What is SCORM? An introduction to Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM); the standards and specifications for web-based e-learning.
(At least) 27 Questions to Ask About SCORM in Your RFPRustici Software
Critical questions to ask your LMS vendor about SCORM before buying their learning management system. These questions are designed to help you get a SCORM implementation that works for you.
This course is intended for experienced programmers who are evaluating Microsoft .NET tools and technologies, such as Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 and the .NET Framework 1.1.
After completing this course, students will have a fundamental understanding of how to: Create a simple .NET solution by using Microsoft Visual J#® .NET, Microsoft Visual C++® .NET, and Microsoft Visual Basic® .NET, use Microsoft Visual Studio .NET.
Intelligent learning management system startersIJERD Editor
learning management system (lms) is increasingly gaining popularity in the academic community as
a means of delivering e-learning contents. Simply placing lecture notes and videos among other contents on
lmss do not particularly train the best. This situation could be improved with intelligent tutoring systems (itss)
integration into preferred lms to make it more adaptive and effective, through enhanced student participation
and learning. This work aims, therefore, to create a starter model and a model java its integrated preferred lms.
The its integrated lms starter model was proposed through augmentation and a fluid iterative cycle of
awareness, suggestion, development, evaluation and conclusion. Known open/inexpensive, tried and tested
popular lmss were evaluated at cms matrix site, and complemented. Java its integrated moodle (preferred),
employing certain architectural framework of its integrated lms, was created following the spiral model of
software development
AN INTERACTIVE ONLINE TRAINING COURSE FOR SQL BEGINNERSIJITE
Information and Communication Technologies have been used to support education in several levels, due
to the need of new ways to access learning resources. Some representative examples of these new learning
resources are online training courses, which guide the learning process of students through a series of
activities to be carried out by themselves. This paper presents an interactive online training course for
learning SQL, which is a widely used language for relational database management. The online course
allows students to learn SQL through explanations and interactive examples, which are executed by an
interpreter, and the results of the executions are visualized directly on the same online course. All
registered students have their own database created dynamically, which gives them freedom of modifying
the examples of the training course to experiment with different SQL sentences, without affecting other
students.
Do you still think Moodle is boring?
Do you run out of ideas of how to use Moodle with your learners?
Do you want to improve retention and achievement?
This slideshow will give you fresh and new ideas to boost up your Moodle course.
Find out why you should use Moodle to promote learning, collaboration and communication, discover how to support and engage your learners and how to offer an interactive and rich learning experience.
After watching the slideshow, you will have an idea of what Moodle is capable of. Your next step is to learn how to create the activities suggested, such as Forums, Chats, Quizzes, internet embedded content, etc…
In the videos’ section you can find already a podcast that shows you the potential of a forum, how to use it with your learners and how to create it on Moodle.
There are more podcasts being created that will cover other activities.
Moodle is here because it saves us time and makes things much better for your learners.
Now… click and enjoy the show!
This course is intended for experienced programmers who are evaluating Microsoft .NET tools and technologies, such as Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 and the .NET Framework 1.1.
After completing this course, students will have a fundamental understanding of how to: Create a simple .NET solution by using Microsoft Visual J#® .NET, Microsoft Visual C++® .NET, and Microsoft Visual Basic® .NET, use Microsoft Visual Studio .NET.
Intelligent learning management system startersIJERD Editor
learning management system (lms) is increasingly gaining popularity in the academic community as
a means of delivering e-learning contents. Simply placing lecture notes and videos among other contents on
lmss do not particularly train the best. This situation could be improved with intelligent tutoring systems (itss)
integration into preferred lms to make it more adaptive and effective, through enhanced student participation
and learning. This work aims, therefore, to create a starter model and a model java its integrated preferred lms.
The its integrated lms starter model was proposed through augmentation and a fluid iterative cycle of
awareness, suggestion, development, evaluation and conclusion. Known open/inexpensive, tried and tested
popular lmss were evaluated at cms matrix site, and complemented. Java its integrated moodle (preferred),
employing certain architectural framework of its integrated lms, was created following the spiral model of
software development
AN INTERACTIVE ONLINE TRAINING COURSE FOR SQL BEGINNERSIJITE
Information and Communication Technologies have been used to support education in several levels, due
to the need of new ways to access learning resources. Some representative examples of these new learning
resources are online training courses, which guide the learning process of students through a series of
activities to be carried out by themselves. This paper presents an interactive online training course for
learning SQL, which is a widely used language for relational database management. The online course
allows students to learn SQL through explanations and interactive examples, which are executed by an
interpreter, and the results of the executions are visualized directly on the same online course. All
registered students have their own database created dynamically, which gives them freedom of modifying
the examples of the training course to experiment with different SQL sentences, without affecting other
students.
Do you still think Moodle is boring?
Do you run out of ideas of how to use Moodle with your learners?
Do you want to improve retention and achievement?
This slideshow will give you fresh and new ideas to boost up your Moodle course.
Find out why you should use Moodle to promote learning, collaboration and communication, discover how to support and engage your learners and how to offer an interactive and rich learning experience.
After watching the slideshow, you will have an idea of what Moodle is capable of. Your next step is to learn how to create the activities suggested, such as Forums, Chats, Quizzes, internet embedded content, etc…
In the videos’ section you can find already a podcast that shows you the potential of a forum, how to use it with your learners and how to create it on Moodle.
There are more podcasts being created that will cover other activities.
Moodle is here because it saves us time and makes things much better for your learners.
Now… click and enjoy the show!
A basic outline of what SCORM does and how the idea for SCORM came about. For an in-depth look at SCORM in a language you can understand visit www.thinkingcap.com/SCORM
Ontology-Oriented Inference-Based Learning Content Management System dannyijwest
The world is witnessing the electronic revolution in many fields of life such as health, education,
government and commerce. E-learning is considered one of the hot topics in the e-revolution as it brings
with it rapid change and greater opportunities to increase learning ability in colleges and schools. The
fields of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) are
full of open source and commercial products, however LCMS systems in general inherit the drawbacks of
information system such as weakness in user expected information retrieval and semantic modelling and
searching of contents & courses. In this paper, we propose a new prototype of LCMS that uses the
Semantic Web technologies and Ontology Reasoner with logical rules, as an inference engine to satisfy the
constraints and criteria specified by a user, and retrieves relevant content from the domain ontology in an
organized fashion. This enables construction of a user-specific course, by semantic querying for topics of
interest. We present the development of an Ontology-oriented Inference-based Learning Content
Management System OILCMS, its architecture, conception and strengths.
Ontology-Oriented Inference-Based Learning Content Management System dannyijwest
The world is witnessing the electronic revolution in many fields of life such as health, education,
government and commerce. E-learning is considered one of the hot topics in the e-revolution as it brings
with it rapid change and greater opportunities to increase learning ability in colleges and schools. The
fields of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) are
full of open source and commercial products, however LCMS systems in general inherit the drawbacks of
information system such as weakness in user expected information retrieval and semantic modelling and
searching of contents & courses. In this paper, we propose a new prototype of LCMS that uses the
Semantic Web technologies and Ontology Reasoner with logical rules, as an inference engine to satisfy the
constraints and criteria specified by a user, and retrieves relevant content from the domain ontology in an
organized fashion. This enables construction of a user-specific course, by semantic querying for topics of
interest. We present the development of an Ontology-oriented Inference-based Learning Content
Management System OILCMS, its architecture, conception and strengths.
The world is witnessing the electronic revolution in many fields of life such as health, education, government and commerce. E-learning is considered one of the hot topics in the e-revolution as it brings with it rapid change and greater opportunities to increase learning ability in colleges and schools. The fields of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) are full of open source and commercial products, however LCMS systems in general inherit the drawbacks of information system such as weakness in user expected information retrieval and semantic modelling and searching of contents & courses. In this paper, we propose a new prototype of LCMS that uses the Semantic Web technologies and Ontology Reasoner with logical rules, as an inference engine to satisfy the constraints and criteria specified by a user, and retrieves relevant content from the domain ontology in an organized fashion. This enables construction of a user-specific course, by semantic querying for topics of interest. We present the development of an Ontology-oriented Inference-based Learning Content Management System OILCMS, its architecture, conception and strengths.
SCORM - Content Aggregation Model: The Breakdown pt.1Thinking Cap
In our previous presentation, SCORM, a Beginners Guide we outlined the basics of SCORM in simple terms.
This presentation is part 1 of 3 and we will walk you through the basics of the first specification book, known as CAM or Content Aggregation Model.
Similar to A New Software Architecture for LMS with SCORM Support (20)
Why Agile?
What is Agile?
Agile is a mindset
5 key characteristics
Agility can not be planned
Modern Agile
Agile with Scrum
Incremental development
Convincing Senior Executives
Final word
Animal neurophysiology virtual lab: Pedagogical requirements and technologica...Nicolas Casel
Kachafoutdinova, E., Casel, N., Pecoraro, G., Zampunieris, D. (2008). Animal neurophysiology virtual lab: Pedagogical requirements and technological issues. 75-79, in : Eleonore ten Thij (Ed.), IADIS- International Conference on e-Learning, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Students: How to survive in a digital world - Part 2Nicolas Casel
Useful resources
1) Great websites to get useful and concrete skills
2) Create polls, surveys, forms
3) Create your personal webpage (without HTML code)
4) Be faster with Word thanks to these 10 tips
5) Do screen capture
6) Convert a webpage into a PDF file
Launch Your Streaming Platforms in MinutesRoshan Dwivedi
The claim of launching a streaming platform in minutes might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are services that can significantly streamline the process. Here's a breakdown:
Pros of Speedy Streaming Platform Launch Services:
No coding required: These services often use drag-and-drop interfaces or pre-built templates, eliminating the need for programming knowledge.
Faster setup: Compared to building from scratch, these platforms can get you up and running much quicker.
All-in-one solutions: Many services offer features like content management systems (CMS), video players, and monetization tools, reducing the need for multiple integrations.
Things to Consider:
Limited customization: These platforms may offer less flexibility in design and functionality compared to custom-built solutions.
Scalability: As your audience grows, you might need to upgrade to a more robust platform or encounter limitations with the "quick launch" option.
Features: Carefully evaluate which features are included and if they meet your specific needs (e.g., live streaming, subscription options).
Examples of Services for Launching Streaming Platforms:
Muvi [muvi com]
Uscreen [usencreen tv]
Alternatives to Consider:
Existing Streaming platforms: Platforms like YouTube or Twitch might be suitable for basic streaming needs, though monetization options might be limited.
Custom Development: While more time-consuming, custom development offers the most control and flexibility for your platform.
Overall, launching a streaming platform in minutes might not be entirely realistic, but these services can significantly speed up the process compared to building from scratch. Carefully consider your needs and budget when choosing the best option for you.
Artificia Intellicence and XPath Extension FunctionsOctavian Nadolu
The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of how you can use AI from XSLT, XQuery, Schematron, or XML Refactoring operations, the potential benefits of using AI, and some of the challenges we face.
Introducing Crescat - Event Management Software for Venues, Festivals and Eve...Crescat
Crescat is industry-trusted event management software, built by event professionals for event professionals. Founded in 2017, we have three key products tailored for the live event industry.
Crescat Event for concert promoters and event agencies. Crescat Venue for music venues, conference centers, wedding venues, concert halls and more. And Crescat Festival for festivals, conferences and complex events.
With a wide range of popular features such as event scheduling, shift management, volunteer and crew coordination, artist booking and much more, Crescat is designed for customisation and ease-of-use.
Over 125,000 events have been planned in Crescat and with hundreds of customers of all shapes and sizes, from boutique event agencies through to international concert promoters, Crescat is rigged for success. What's more, we highly value feedback from our users and we are constantly improving our software with updates, new features and improvements.
If you plan events, run a venue or produce festivals and you're looking for ways to make your life easier, then we have a solution for you. Try our software for free or schedule a no-obligation demo with one of our product specialists today at crescat.io
Code reviews are vital for ensuring good code quality. They serve as one of our last lines of defense against bugs and subpar code reaching production.
Yet, they often turn into annoying tasks riddled with frustration, hostility, unclear feedback and lack of standards. How can we improve this crucial process?
In this session we will cover:
- The Art of Effective Code Reviews
- Streamlining the Review Process
- Elevating Reviews with Automated Tools
By the end of this presentation, you'll have the knowledge on how to organize and improve your code review proces
Do you want Software for your Business? Visit Deuglo
Deuglo has top Software Developers in India. They are experts in software development and help design and create custom Software solutions.
Deuglo follows seven steps methods for delivering their services to their customers. They called it the Software development life cycle process (SDLC).
Requirement — Collecting the Requirements is the first Phase in the SSLC process.
Feasibility Study — after completing the requirement process they move to the design phase.
Design — in this phase, they start designing the software.
Coding — when designing is completed, the developers start coding for the software.
Testing — in this phase when the coding of the software is done the testing team will start testing.
Installation — after completion of testing, the application opens to the live server and launches!
Maintenance — after completing the software development, customers start using the software.
Custom Healthcare Software for Managing Chronic Conditions and Remote Patient...Mind IT Systems
Healthcare providers often struggle with the complexities of chronic conditions and remote patient monitoring, as each patient requires personalized care and ongoing monitoring. Off-the-shelf solutions may not meet these diverse needs, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in care. It’s here, custom healthcare software offers a tailored solution, ensuring improved care and effectiveness.
A Study of Variable-Role-based Feature Enrichment in Neural Models of CodeAftab Hussain
Understanding variable roles in code has been found to be helpful by students
in learning programming -- could variable roles help deep neural models in
performing coding tasks? We do an exploratory study.
- These are slides of the talk given at InteNSE'23: The 1st International Workshop on Interpretability and Robustness in Neural Software Engineering, co-located with the 45th International Conference on Software Engineering, ICSE 2023, Melbourne Australia
AI Genie Review: World’s First Open AI WordPress Website CreatorGoogle
AI Genie Review: World’s First Open AI WordPress Website Creator
👉👉 Click Here To Get More Info 👇👇
https://sumonreview.com/ai-genie-review
AI Genie Review: Key Features
✅Creates Limitless Real-Time Unique Content, auto-publishing Posts, Pages & Images directly from Chat GPT & Open AI on WordPress in any Niche
✅First & Only Google Bard Approved Software That Publishes 100% Original, SEO Friendly Content using Open AI
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✅Just Enter the title, and your Content for Pages and Posts will be ready on your website
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✅Choose the temperature of the content and control its randomness.
✅Control the length of the content to be generated.
✅Never Worry About Paying Huge Money Monthly To Top Content Creation Platforms
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See My Other Reviews Article:
(1) TubeTrivia AI Review: https://sumonreview.com/tubetrivia-ai-review
(2) SocioWave Review: https://sumonreview.com/sociowave-review
(3) AI Partner & Profit Review: https://sumonreview.com/ai-partner-profit-review
(4) AI Ebook Suite Review: https://sumonreview.com/ai-ebook-suite-review
#AIGenieApp #AIGenieBonus #AIGenieBonuses #AIGenieDemo #AIGenieDownload #AIGenieLegit #AIGenieLiveDemo #AIGenieOTO #AIGeniePreview #AIGenieReview #AIGenieReviewandBonus #AIGenieScamorLegit #AIGenieSoftware #AIGenieUpgrades #AIGenieUpsells #HowDoesAlGenie #HowtoBuyAIGenie #HowtoMakeMoneywithAIGenie #MakeMoneyOnline #MakeMoneywithAIGenie
Essentials of Automations: The Art of Triggers and Actions in FMESafe Software
In this second installment of our Essentials of Automations webinar series, we’ll explore the landscape of triggers and actions, guiding you through the nuances of authoring and adapting workspaces for seamless automations. Gain an understanding of the full spectrum of triggers and actions available in FME, empowering you to enhance your workspaces for efficient automation.
We’ll kick things off by showcasing the most commonly used event-based triggers, introducing you to various automation workflows like manual triggers, schedules, directory watchers, and more. Plus, see how these elements play out in real scenarios.
Whether you’re tweaking your current setup or building from the ground up, this session will arm you with the tools and insights needed to transform your FME usage into a powerhouse of productivity. Join us to discover effective strategies that simplify complex processes, enhancing your productivity and transforming your data management practices with FME. Let’s turn complexity into clarity and make your workspaces work wonders!
Quarkus Hidden and Forbidden ExtensionsMax Andersen
Quarkus has a vast extension ecosystem and is known for its subsonic and subatomic feature set. Some of these features are not as well known, and some extensions are less talked about, but that does not make them less interesting - quite the opposite.
Come join this talk to see some tips and tricks for using Quarkus and some of the lesser known features, extensions and development techniques.
GraphSummit Paris - The art of the possible with Graph TechnologyNeo4j
Sudhir Hasbe, Chief Product Officer, Neo4j
Join us as we explore breakthrough innovations enabled by interconnected data and AI. Discover firsthand how organizations use relationships in data to uncover contextual insights and solve our most pressing challenges – from optimizing supply chains, detecting fraud, and improving customer experiences to accelerating drug discoveries.
Utilocate offers a comprehensive solution for locate ticket management by automating and streamlining the entire process. By integrating with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), it provides accurate mapping and visualization of utility locations, enhancing decision-making and reducing the risk of errors. The system's advanced data analytics tools help identify trends, predict potential issues, and optimize resource allocation, making the locate ticket management process smarter and more efficient. Additionally, automated ticket management ensures consistency and reduces human error, while real-time notifications keep all relevant personnel informed and ready to respond promptly.
The system's ability to streamline workflows and automate ticket routing significantly reduces the time taken to process each ticket, making the process faster and more efficient. Mobile access allows field technicians to update ticket information on the go, ensuring that the latest information is always available and accelerating the locate process. Overall, Utilocate not only enhances the efficiency and accuracy of locate ticket management but also improves safety by minimizing the risk of utility damage through precise and timely locates.
Software Engineering, Software Consulting, Tech Lead, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, Spring Core, Spring JDBC, Spring Transaction, Spring MVC, OpenShift Cloud Platform, Kafka, REST, SOAP, LLD & HLD.
AI Fusion Buddy Review: Brand New, Groundbreaking Gemini-Powered AI AppGoogle
AI Fusion Buddy Review: Brand New, Groundbreaking Gemini-Powered AI App
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https://sumonreview.com/ai-fusion-buddy-review
AI Fusion Buddy Review: Key Features
✅Create Stunning AI App Suite Fully Powered By Google's Latest AI technology, Gemini
✅Use Gemini to Build high-converting Converting Sales Video Scripts, ad copies, Trending Articles, blogs, etc.100% unique!
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✅Auto-post or schedule stunning AI content across all your accounts at once—WordPress, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogger, and more.
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✅Pre-built High-Converting 100+ website Templates and 2000+ graphic templates logos, banners, and thumbnail images in Trending Niches.
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See My Other Reviews Article:
(1) AI Genie Review: https://sumonreview.com/ai-genie-review
(2) SocioWave Review: https://sumonreview.com/sociowave-review
(3) AI Partner & Profit Review: https://sumonreview.com/ai-partner-profit-review
(4) AI Ebook Suite Review: https://sumonreview.com/ai-ebook-suite-review
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#WhatIsAIFusionBuddy?,
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OpenMetadata Community Meeting - 5th June 2024OpenMetadata
The OpenMetadata Community Meeting was held on June 5th, 2024. In this meeting, we discussed about the data quality capabilities that are integrated with the Incident Manager, providing a complete solution to handle your data observability needs. Watch the end-to-end demo of the data quality features.
* How to run your own data quality framework
* What is the performance impact of running data quality frameworks
* How to run the test cases in your own ETL pipelines
* How the Incident Manager is integrated
* Get notified with alerts when test cases fail
Watch the meeting recording here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbNOje0kf6E
A New Software Architecture for LMS with SCORM Support
1. A NEW SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE FOR LEARNING
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WITH SCORM SUPPORT
Nicolas Casel
nicolas.casel@uni.lu
Marc El Alami
marc.elalami@uni.lu
Damien Garot
damien.garot@uni.lu
Denis Zampunieris
denis.zampunieris@uni.lu
University of Luxembourg
Faculté des Sciences, de la Technologie et de la Communication
Campus Kirchberg
6 rue Coudenhove-Kalergi, L-1359 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
ABSTRACT
Multimodality and standardization are the main requirements to achieve in order to deliver powerful and successful
Learning Management Systems (LMS). This paper shows how we designed such a LMS in the context of the “e-FSTC”
project, which insures reusability and portability of its features and of learning contents. We sum up current trends in the
e-learning domain, and we explain to what extent our LMS matches with them, as well as how it implements a flexible
architecture, and how it adopts the SCORM Run-Time Environment for interoperability issues.
KEYWORDS
Learning management systems, Web-based course delivery systems, design issues, SCORM, SCORM run-time
environment, standardization
1. INTRODUCTION
As the main purpose of Learning Management Systems (LMS) is to supply a virtual training environment
online, the issues of content reusability and portability are currently maturing. Along the same line, as the
widely used LMS shows, feature modularity is also a very relevant concept to take into account: the long-
term use of the platform depends on it.
But even if functionalities or services provided by LMS can be easily managed by software developers, the
design of an easily maintainable and upgradeable architecture is not so obvious.
Moreover, some LMS can only provide training contents specifically designed for them. Indeed, despite
various attempts to standardize learning content formats, e-learning platforms usually work with proprietary
and closed content. Hence, this content cannot be supported by other LMS, and content imported from
outside cannot be played.
In this paper, we introduce a new LMS, free and open-source, designed to be evolutionary both for its
innovative software architecture and for its interoperable learning content.
The following text is made of three consecutive parts. First, we sum up the current trends in the e-learning
domain. Then we describe the complete software architecture as well as the technologies we used to produce
2. our LMS in the context of the “e-FSTC” 1
project. Finally, we explain what the SCORM [1] standard is and
how our e-learning platform implements it in order to support external learning contents without having to
modify them.
2. OVERVIEW
As any university, company, or other organization is able to produce its own learning content, the next step is
to share and diffuse it as widely as possible. Consequently, learning content, or more generally every
Learning Object, must be flexible and adaptable, so that people can access to it independent of the LMS they
are using. In the same way, the SLOOP project [2] promotes the sharing of free and open learning objects.
Currently, in web-based learning the main reference is SCORM, a collection of standards and specifications
which defines communications between LMS and client side content (Shareable Content Object: SCO).
Moreover, semantic web, with OWL [3] and RDF [4], tends to create a universal medium for information
exchange.
Among different e-learning systems families, our system belongs to LCMS because it proposes web-based
management of learning content. Moreover, it offers tutoring functionalities and a proactive system [5], so
that it makes interactivity stronger and generates added-value. Obviously, application domain definition
requires us to restrict ourselves to a set of services.
Two main issues guided our architecture design. First, object-oriented programming imposes itself by
definition: we want to take advantage of encapsulation, inheritance, modularity, and polymorphism for more
secure and flexible code. Then, MVC design differentiates data model, user interface and control
implementation. By making atomic algorithmic and just-in-time execution, i.e. no need to wait for a result to
continue processing, it gives more flexibility with easily maintained code.
Open-source, free, and large support community determined, as much as practical, the technical
specifications. The LMS runs on Linux Ubuntu with classical technologies to be cross-platform. The server is
Apache 2.0, with no need for Tomcat because there is no client-server java code. The main language
programming is PHP 5.1.1 for its support of object-oriented programming and its usual association with
MySql, used here in version 5.0. Ajax, JavaScript, DOMXML methods, XHTML, and CSS implement the
controllers and graphic user interface, which can be displayed in Firefox 2 and Internet Explorer 6 browsers.
In order to implement proactive functionalities, we keep constant contact with clients, by using C sockets
between the server on one side and the Flash interface on the other (client) side.
3. LMS ARCHITECTURE
After defining customer requirements chart, we opt for a "tutored" and proactive LMS. The most relevant
advantage of LMS are flexible architecture and the provided packages modularity. Meeting these two
requirements calls for division into two different types of layers: horizontal layers for packages, and vertical
layers like Java n-tier architecture.
First, our LMS groups delivered set of functionalities, which can be divided in several horizontal layers. This
division is implementing the same logic as Java packages, which enables adding, updating and removing any
functionality from a given set, without having to modify basic system structure. For instance, different
packages are user management, content management with content creation by authors, content delivering,
tracking/tracing, monitoring management, tutoring, and sequencing. In comparison with other LCMS like
ATutor [6], Claroline [7] or Moodle [8], the e-fstc platform works with total packages modularity as well.
Moreover, another division, with vertical layers, is needed to meet three requirements. Upgradeability gives
the LMS the capacity to be maintained independently from the technology changes. For instance, if we
change our database management system, only a few coding modifications are required. Interoperability
enables adding easily any external module to our LMS, as well exporting our own module to use it with an
external system. Platform complexity is widespread for a stronger coherence, and it enables parallel coding
development. Indeed, database queries, algorithms and styling are written in different dedicated files. We try
1
This project is supported by the University of Luxembourg under the grant nr. R1F105K21.
3. to avoid heavy maintenance like in others LMS, where queries, PHP, HTML, and sometimes CSS pieces of
code are grouped in the same file.
To this aim, we project J2EE logic to the PHP architecture: our LMS keeps database and front-end layer
abstraction. For the middleware layer, we innovate with four abstract layers, as it is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The e-FSTC platform architecture with four vertical layers.
Layer 1 gives access to database via a specific API: it is the Business Object Database.
Layer 2 guarantees access to the data model stored in the database. It works with a set of instructions to
create, modify, delete and list objects classes available in the data model. They are the Business Objects
Managers and mainly implement models in the MVC design pattern.
Layer 3 is the "facade" layer with system algorithm and intelligence. These objects group potential use cases
and conditional connections, and implement listener controls in the MVC design pattern.
Layer 4 displays the graphic user interface. It implements views and works with instantiations of listenable
controls. For instance, JavaScript events are calling controllers-facade methods.
4. SCORM IMPLEMENTATION
ADL – Advanced Distributed Learning (http://www.adl.net) defines SCORM specification which enables
distributed learning accessible through a web browser. Dominating the market, it is being adopted all over the
world to use portable learning content [6, 7]. Communication between client side and server side is managed
thanks to the run-time environment implemented by the LMS. However, SCORM RTE is still difficult to
understand and to implement properly [8].
SCORM 1.2 was the first robust version. It brings metadata to describe learning content and enables
packaging to make it portable. However, there is no sequencing between content objects and no guided
learning. Indeed, adaptive learning strategies must be built inside the content objects.
The current version, SCORM 1.3 (3rd
edition, October 2006), can create sequencing rules based on success
and/or completion. Moreover, it supports tracking and assessment of competencies, so that adaptive learning
strategies can be defined for all levels of the activity tree. Due to this new complexity, high level design and
authoring tools that take advantage of SCORM 1.3 will take a while to appear.
Nevertheless, up-to-date LMS's support the SCORM standard. For instance, ATutor, Claroline and Moodle
enable the import of existing SCO packages into the platform, to be included into online courses. So, in order
to be SCORM compliant, the e-FSTC platform deals with interoperable learning objects (SCO). SCO works
with two kinds of metadata that are important not to confuse. LOM [9] is a data model that describes a
learning object to enables its reusability through different LMS. So a SCO can properly work without these
metadata. In addition, the SCORM Metadata Model defines a set of information about SCO tracking in
different LMS environments. Its specifications group information sets to be exchanged between SCOs and
LMS. Indeed, this data model has to be implemented by the LMS to benefit from interactivity. We choose to
support both, by stocking metadata in a database rather than by using XML files, thus we earn from slowness
4. due to text parsing. Regarding SCORM Metadata Model, our platform currently works with several data like
"cmi.core.score.raw" or "cmi.core.session_time", and other ones will be used to improve tracking. Besides,
owner metadata can be added in order to meet teacher or author requirements, they are differentiated from
SCORM ones thanks to a flag in the database.
SCORM run-time environment uses frames system in HTML code, although W3C – World Wide Web
Consortium (http://www.w3.org/) recommends not to use them, or at least to provide an alternate version for
browsers that do not support frames or are configured not to display them (see
http://www.w3.org/TR/html401/present/frames.html#h-16.4). Nevertheless, regular websites are more
concerned by frames drawbacks than LMS.
Another disadvantage seems to be the implementation of the run-time environment with JavaScript functions.
W3C advises supplying alternative content in case of technology unsupported or disabled by the browser (see
http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/wai-pageauth.html#tech-scripts). If JavaScript is not enabled, the LMS
cannot play a SCO.
5. CONCLUSION
Reusability, interoperability, flexibility, and sharing are keywords to take into account in order to design
learning objects and up-to-date LMS.
In this paper, we explained the design of an e-learning management system that meets these requirements. Its
software architecture enables easy-maintenance, provides modularity to manage additional features and
supports the SCORM standard. Its implementation is based on free and open-source technologies. This LMS
also includes innovative features, like proactive behaviors.
Future work includes the implementation of security and trust mechanisms into the platform. This concerns,
for instance, rights management in order to determine for a given user to which part of the platform s/he has
access. Another example is the management by the users of trust and of its delegation with respect to the
proactive behaviors run by the system.
REFERENCES
[1] SCORM – Sharable Content Object Reference Model, http://www.adlnet.org
[2] Shareable Learning Objects in an Open Perspective project, http://sloop.tes.mi.it/sloop/
[3] Web Ontology Language, http://www.w3.org/TR/owl-features/
[4] Resource Description Framework, http://www.w3.org/RDF/
[5] Zampunieris, D., 2006. Implementation of a Proactive Learning Management System. Proc. of the E-Learn 2006 –
11th World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, & Higher Education. Honolulu, USA,
pp. 3145-3151.
[6] ATutor, http://www.atutor.ca
[7] Claroline, http://www.claroline.net
[8] Moodle, http://moodle.org
[9] Henriques, N., Slavov, D., Mendes, A.J., 2004. LearningOnWeb – development of a SCORM compliant Learning
Management System. Proc. of CompSysTech'04 – 5th
int’l conference on Computer systems and technologies.
Rousse, Bulgaria.
[10] Bohl, O., Schellhase, J., Sengler, R., Winand, U., 2002. The Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)
— A Critical Review. Proc. of the Int’l Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE'02). p. 950.
[11] Nakabayashi, K., Kubota, Y., Yoshida, H., Shinohara, T., 2001. Design and Implementation of WBT System
Components and Test Tools for WBT content standards. Proc. of ICALT’01. Madison, USA, pp. 213-214.
[12] Learning Object Metadata, http://www.imsglobal.org/metadata/