UNINETT, Harstad, June 2004 Developing Sustainable E- Learning Frameworks to Support Teaching and Learning Lorna M. Campbell, CETIS

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. VLE Library mgt system SRS / MISPortal

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 Course management Authentication Packaging Cataloguing Authorisation Course management Authentication Authorisation Course management VLE Content management Discover Library mgt system Content management 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 mgt system Cataloguing SRS / MIS Grading Content management PackagingAuthorisation Course management AuthenticationDiscover

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 mgt system Faculty teaching tool SRS course Mgt GUI Course mgt Web Service Student Record system >

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 Running from

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

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 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 CETIS website JISC

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!