Component framework for web-based learning environments

Abstract

As an emerging technology, distributed software components hold promise for software interoperability, composition and reuse. This paper reports on applying distributed components as a paradigm for realizing technology enriched learning. We present a background of software components together with a framework for realizing World Wide Web-based learning components. Primarily, the web provides a data-centric interface to learning participants. An activity-centric view is more typical in object-based systems and for many learners. We show how automated support for workflow can be applied to achieve activity-based learning components on the web. One of the primary goals of the framework is that it be open to utilize various services already commonly in place in a university setting. We exemplify some of the common framework services and discuss how these can be adapted to a specific organization or extended to achieve discipline specific services.