1. Implementation Alternatives for Web-based Learning Architecture by Diptendu Dutta Anwesa (www.aunwesha.com) Presented at IWDC 2001 Kolkata 28 th December, 2001

2. Outline About eLearning A Generalised Web-based Learning Architecture Delivery Module Implementation Options Learning Resource (Content) Options Application Logic Implementation Options The influence of standardisation

3. What is eLearning? eLearning is the creation, enabling, delivery and/or facilitation of learning by leveraging various Internet, Intranet and Web technologies. “The next big killer application for the internet is going to be education. Education over the internet is going to be so big it is going to make e-mail look like a rounding error.” John Chambers, CEO, CISCO Systems "Triggered by the Internet, continuing adult education may well become our greatest growth industry." Peter Drucker (Forbes 5/15/2000)

4. What Drives eLearning? e-Learning Demand Rapid obsolescence of knowledge and training Need for just-in-time training delivery Search for cost-effective ways to meet learning needs of globally distributed workforce Skills gap and demographic changes drive need for new learning models Demand for flexible access to lifelong learning Supply Internet access becoming standard at work and home Advances in digital technologies enable creation of interactive, media rich content Increasing bandwidth and better delivery platforms make e- learning more attractive Growing selection of high-quality e-Learning products and services Emerging technology standards facilitating compatibility and Usability of e-learning products

5. A generalised architecture

6. Application Architecture of an LMS: The LTSA

7. Delivery Module Implementation Options Type of Client –Proprietary Client (implemented as a special plug-in) –Standardised Client Java Applets HTML with JavaScript Dynamic UI Generation –Servlets –JSP –XML/XSL –Publishing frameworks (Cocoon/XSP)

8. Learning Resource (Content) options Homogeneous vs. Heterogenous content formats –Plug-in technology now supports a wide variety of content formats Content storage options –Heterogenous –Homogenous (XML) Content management options –Home grown –Full-fledged CMS (Content Management System) Content storage options –FileSystem – RDBMS – Native XML database

9. Application Logic Implementation Options Server-side options –CGI –Servlets –Java Beans –CORBA Objects Middleware options –Home grown (using open APIs) –Application Servers

10. The Influence of Standards on Architectural Options SCORM - Sharable Content Object Reference Model –Built upon the work of IMS, AICC, IEEE to create one unified content model –3 main components A course structure format with XML binding A meta-data format for courses and content with XML binding An API for the run-time environment LOM - Learning Object Metadata –Built upon the work of IMS, IEEE –9 categories (lifecycle, technical, educational, etc.) –XML/RDF binding

11. Thank You