An Architecture for Interactive Target-Oriented e/m-Learning Systems

This paper proposes an architecture to develop an e/m-Learning system with the following features: (1) learning paths that can be tailored to the user's aims, which can be dynamically modified during the learning process to meet user needs; (2) in the context of m-Learning functionalities, contents that can be scaled and adapted to the user's device and connection technology. As far as learning paths are concerned, learners are allowed to specify their initial target and, if they decide to study some issues at depth, they can gain authorization to redefine learning targets over time. This process is guided by a "Path Decision Module" based on Petri Nets, which checks the users' learning level and consequently decides whether further learning materials can be faced or not. As for access to the system is concerned, the following scenarios are considered: UMTS (e.g.: for PDAs), DSL (e.g.: at home), WiFi (e.g.: within study lounges and libraries), wired/fiber (e.g.: within laboratories). In order to satisfy such heterogeneous requirements, contents are dynamically adapted to available technologies by means of on the fly data format conversions. The whole system relies on a hybrid LDAP-SQL database which uses directory services and relational databases. LDAP is used to store learning and assessment materials, whereas dynamic paths are stored in the SQL system. Analytical calculations are also presented which show the access time in each scenario and, consequently, if a certain activity can efficiently be carried out or not.