Meta Model of e-Learning Materials Development

Signe Balina

, Irina Arhipova

, Inga Meirane

and Edgars Salna

University of Latvia, Faculty of Economics and management, Aspazijas Blvd. 5, Riga, Latvia

IT Kompetences centrs, Lacplesa str. 41, Riga, Latvia

Datorzinibu centrs JSC, Lacplesa str. 41, Riga, Latvia,

Keywords: e-Learning Objects, e-Learning Materials, e-Learning Standards, Metadata Models, e-Learning

Management Systems.

Abstract: The multitude of software tools is available for the creation of learning resources. However the majority of

these tools provided by different software producers do not have a unified mechanism by means of which it

would be possible to search and reuse the existing learning resources or their elements. To solve this

problem the structures of descriptive data can be used. The aim of this paper is to describe a meta-model of

e-learning objects and e-learning formats that could be used in the creation of e-learning materials

compatible with various e-learning standards. The meta-data models that are used in widely-known learning

resources’ repositories and their structure’s metadata standards providing cross-system compatibility have

been evaluated. The key metadata standards of learning objects were identified and their comparative

analysis was performed. The e-learning material logical model was created and the essential demands for e-

learning object’s data repository were defined. The technologies and their provided electronic learning

objects’ classification systems were investigated for the future development of e-learning materials. The

scheme of e-LM development process was obtained, which provides the transformation of different

modules.

1 INTRODUCTION

Nowadays the necessity for progressive means for

teaching has significantly increased due to the usage

of modern technologies in educational process. E-

learning materials have gradually become a part of

those modern tools by means of which new

knowledge, skills and proficiencies are acquired

both in general education and in the life-long

learning. The problem occurs due to the rapid

development of technologies – the emergence of

various new formats and devices makes a long-term

and repetitive usage of e-learning materials difficult.

The e-learning content otherwise constant is

represented in various formats for the usage on

computers with different operational systems or for

the usage in mobile devices. These various types of

representation of e-learning resources are created by

means of different technological tools, which

consequently lead to a multitude of technical formats

and standards. These tools range from presentation

programs to complicated programming

environments provided by different software

producers thus lacking a unified mechanism of

searching and reusing of existing learning resources

or their elements.

To solve this problem the structures of

descriptive data can be used. These structures can be

described as “data about data” and if such data are

organised accordingly to the pre-defined structure

they can be used as metadata.

Generally metadata is information about a digital

object by means of which the object can be retrieved

from the database. In this paper the concept of

“metadata” is attributed to the learning objects as

follows: elementary electronic learning objects (ee-

LO), electronic learning objects (e-LO), and

electronic learning materials (e-LM). The metadata

of these learning objects can be stored either within

e-LM or separately for the development of new e-

LM. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the

technologies and their classification systems of e-LO

(Anido et al., 2002). The idea of e-LO classification

scheme is based on the presumption that it would

enable to develop the system which allows create

multimedia rich and interactive e-LM, reuse it,

update, improve, translate, and address it to various

target audiences.

150

Balina S., Arhipova I., Meirane I. and Salna E..

Meta Model of e-Learning Materials Development.

DOI: 10.5220/0004971401500155

In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems (ICEIS-2014), pages 150-155

ISBN: 978-989-758-029-1

 2014 SCITEPRESS (Science and Technology Publications, Lda.)

The aim of this paper is to describe a meta-

model for e-LO and e-LM formats that could be

used in the creation of e-LM, which is compatible

with various e-learning standards (SCORM, IMS

etc.). To reach this aim the following tasks were

performed:

 to analyse the current situation of e-learning

materials development;

 to evaluate meta-data models used in repositories

of widely-known learning resources and their

metadata standards used for providing cross-

system compatibility;

 to identify main e-LO metadata standards and to

perform their comparative analysis;

 to create e-LM logical model and to define

e-LO data repository prerequisites;

 to describe e-LM development process.

2 THE CURRENT SITUATION OF

E-LM DEVELOPMENT

E-LM encompasses different electronic learning

objects meant for content representation and

motivation of learners. These electronic learning

objects consist of certain content which from the

pedagogical point of view is an inseparable unit of

information, and it has the predefined type of

object’s representation in the particular e-LM. The

content of e-LM comprises pictures, text, audio, and

video, various types of multimedia. Meanwhile

multimedia not only enriches the content of e-

learning material but also attracts more users,

improves learning experience and learners’

knowledge (Dong & Li, 2005), (Shang et al., 2001),

therefore it is important to pay attention to the

incorporation of multimedia in e-learning especially

regarding adaptive content for learners. This

effective usage of multimedia is extensively

discussed in the research by Benson, V., Frumkin, L.

and Murphy, A. (Benson et al., 2005). Benson, V.

has researched also the aspects of flexibility of

electronic educational materials by structuring

multimedia components. He also provided the

description of the system how to integrate

multimedia components into e-learning environment

(Benson et al., 2005).

Lin, M.L.M. et al. made a research for

developing such design and principles as to

implement multimedia in learning system, which can

generate browsing structure, for example, the

content and hyperlinks of hierarchic tables. Taking

this system as the sample the research was carried

out for analysing the relation between the browsing

structures and effectiveness of students’ learning.

The result was positive and it proved that browsing

structures allow students get better results (Lin et al.

2006).

Learning content personalisation and adaptation

has also been in the focus of many researchers. Mei,

Q.M.Q. and Shen, J.S.J. have developed a

personalized e-learning system which is based on the

flow of knowledge (Mei and Shen, 2002). Whereas

Xu, D., Wang, H. and Wang, M. described the

conceptual model for personalized virtual learning

environment which could be perceived as a

responsively constructed learning model (Xu et al.,

2005).

These researches were taken into account in the

creation of e-LO classification schemes, i.e., in the

creation of models of e-LO content, their

hierarchical structure and collaboration mechanisms

between models of content and their representations

performed in this paper.

3 META-DATA MODELS AND

STANDARDS

The initial aim of the metadata is to make the search

for e-learning materials, their usage and re-usage

simpler and more effective by providing pre-defined

structure of elements which describes learning

resource and its usage parameters, as well as

representation methods (Ieee-Lom, 2002).

The standardization of learning object’s

metadata has been taking place worldwide in various

organizations for almost several decades. During this

period of time two metadata models of learning

objects have become the standards – IEEE LOM

base scheme and Dublin Core (DCMI, 2013) set of

basic elements.

Summarizing the information about the

repositories of learning objects created in USA and

Australia such as AMSER, Connexions, EDNA, and

GEM, it became clear that primary the Dublin core

metadata scheme was used (Najjar J. 2008).

Meanwhile the IEEE LOM metadata scheme

primary was used in the learning objects repositories

created in Europe, USA, and Canada, as well as

within the framework of some international projects

such as ARIADNE, CAREO, CLOE, Exploratories,

Harvey Projects, iLumina, Jorum, MERLOT,

NSDL, Orange Grove, SMETE, and VCILT.

There are several well-known repositories

(DLESE, CITADEL, EducaNext, TLF, and FAO

LR), various personalized libraries and vocabularies,

which have chosen a hybrid model for their

MetaModelofe-LearningMaterialsDevelopment

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metadata model using both IEEE LOM and Dublin

Core metadata.

Nine out of 21 repositories, which were

analysed, use partly or fully adapted metadata

elements provided by Dublin Core metadata

standard. Meanwhile the IEEE LOM metadata

scheme was used for the basis or in the combination

with Dublin Core for all 16 repositories with the

adjustments made accordingly to the system

(selectively chosen metadata elements, alternative

vocabularies etc.).

Hybrid type meta-models are frequently used

comprising both Dublin Core and LOM metadata

elements, supplemented with the unique elements

for specific aims.

The same principle can be found in the value

vocabularies, which can be shared differently

depending on the specific needs of the solution.

4 THE KEY META-DATA

STANDARDS

It was evident that the primary focus is on two meta-

data standards: LOM and DCMI. It is necessary to

identify similar data elements in these standards

which could be compatible, as well as to analyse the

usage of individual elements in various systems

from the perspective of frequency of their usage and

frequency of searching by users.

Similarly, it was considered worthwhile to

investigate the legacy of data elements as a result of

decomposition when the data elements of lower

aggregation level (derived as a result of a

decomposition of a learning object of a higher

aggregation level) inherit a part of metadata.

The global practice shows that despite the fact

that these standards have been in existence for more

than ten years and remarkable amount of work has

been done for the development of these standards,

there are few repositories where they are used in

their direct form.

For the majority of the most popular repositories

of electronic learning objects these standards are

taken over by making adjustments in the metadata

scheme. These adjustments are of the most various

kind, for example:

 the elements of both standards are used in a

symbiosis. The most commonly spread

symbiosis is the supplementation of the Dublin

Core set of basic elements, for example, the

supplementation with the specifically needed

metadata elements of software taking them over

from IEEE LOM. This method is possible due to

the flexibility of Dublin Core set of basic

elements;

 although a metadata standard is chosen its

elements are not fully used – the set of elements

are narrowed to the specific elements necessary

only for the particular software, and elements are

classified by their significance;

 a metadata standard is chosen using only a part

of its elements and adding new elements thus

supplementing the chosen standard with the

software specific data types or vocabularies of

classifiers;

 various combinations of above mentioned

scenarios are used.

5 E-LM LOGICAL MODEL AND

E-LO DATA REPOSITORY

By means of the acquired knowledge about

metadata, their aggregation levels (Friesen et al.

2002), as well as about structure models, it was

possible to define e-LO original model which

provides concise and structured overview of e-LO

inner structure and its logic.

5.1 e-LO Original Model

e-LO original model identifies the possible

structures and aggregation levels of e-LO, the

interrelations of their characteristics, as well as the

classification of e-LO metadata respective to their

type and aggregation level. e-LO is generally

characterised by its structure, type of representation

and meta-information.

The acknowledged worldwide practice shows

that the development of generally accepted and

universal meta-model practically is not possible due

to the general standards, which frequently cannot

meet the demands of software users. Meanwhile the

detailed standards, i.e., such standards, which could

be applied for the overview of all possible scenarios,

can be too difficult from the perspective of software

users.

If there is only a need to describe small amount

of elementary learning objects, the metadata scheme

consisting of 60 elements is too broad and

unnecessary for users (Ieee-Lom, 2002). The

effective description of such an elementary learning

object requires no more than 5-7 manually filled

metadata elements.

There is not one definite standard for the

development of data repositories which could be

applied to all types of data repositories of electronic

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learning objects, health data objects or objects of

other branches. Each data repository has its specific

sphere of action. In order to provide the repository’s

operation in its full value, several tasks should be

solved. First of all, for the development of

qualitative and correct operation of the repository it

is necessary to investigate and thoroughly analyse

the repository’s data, its types, formats, structures,

and interrelation. Secondly, the basic demands for

the repository’s data should be identified.

There are various technologies and methods for

the development of databases. Each of these

technologies has its definite scope and available

functionality. The majority of database development

technologies provide general functionalities by

means of which it is possible to solve the specific

tasks successfully. Therefore it is possible to choose

the most appropriate solution developed by the

standards of the industry and by a reliable and

competent developer.

5.2 Architecture of e-LM Logical

Model

For the storage of each e-LM the data repository

should provide the storage of various types of

objects and their characterising features which could

change accordingly to the object’s aggregation level

and information indicated in the specific content of

the particular object and at the same time also

contain references to other objects.

E-LM, e-LO and ee-LO have their own

information, which is not always available for the

objects derived or created from their source objects,

i.e., they have their own metadata, which should be

made available for all object’s descendants. e-LO

and ee-LO also could be different types of objects

each of which can be saved as a file with different

size and content. In order to provide the system’s

performance the storage of data objects should be

developed differently as it is for the storage of

textual information.

For the storage of each of e-LO the data

repository should provide the storage of all elements

of e-LM logical model’s content providing various

versions and languages. E-LM can be made of e-LO

or ee-LO, which are arranged in various structures.

These structures could be various types of graphs

(for example, hierarchical, tree-type, or cyclic

graphs) where the specific e-LO is its peak point and

could contain references to other e-LO.

Figure 1 depicts the architecture of e-LM logical

Figure 1: Architecture of e-LM logical model.

MetaModelofe-LearningMaterialsDevelopment

153

model with the representation of links between

e-LM elements, their interrelations and possible

technical solutions.

The data repositories’ compliance to various

types of e-LO storage, processing and output was

defined by studying the available data repository

solutions. Likewise the most appropriate e-LO

storage technical solutions were defined providing

the output of respective data repository’s content.

The suggestions and description of the potential e-

LO data repository’s development in off-line mode

were additionally developed.

It is concluded that e-LO data repository’s usage

in its full value will be available solely in on-line

mode but the opportunity to overview data can be

developed also in off-line mode.

The conclusion is drawn that DBMS Microsoft

SQL is suitable for the development of e-LO data

repository since this type of database provides

support not only for relational databases but also for

the storage of non-structured data. This is an

important factor for the processing of objects and

files.

Microsoft SQL also provides various kind of

support for the storage of files and binary

information which is an alternative solution for

„key-value” and makes an important factor for the

storage of EO. Non-structured data storage

opportunities are important for the processing of

metadata provided by Microsoft SQL with XML

data type realization.

6 THE PROCESS OF E-LM

DEVELOPMENT

The content of e-LM is reusable if the development

of e-LM is carried out accordingly to the definite

process scheme. There are altogether three formally

described and strictly defined e-LM development

processes that refer to the specific quality demands

and functionalities of the development of e-LM – the

extraction of e-LM final results is carried out in

accordance with e-LM development, e-LM

translation, and EO creation processes.

By applying transformations to the appropriate

models of process schemes, the e-LO classification

scheme and e-LO original model were obtained.

Previously mentioned models can be improved

as well as future models obtained as a result of

successively taken actions. By defining the

transitions of models and by making the actions

formal it is possible to automate the model

transformation from one model into another thus

obtaining automatic model transformation and

reducing the amount of manual actions. The reduced

amount of manual actions increases the effectiveness

of the developed solution or applied process.

The developed e-LM logical model (Figure 1)

supplemented with the conditional module is

transformed into HTML 5, which can be used in the

generation of e-LM source code for specific

technological solutions such as mobile applications,

printable documents, and e-LM as web pages.

E-LM visualization model and the description of

its operation can be performed in various steps that

should be carried out as model transformations.

During the investigation of the process of e-LM

development, such scheme of e-LM development

process was obtained that allows the changes of

different models by means of transformations. The

models are defined in the level of their processes and

technical realisation thus giving an opportunity to

gain the models that are dependent or independent of

specific type of technical realization.

7 CONCLUSIONS

The idea of e-LO classification scheme is based on

the presumption that such a scheme would enable to

develop the system which allows accumulate

multimedia rich and interactive e-LM, reuse it,

update, improve, translate, and address it to various

target audiences. That is the approach to the problem

and its possible solution, which cannot be found in

the already existing tools. Thus the creation of e-LO

classification scheme is a topical issue for the

investigation and the development of appropriate

software.

By assessing a range of the world’s most popular

learning objects’ repositories and browsing services

which are used in learning objects’ metadata

structures, it is concluded that two of the most

popular learning objects’ metadata standards are

Dublin Core metadata initiative and IEEE Learning

object metadata (LOMv1.0), which are excessively,

individually, jointly or in a broadened form used in

practically all of 21 investigated solutions of LO

repositories. Despite the fact that these standards

have been in existence for more than ten years and

remarkable amount of work has been done for the

development of these standards, there are few

repositories where they are used in their direct form.

For the majority of the most popular repositories of

electronic learning objects these standards are taken

over making adjustments in the metadata scheme.

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The acknowledged world-wide practice shows

that the development of generally accepted and

universal meta-model practically is not possible due

to the general standards, which frequently cannot

meet the demands of software users. Meanwhile the

detailed standards, i.e., such standards which could

be applied to the overview of all possible scenarios

can be too unwieldy from the perspective of

software users.

The e-LO data repository’s usage in its full value

will be available solely in on-line mode but the

opportunity to overview data can be developed also

in off-line mode.

The conclusion is drawn that DBMS Microsoft

SQL is suitable for the development of e-LO data

repository since this database provides support not

only for relational databases but also for the storage

of non-structured data which is an important factor

for the processing of objects and files.

During the research the e-LM development

process scheme is obtained, which allows to change

different models by means of transformations. The

models are defined in the level of their processes and

technical realisation thus giving an opportunity to

gain new models that are dependent or independent

of specific type of technical realization.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research is part of a project „Competence

Centre of Information and Communication

Technologies” run by IT kompetences centrs, Ltd.,

contract No. L-KC-11-0003, co-financed by

European Regional Development Fund.

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