Wen-Chih Chang

Using SOAP and .NET Web Service to build SCORM RTE and LMS

In order to reuse and integrate all resources, many distance learning standards have appeared. The most famous is the Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). SCORM is composed of a run-time environment (RTE), a content agreement model and LMS. SOAP allows objects or code of any kind, on any platform, in any language to communicate. .Net Web Service combines XML and some programming IDE to develop a server, which uses SOAP to implement the launch mechanism and AICC CMI data model. Java script is used to implement the client side.

The hard SCORM LMS: reading SCORM courseware on hardcopy textbooks

The sharable content object reference model (SCORM) includes a representation of distance learning contents and a behavior definition of how users should interact with the contents. Usually, SCORM-compliant systems are developed based on Web browsers or Java program. We developed a system which allows users to read SCORM-compliant course materials on hardcopy papers while an OCR-like pen device is used as an interaction mechanism. A computer, a PDA, or a cellular phone can be used in conjunction with the pen device for multimedia presentations. Our project is called the hard SCORM. Therefore, users can read textbooks in a traditional manner while behavior of reading is incorporated with the SCORM specification.

Feedback and analysis from assessment metadata in e-learning

With fast development in e-learning, assessment plays an important role between teaching and learning. A good e-learning system has not only good teaching strategy and better learning resources but also a proper assessment model. In this paper, we propose an assessment meta-data and assessment analysis feedback for recent e-learning environments. There is proper feedback for teachers, students, and learning management systems. The feedback could provide proper teaching, learning resource delivery and learning progress suggestions. With this approach, assessment prompts the learning effort in e-learning.

A cognition assessment authoring system for e-learning

With the rapidly development of distance learning and the XML (Extensible Markup Language) technology, metadata becomes an important item in an e-learning system. Today, many distance learning standards such as SCORM, AICC CMI, IEEE LTSC learning object meta-data (LOM), and IMS learning resource metadata XML binding specification, use metadata to tag learning materials, shareable content objects, and learning resources. However, most metadata is used to define learning materials and test problems. Few metadata is dedicated for assessment in learning. We propose an assessment metadata model for e-learning operations. With the support from the assessment metadata, we can collect information at the question cognition level, item difficulty index, item discrimination index, questionnaire style, and question style. The assessment analysis model provides individual questions, summary of test results, and analytical suggestions. The suggestions and results can tell teachers why a question is not suitable and how to correct it. Teachers can see the analysis of test result and fix problematic questions. With the cognition level analysis, teachers can avoid missing items in teaching. The mechanism developed also suggests an e-learning system, with adaptive learning content and individualized tests, as well as good advice for the teachers.

Implementing a distributed lecture-on-demand multimedia presentation system

Lecture-on-demand (LOD) multimedia presentation technologies in networks are most often used in communication services. Examples of those applications include video-on demand, interactive TV and communication tools in a distance learning system, etc. In this paper, we describe how to present different multimedia objects on a Web-based presentation system. The distributed approach is based on an extended timed Petri net model. Using characterization of extended media streaming technologies, we developed a Web-based multimedia presentation system. For a real-world example, suppose a well-known teacher is giving a lecture/presentation to his students. Because of time constraints and other commitments, many students cannot attend the presentation. The main goal of our system is to provide a feasible method to record and represent a lecture/presentation. Using a browser with windows media services allows those students to view live video of the teacher giving his speech, along with synchronized images of his presentation slides and all the annotations/comments. In our experience, this approach is sufficient for distance learning environments.

Courseware Development Using Influence Diagrams Supporting e-Learning Specifications

Without a systematic assessment mechanism, it is hard for teachers to design e-learning courseware and assess students on-line learning behaviors. This is a common issue found in most authoring tools available all over the world. Furthermore, some authoring tools are powerful but not standard compliant. To overcome these draw backs, we propose a courseware design tool with the theory of concept and influence diagram coupled with a user-friendly interface. The transformation algorithm is also included for the conformance with e-learning standards. With the proposed mechanism and tools, the advantages of courseware diagram are preserved. Students learning performance can be improved by taking different levels of remedial courses based on student performance with a systematically built course flow chart. Furthermore, students learning results can be maximized by analyzing their learning performance for course content adjustment. More importantly, SCORM compliant courseware can be generated from the courseware diagram directly using the proposed algorithms.

A Design and Implementation of a SCORM-Based Courseware System Using Influence Diagram

Distance learning brings convenience, stability and flexibility. People can learn anytime and anywhere. Designing a distance course and assessing the learner becomes the key issue. In order to solve the disadvantage, a systematic assessment mechanism is proposed to enhance interaction between students and teachers. This paper combines the concept and influence diagram as a courseware diagram which can be implemented as a new authoring tool. First, a course flow chart can be systematically built and student learning performance can be improved by taking different levels of remedial courses based on student performance. Second, course content can be adjusted to maximize students’ learning results with analyzing student’s learning performance. Thirdly, the courseware diagram can be generated with the international distance learning standard, Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). Finally, this mechanism can be easily used by the instructor. With its user-friendly interface, the instructor will receive prompt feedback from students.

Applying Petri nets to model SCORM learning sequence specification in collaborative learning

With the rapid development of Internet technology and Web-based education, distance learning provides a novel learning style, which is different from traditional education. In order to adapt different teaching strategies in accordance to individual students abilities in a distance learning environment, system directed navigation of students was proposed in a distance learning standard called SCORM (sharable content object reference model). We introduce the distance-learning color Petri net (DCPN), applying the features of Petri nets, to decrease the complexity of the sequencing definition model in the SCORM 2004 specification. We thus construct a sequencing framework for various instructional strategies by piecing DPCN subnets together.

Applying Petri nets to model learning sequence with SCORM specification in collaborative learning

With the rapid development of distance learning, there are many different kinds of learning management systems and teaching strategies. In order to adapt different teaching strategies in accordance to individuals abilities in a distance learning environment, system directed navigation of students was proposed in a distance learning standards called SCORM (sharable content object reference model). A set of interrelated technical specifications was built upon the work of the AICC and IEEE. It creates one unified control model and enables the reuse of Web-based learning content across multiple environments. In this work, the distance-learning color Petri net (DCPN) are proposed to apply the valuable features of Petri net, decrease the complexity of the sequencing definition model in the SCORM 2004 specification, and construct framework within various instructional strategies by piecing subnets together.

INTEGRATING SPC TABLE FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT WITH SCORM

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is one of the international e-learning specifications, which provides sharable content, compatible run-time environment and learning profile. SCORM s...