Design and Implementation of a Distributed Multi-Platform Learning Environment Based on an Extensible Learning Support System Architecture

Abstract

This paper discusses design and implementation of a distributed multi-platform learning environment based on an extensible learning support system architecture called ELECOA. With the key concept of “courseware objects”, ELECOA provides flexibility to extend functions of learning environments without losing content reusability. In addition to these features of ELECOA, this paper proposes distributed learning environment in which courseware objects communicate to implement learning support strategies on various platforms including web server and smartphone. The communication patterns of courseware objects are analyzed to derive design of offline learning environment in which part of online content is able to operate continuously without external communication from offline environment. The proposed learning environment provides desirable characteristics of learning objects including reusability, flexibility and interoperability among platforms for not only content objects but strategy objects.