Ian Douglas

Instructional design based on reusable learning objects: applying lessons of object-oriented software engineering to learning systems design

There is currently a lot of interest in the concept of learning objects. Learning objects are discrete units of learning resources based on agreed standards. The idea behind learning objects is to promote greater reuse of resources within new instructional systems development. The main work in learning objects has primarily focussed on defining the technical requirements and standards for computer based learning objects. The technology itself is not likely to bring the benefits promised by reusable objects without a change in methods used by practicing instructional designers. The instructional design implications of the learning object approach is examined to determine the adaptation required in instructional design methodologies. Object-oriented software engineering is proposed as a useful basis for new thinking in instructional design methodology.

A conceptual integration of performance analysis, knowledge management, and technology: from concept to prototype

Purpose – The current paper seeks to describe a conceptual integration of the fields of performance analysis, knowledge management (KM), and technology to create a net‐centric knowledge management system (KMS).Design/methodology/approach – The design methodology incorporates an interdisciplinary approach and the involvement of various government agencies that provides a basis for creating a process‐centered KMS.Findings – Three prototypes that integrate the aforementioned fields have been created and demonstrate the viability and value of this type of KMS.Originality/value – The authors know of no other system that is as integrative, interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and effective at taking a process‐centered view of KM. This paper provides an example of how such a system can be built and implemented to meet KM needs in a complex environment with knowledge accessibility challenges.

A Framework for Metadata Creation Tools

Metadata is an increasingly important aspect of resource discovery. Good metadata has the potential to increase discovery and reuse and to facilitate interoperability of digital assets. Using the domain of learning objects, issues associated with the application of metadata standards and the challenges in metadata creation are examined. A framework for customizable metadata authoring that addresses the issues and challenges is described. The framework consists of flexible metadata schema, metadata schema views, templates, collaborative metadata editing, contextual help, and an effective interface component selection. A prototype implementation of the framework, CLOMAT (Customizable Learning Objects Metadata Authoring Tool), is used to illustrate the framework in operation. An initial evaluation of this prototype indicates substantial productivity gains over conventional metadata creation tools.

Measuring Participation in Internet Supported Courses

This paper considers student participation and how it might be better measured using technology. A review of existing studies precedes the analysis of course data on participation collected through various methods. The study confirms previous findings showing that even crude electronic measures of participation in a course have a direct relationship with the ultimate success of the student. The implications for the future design of technology will be discussed in relation to the findings.

Testing object management (TOM): a prototype for usability knowledge management in global software

The collection and sharing of results from usability laboratories around the world has not yet made good use of emerging models of Internet-based knowledge sharing technologies. This paper will present a model for a system that could improve the sharing of knowledge on a global scale and also facilitate the linkage of design guidelines and patterns to the accumulated evidence from the many worldwide studies that are not processed into academic publications.

Capturing and managing decision making rationale

Rationale management is a technique for tracking decision making during the design process. Having a process for documenting the rationale for design decisions can help in quality control and in providing useful information to people who may seek to reuse solutions. A number of tools and approaches have been developed in the past to facilitate rationale management. The main approaches to rationale management are described as a prelude to examining the features of an organizational analysis prototype. The unique feature of this prototype is that it embeds rationale management into a more general analysis and solution selection tool. The tool facilitates a number of mechanisms for the automated collection of relevant data.

Global mapping of usability labs and centers

This paper will highlight the global spread of usability expertise by presenting data on the location of usability testing centers and laboratories around the world. The possibilities for future expansion of the database and global networking of usability expertise and knowledge will be discussed.

Habitat tracker: learning about scientific inquiry through digital journaling in wildlife centers

This poster presents preliminary results from an ongoing research project designed to help elementary school students learn about scientific inquiry. Florida State University, in partnership with the Tallahassee Museum (a wildlife center in Tallahassee, FL), has developed a digital journaling system that uses online and mobile technologies to help students better understand the nature of science. The projects goal is to encourage students to become active participants in the scientific inquiry process by collecting and analyzing data about natural habitats, before, during, and after visits to a wildlife center. Preliminary results show that a mobile learning application specifically designed for elementary school students can support the scientific inquiry process at wildlife centers and in the classroom, and help students master the scientific inquiry and nature of science benchmarks advocated by science education reform efforts.

An object and performance framework for implementation of web-based knowledge sharing technology

Any e-organization, whether it is commercial or governmental, requires a knowledge management support in order to achieve optimal performance. Many of the technologies that serve the operations of such organizations can also support knowledge management to facilitate efficient knowledge sharing and reuse. Thus, e-organizations should be at the forefront in the use of knowledge management. This paper examines systems of knowledge management used in large organizations. The limitations of traditional organizational schemes are examined, including the tie to the traditional pre-digital knowledge unit, the multi-page document. An action research approach is taken towards the question of how we improve upon traditional approaches using the technology available in conjunction with approaches arising from organizational research. A new framework is described where knowledge is packaged into objects and classified by organizational performance roles and goals. A prototype implementation of the framework was developed in order to test its feasibility. Evaluation of the prototype suggests that the system could result in a more intuitive organizational framework that enables workers to obtain appropriate knowledge support in a timely manner without the need for extensive search, and also facilitates greater reuse and sharing of knowledge.

Collaborative International Usability Testing: Moving from Document-based Reporting to Information Object Sharing

Usability testing is an activity that has traditionally been carried out in specialized labs in a specific geographical location. As test subjects tend to be drawn from the community in which the lab is located, problems can occur in identifying design issues related to people in other countries. This paper examines Internet-based approaches to the execution of remote usability tests and the collection of general guidelines on usability design for specific communities. The collection and communication of such knowledge through Web-based communities is argued to be a better approach than the current report format of usability test communication