Implementation Alternativesfor

Web-based Learning Architecture

by

Diptendu DuttaAnwesa

(www.aunwesha.com)

Presented at

IWDC 2001Kolkata

28th December, 2001

Outline

• About eLearning • A Generalised Web-based Learning Architecture• Delivery Module Implementation Options• Learning Resource (Content) Options• Application Logic Implementation Options• The influence of standardisation

What is eLearning?

eLearning is the creation, enabling, delivery and/or facilitation of learning by leveraging various

Internet, Intranet and Web technologies.

“The next big killer application for the internet is going to be education. Education over the internet is going to be so big it is going to make e-mail look

like a rounding error.” John Chambers, CEO, CISCO Systems

"Triggered by the Internet, continuing adult education may well become our greatest growth industry."

Peter Drucker (Forbes 5/15/2000)

What Drives eLearning?What Drives eLearning?

e-Learninge-Learning

Demand

Rapid obsolescence of knowledgeand training

Need for just-in-time training delivery

Search for cost-effective ways to meet learning needs of

globally distributed workforce

Skills gap and demographicchanges drive need for new

learning models

Demand for flexible access to lifelong learning

Supply

Internet access becoming standardat work and home

Advances in digital technologies enable creation of interactive,

media rich content

Increasing bandwidth and betterdelivery platforms make e-learning

more attractive

Growing selection of high-qualitye-Learning products and services

Emerging technology standardsfacilitating compatibility and

Usability of e-learning products

A generalised architecture

Application Architecture of an LMS: The LTSA

Delivery Module Implementation Options

• Type of Client– Proprietary Client (implemented as a special plug-in)– Standardised Client

• Java Applets• HTML with JavaScript

• Dynamic UI Generation– Servlets– JSP– XML/XSL– Publishing frameworks (Cocoon/XSP)

Learning Resource (Content) options

• Homogeneous vs. Heterogenous content formats – Plug-in technology now supports a wide variety of

content formats

• Content storage options– Heterogenous

– Homogenous (XML)

• Content management options– Home grown

– Full-fledged CMS (Content Management System)

• Content storage options– FileSystem – RDBMS – Native XML database

Application Logic Implementation Options

• Server-side options– CGI

– Servlets

– Java Beans

– CORBA Objects

• Middleware options– Home grown (using open APIs)

– Application Servers

The Influence of Standards on Architectural Options

• SCORM - Sharable Content Object Reference Model– Built upon the work of IMS, AICC, IEEE to create one

unified content model

– 3 main components• A course structure format with XML binding

• A meta-data format for courses and content with XML binding

• An API for the run-time environment

• LOM - Learning Object Metadata– Built upon the work of IMS, IEEE

– 9 categories (lifecycle, technical, educational, etc.)

– XML/RDF binding

Thank You