Made-to-measure learning materials

Abstract

This paper presents how we developed a solution to easily publish learning contents in the formats that best fulfill students' needs at each specific moment of their learning process. The basis is an XML standard file from which different format outputs are generated automatically. The output interface is designed using human-computer interaction (HCI) methodologies and following e-learning and accessibility standards. We describe here the creation process of three different formats: a paper format generated in two sizes (pocket and folio), a Web format based on standards of e-learning and an accessible Digital Talking Book (DTB) format. This adaptation of the output format to meet students' needs resulted in an increase of their satisfaction, not only regarding the interface but also the overall materials service. Therefore, by solely changing the output of the contents, students' perception - as shown by satisfaction surveys - was that the quality of the contents had increased. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.