An Architecture for Interactive Target-Oriented e/m-Learning Systems

• Main Authors: Cristina De Castro, Giacomo Leonardi, Paolo Toppan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kassel University Press 2009-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET)
• Subjects: m-learning; personal; targets; data; format; scaling; petri; nets; ldap-sql
• Online Access: http://online-journals.org/i-jet/article/view/782

In this paper, an architecture is proposed for the development of an e/m-Learning system with the following features: (1) learning paths can be tailored to the user’s aims and, during the learning process, dynamically modified in order to meet his needs; (2) in context of m-Learning facilities, contents can be scaled and adapted to the user’s device and connection technology. As far as learning paths are concerned, each learner is allowed to specify his initial target and, if he decides to deepen some issues, is authorised to redefine such target over time. This process is guided by a “Path Decision Module” based on Petri Nets, which checks the user’s learning level and consequently decides whether further issues can be faced or not. As for access to the system, the following scenarios are considered: UMTS (e.g.: for PDAs), DSL (e.g.: at home), WiFi (e.g.: within study lounges and libraries), wired/fiber (e.g.: within laboratories). In order to satisfy such heterogeneous requirements, contents are dynamically adapted to available technologies by means of on the fly data format conversions. The whole system relies on a hybrid LDAP-SQL database, which benefits from the joint use of directory services and relational databases. LDAP is used for the storage of learning and assessment material, whereas dynamical paths are stored in the SQL system. Analytical calculations are also presented which show the access time in each scenario and, consequently, if a certain activity can be carried out or not efficiently.