UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Developing Sustainable E-Learning Frameworks to Support Teaching and
LearningLorna M. Campbell, CETIS
http://www.cetis.ac.uk/
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
The future….? E-learning frameworks and service oriented architectures
Why do we need technical e-learning frameworks?
What are the benefits of e-learning frameworks and service oriented architectures?
The JISC E-Learning Programme. An international ELF?
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
A few definitions
Framework A set of models, specifications and patterns that
provide a common basis for designing architectures.
Architecture The design of services and systems to support a
specific institution, organisation, or federation’s requirements.
May or may not be derived from a framework.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Why do we need technical e-learning frameworks?
Architecture of a typical managed learning environment today.
3 main systems occupying vertical space within institution.
Portal linking systems together at user level.
Some communication between systems.
VLELibrary mgt
systemSRS / MIS
Portal
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Architecture of a typical managed learning environment expanded to show the components they contain.
Overlap of functions and data within components means significant data replication required to keep components synchronised.
Virtually impossible to implement single sign on, for example, in this type of environment.
Authentication
Assessment
Packaging
Collaboration
Authorisation
Coursemanagement
Authentication
Packaging
Cataloguing
Authorisation
Coursemanagement
Authentication
Authorisation
Coursemanagement
VLE
Contentmanagement
Discover
Library mgtsystem
Contentmanagement
Discover
SRS / MIS
Grading
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Architecture of a typical managed learning with common services moved out of applications.
No need to replicate data – all applications using same common data sources.
Individual MLE components smaller so easier to create and maintain.
Shared services need well defined interfaces so all components can access them.
VLE
Collaboration
Assessment
Library mgtsystem
Cataloguing
SRS / MIS
Grading
Contentmanagement
Packaging AuthorisationCourse
management
Authentication Discover
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Service oriented architectures
Frameworks allow institutions to develop their own architectures, using a flexible service-oriented approach.
In service oriented architectures system application logic is exposed as services, which can then be used (consumed) by other applications.
Service oriented architectures build on the experience of using Web Services for integration.
Does not preclude using portals or data warehouses for systems integration.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
For example a student record system may expose services for working with enrolment and registration information, which can then be used by a number of systems.
Student portal
Library mgtsystem
Facultyteaching tool
SRS courseMgt GUI
Course mgtWeb Service
Student Record system
<<consumes>>
<<consumes>>
<<consumes>>
<<provides>>
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Benefits of ELFs and SOAs
• Benefits for teachers and learners:• Supports pedagogic diversity.• Enables pedagogy-driven implementations.
• Benefit to institutions:• Makes collaboration between institutions easier.• Provides better returns on technology investment.• Enables faster deployment of technology.• Provides a modular and flexible technology base.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
JISC e-Learning Programme
• Making the e-Learning framework a reality.• 4 strands:• Pedagogy• Frameworks and tools• Innovation• Distributed e-Learning
• http://cetis.ac.uk:8080/frameworks• Running from 2003 - 2006.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
JISC e-Learning Frameworks and Tools strand
• Develop a generic technical framework for e-learning systems to enable:• FE / HE institutions to create MLE architectures to support
their particular e-learning strategies.• Produce architectures based on interoperability standards.• Provide a common basis (understanding) for future
developments.• Identify gaps or major barriers to progress (pain points) on
which to focus development activity.• Technical Framework to Support e-Learning
• http://cetis.ac.uk/members/frameworks/index.html
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
The JISC e-Learning Framework
Sample User Agents
Learning Domain Services
Common Services
Institutional Infrastructures (TCP/IP etc.)
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Common Services
Harvesting
Resolver
Logging
Workflow
Mapping
Messaging
Content management
Rating / Annotation
Chat
Person
Calendaring
Alert
AV conferencing
E-mail management
DRM
Identifier
Search
Presence
Authentication
Packaging
Terminology
Federated search
Role
Metadata management
Whiteboard
Context
Scheduling
Metadata service registry
Filing
Service registry
Rules
Authorisation
Archiving
User preferences
Group
Member
Format conversion
Forum
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Learning Domain Services
Reporting
Resource list
Competency
Activity author
Course validation
Sequencing
Tracking
Assessment
ePortfolio
Marking
Quality assurance
Activity management
Grading
Learning flow
Curriculum
Personal development
Course management
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Sample User Agents
Library system
Marking tool
VLE / LMS
Timetabling
ePortfolio
Portal
Authoring applications
Learning flow
Enrollment portlet
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
JISC e-Learning Frameworks and Tools projects
• 8 initial toolkit development projects funded:• Open source service integration components for
timetabling and scheduling using the IMS Enterprise Web Services.
• Search interface for querying multiple repositories.• Webservices for personal development planning.• Upgrading CopperCore Learning Design engine to
be LD Level C compliant and exposing its functionality as a webservice.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
JISC e-Learning Frameworks and Tools projects
• 8 initial toolkit development projects funded:• Creating a packaged interface to national
Teaching and Learning Portal.• Tool kit for resource discovery services.• Tool kit to facilitate creation, integration and
presentation of sequenced learning activities.• Development of IMS QTI modular item rendering
engine.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Towards an international ELF
• Considerable degree of international interest in JISC e-Learning Framework.
• Input already received from Carnegie Mellon Learning Systems Architectures Laboratory and Australian Department of Education Skills and Training.
• Possibility of seeking further international partners to develop framework.
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Further information
• E-Learning Frameworks Site• http://cetis.ac.uk:8080/frameworks
• CETIS website• http://www.cetis.ac.uk/
• JISC• http://www.jisc.ac.uk/
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Acknowledgements
• CETIS• Scott Wilson, Wilbert Kraan, Bill Olivier, Steve Jeyes
• JISC• Tish Roberts, Paul Bailey, Sarah Porter
• LSAL• Dan Rehak
• DEST• Kerry Blinco
• UKOLN • Andy Powell
UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004
Contact
Lorna M. Campbell
Thank you!