A web services broker for e-learning

Abstract

Brokerage enriches the traditional searching services to include resource acquisition, distribution and billing and perfectly adapts to a scenario like e-learning where multiple, independent content providers and service providers exist. Brokerage offers a suitable framework where customers, mainly learners, can get in touch with providers. On the one hand, customers can locate, select and access the resources and services offered by providers in an efficient way. On the other hand, providers can benefit from services as marketing, customizable publicizing, or even accounting and billing. This paper proposes a brokerage architecture for Web-based E-learning services. It facilitates the integration of individual software components providing specific services to compose a complete E-learning environment. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.