1. Dragan Domazet Nebojša Gavrilović Belgrade Metropolitan University
Deliverable D3.4
mDita Authoring Tool
Dragan Domazet
Nebojša Gavrilović
Belgrade Metropolitan University
Novi Sad Meeting

2. Introduction
mDita editor is a specific authoring tool, developed at Belgrade Metropolitan University (BMU), allowing authors to create learning objects (XML-based DITA objects) and online lessons.
This editor was developed in the C# programming language.
DITA standard was originated is from IBM, but now it is OASIS standard that supports technical writing and publishing.
Novi Sad Meeting

3. Introduction
mDita editor supports all needed concepts for realization of BMU e-learning personalization strategy.
All learning objects and created online lessons are stored as DITA objects and DITA maps, respectively, in DITA objects Repository.
mDita Editor is currently used with LAMS LMS, as a special interface with LAMS was developed.
Novi Sad Meeting

4. Support of Learning Objects
As BMU uses learning objects with the fine granularity, it is possible to use many of them in a typical lesson, mixing them with LAMS (Learning Management Activity System) activities, thus creating complex learning processes.
Each of them consists a number of sub-processes developed to provide different learning paths to the different categories of students.
Novi Sad Meeting

5. Use of Different Learning Paths in a Lesson1) 2) 3) 4)
Students seeking higher grades and having high motivation for learning, will use learning paths with more learning objects, providing deeper or wider knowledge related to concepts thought.
Students with lower expectations may choose learning paths providing the required basic knowledge for a course, avoiding more advanced topics and learning objects.
Learning activity
Verification activity
Novi Sad Meeting

6. mDite Editor – Main Functions
Novi Sad Meeting

7. mDita Editor – Section Page
Title of the section.
Punch line
View of LOs with their sections
Novi Sad Meeting

8. mDita Editor – Snippet Code
Adding a program code is performed from imported file or copying the program code from the development environment.
Supported Programming languages ​​are Java, C#, C++, Python, Perl, Ruby, HTML, PHP etc.
Each programming language is differently formatted in the lesson.
Novi Sad Meeting

9. Snippet Code in Lesson on LAMS
This is a student’s view of a snippet code in LAMS.
Novi Sad Meeting

10. mDita Editor – Use of Latex
Authors can add Latex formula
Latex editor have the option to preview the formula
Authors can add Latex formula at every part of the object section
Figure shows an example of adding Latex formula in mDita editor
Novi Sad Meeting

11. Student’s View in LAMS.
Novi Sad Meeting

12. mDita Editor - YouTube Video
Through mDita editor, the author can add a video material (YouTube and Video from File) in lesson.
The figure presents YouTube video added in mDita editor
Novi Sad Meeting

13. Student’s View of a YouTube Video in a Lesson on LAMS
Novi Sad Meeting

14. mDita Editor - LAMS Additional Activities
mDita editor allows authors to integrate their learning objects with a variety of LAMS activities supporting interactions of professors with students.
LAMS activities in mDita editor are:
Question and Answer
Forum
Multiple choice
Submit files
Share resources
Assessment
Chat
Notebook
Noticeboard
Novi Sad Meeting

15. mDita Editor – LAMS Java Grader
Java grader (External grader for Java programing language) is developed at BMU as LAMS activity.
Student performs programming tasks in Java directly in LAMS, and evaluation of his work gets immediately after the posted task is done (as information from the system).
The system automatically checks the entered programming code and as a result prints to the student whether
the entered answer is in accordance with the desired response to the question
Novi Sad Meeting

16. mDita Editor – LO Repository
Learning objects are stored in a shared learning object Repository.
Authors can search LOs and find objects that they need to incorporate in their online lessons with or without modifications.
The reusability of learning objects reduces the cost of content development.
Author, after searching the repository, can select and add learning the selected object in its lesson.
A search result in LO repository is shown here.
Novi Sad Meeting

17. mDita Editor - LAMS Designer
Authors can modify the order of learning objects add additional activities, create branch, gate and optional activities using LAMS Designer here.
Branch activity allow students to choose which path to take in their learning process, according to their learning needs.
Gate is the LAMS activity that may be opened if assessments of the acquired knowledge were satisfactory or if a student participates in a specific activity.
LAMS Optional Activity allows students to choose one, few or all learning objects related to this activity.
Novi Sad Meeting