Teaching an old course new tricks: A Portable Courseware Language based on XML

Abstract

Producing eLearning material remains a costly and challenging task. Reflecting on a course written 20 years ago and still in use today, the author tries to identify the essentials for successful computer-supported teaching material. One apparent need is to make the contents more portable. In particular, the Web is seen as the universal distribution and presentation channel. To allow for interaction, animation, vector graphics and display independence, a Portable Courseware Language (PCWL) is proposed. PCWL is based on XML, SVG, and Java. An editor for PCWL is provided. The paper leads from past to future with screenshots from Teletext to IE5 with SVG plug-in. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.