An XML-based approach to multimedia software engineering for distance learning

Abstract

Multimedia Software Engineering (MSE) is a new frontier for both Software Engineering (SE) and Visual Languages (VL). In fact multimedia software engineering can be considered as the discipline for systematic specification, design, substitution and verification of visual patterns. Visual Languages contribute to MSE such concepts as: Visual notation for software specification, design and verification flow charts, ER diagrams, Petri Nets, UML visualization, visual programming languages etc. Multimedia Software Engineering and Software Engineering are like two sides of the same coin. On the one hand we can apply software engineering principles to the design of multimedia systems. On the other hand we can apply multimedia technologies to the software engineering practice. In this paper we concentrate on the first of these possibilities. One of the promising application areas for Multimedia Software Engineering is Distance Learning. One aim of this paper is to demonstrate how it is possible to design and to implement complex multimedia software systems for Distance Learning using a Teleaction Object transformer based on XML technology applying a Component-Based Multimedia Software Engineering approach. The paper shows a complete process of dataflow transformation that represents TAO in different ways (text, TAOML, etc.) and at different levels of abstraction. A component-based tool architecture is also discussed. The use of an XML-based approach in the Distance Learning field has other advantages as well. It facilitates reuse of the teaching resources by using metadata. Standards for representing multimedia distance learning materials are currently evolving. Such standards are necessary in order to allow a representation which is independent of hardware and software platforms so that this material can be examined, for example, in a web browser or so that it may be reused.

A Virtual Laboratory for Digital Signal Processing

“…Distance education can be done in a wide variety of styles via different learning models. The virtual laboratory is one of the important components for macro university architecture (Arndt, Chang, Guercio, & Maresca, 2002;. Students are required to learn some courses through online experiments and simulations, and the virtual laboratory is provided in order for students to conduct course-related experiments and simulations via networks.…”

“…In addition to the network capability, a DSP virtual laboratory should support the features of multimedia and multilevel usage. The multilevel usage means that the same learning materials can be organized in different ways to be used in a regular semester course, a short course, an introductory exposition, an advanced seminar, and so forth, and by people with different linguistic, cultural, and perceptual preferences (Arndt, Chang, Guercio, & Maresca, 2002). Through multimedia demonstrations, students easily can understand various DSP theories.…”

XML-BASED COURSE MATERIAL TRANSFORMATIONS FOR UBIQUITOUS eLEARNING APPLICATIONS

“…Standardscompliant web browsers are available on all manners of platforms, from servers down to cell phones and PDAs and are generally available on PCs in open labs and libraries. On the back end, metadata may be used to describe both the learning materials as well as to give learner profiles needed for customization (Arndt, 2001), (Arndt, 2007). The use of metadata allows for open, standards-based learning environments to be implemented, as demonstrated by SCORM (Advanced Distributed Learning, 2004…”