Converting content to reusable learning objects adaptable to user preferences and infrastructure

Abstract

A number of e-learning courses based on the e-MINDMAP concept were developed and placed in a learning management system (LMS) as solution to support the supervised and guided self-instruction concept of learning. The main challenge was to produce e-learning courses which are re-usable and can be implemented in various LMS platforms. As the current e-SCHEMA authoring system, which supports the generation of e-MINDMAPS, does not guarantee the reusability of the learning content, nor the interoperability of the MINDMAP course modules, a new solution based on the “conceptual model of content object” was designed and constructed by decomposing the learning content into small chunks which are initially placed in a hierarchic structure of units and blocks. The raw content components, being considered as the atomic learning objects (ALO), were linked to the blocks. All the content components have been structured in a data model in the database. The existing authoring system was re-engineered into an authoring/assembling system assembling the source content components into a learning object (LO), and taking into account the requirements posed by the international standards. An object-class diagram and architecture were developed as the basis for the new system and a first prototype was developed. As a result, the learning content constructed is becoming re-usable at three levels: first, based on the same source content the user can make a selection of blocks brought into the LO, second more LOs are brought with the same content but presented in another layout fitting the preference of the user, and the third option is similar to the second but with the addition of fitting the device of the user.