Design by contract-based selection and composition of learning objects

Abstract

Selection and composition of learning objects are two essential activities in automated approaches to Web-based learning. Such activities require high-quality metadata records that are not only conforming to current specifications and standards, but that provide clear system-oriented run-time semantics that support automated decision processes. In this paper, the Design by Contract paradigm is described as a method to formally specify and drive selection and composition of contents aimed at concrete learning requirements. In addition, an architectural mapping for such approach to Web Service technology is described, which provides a flexible integration mechanism in a context of heterogeneous and dynamic learning content-providers. © 2007 Springer.