Topic Maps and

1.Content Packaging/SCORM2. Learning Design

Bill OlivierDirector, CETIS

IMS Content Package

Directory

Directory*

File File File File File

File File File File File

File File File File File

imsmanifest.xml

IMS Content Package Structure

manifestmetadataorganizations

organization*item* (items reference resources)

item*resources

resource*file*

manifest* (sub-manifests of included sub-packages)

The Organization Tree Structure

• This was originally chosen because– Everyone understood it– It was easy to implement– So everyone could agree

• Multiple organization elements were allowed to provide multiple ways of structuring the same content (allows several ‘chapter selections’)

• But it was considered a starting point and it was expected that different ways of organising content would appear in future. That was 2000.

• So far LD is the only alternative

• What about Topic Maps?

Could we have an XTM CP?

manifestmetadataorganizations

XTMresources

resource*file*

manifest* (sub-manifests of included sub-packages)

Or Both? XTM another ‘organisation’?

manifestmetadataorganizations

XTMorganization*

item* (items reference resources)

item*resources

resource*file*

manifest* (sub-manifests of included sub-packages)

Or Should a Topic Map replace the MANIFEST?

Directory

Directory*

File File File File File

File File File File File

File File File File File

imsmanifest.xmlXML Topic Map

Or be in addition to the manifest?

Directory

Directory*

File File File File File

File File File File File

File File File File File

imsmanifest.xml XML Topic Map

Topic Maps and LD

First a reminder of LD

The Dynamics of Learning Design

play

Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Act 4 Act 5

Role-part 1

Role-part 2

Role-part 3

Role-part …

Role Activity Environment

Learning objects

Learning services

Activity-Description

Sub Parts of Learning Design

components

roleslearner*staff*

activitieslearning-activity*

environment-ref*

activity-descriptionsupport-activity*activity-structure* {sequence|selection}

environment-ref*

activity-ref*activity-structure-ref*

environmentsenvironment*

learning-object*service*

mail-send*conference*

environment-ref*

method

play*

act* role-parts*

role-refactivity-ref

Activity Structure

activity-structure

activity

activity

activity

activity-structure

Activity Structure

activity-structure

activity

activity

activity

Sequence

activity-structure

activity

activity

activity

Selection

Can set selection to be: - any 1 - any 2 - or all 3 (i.e. order unimportant)

Activity Structure

Mixed

activity-structure 1 (sequence) activity 1 activity-structure 2 (selection) activity 3

Activity Structure

Mixed

activity-structure 1

activity 1 activity 3

activity-structure 2

activity 2.1

activity 2.2

activity 2.3

activity-structure 1 (sequence) activity 1 activity-structure 2 (selection) activity 2.1 activity 2.2 activity 2.3 activity 3

Topic Maps and LD Activities

activity-structure 1

activity 1 activity 3

activity-structure 2

activity 2.1

activity 2.2

activity 2.3

Knowledge Layer (Why)

Activity Layer (How)

Pre-requisite Knowledge

Sub-types

Learn-by

Current LD in CP

manifestmetadataorganizations

learning-designresources

resource*file*

manifest* (sub-manifests of included sub-packages)

Add XTM to LD CP

manifestmetadataorganizations

XTMlearning-design

resourcesresource*

file*manifest* (sub-manifests of included sub-packages)

Topic-occurrences point to LD activities and activity-structures

How?

1. Produce a Topic Map Profile of CP/SCORM

1. Name space XTM into manifest schema

2. Specify that occurrences must point to resource elements

2. Produce a Topic Map Profile of LD

1. Name space XTM into manifest schema

2. Specify that occurrences must point to activities or activity structures

If IMS won’t play ball, then produce a profile that:

1. Includes XTM as a file in a CP(maybe always the first resource and no organisation)

2. Points into the manifest with a bare XPointer

How?

1. Add topic map editing to CP/SCORM/LD editor(e.g. RELOAD)

2. Provide a viewer

3. Provide a Topic Map ‘navigator’ view

4. Provide learners with a topic map editor/viewer

5. Provide tools for

– Exchanging

– Comparing

– Merging

6. Provide good examples of use as use cases

7. Submit to IMS / or other standards body

More Information

CETIS Web Site:• Introductory and background material• Information on who does what• News and forthcoming events• Features

• Links to sites of others involved and to other sources

• SIG pages: events, activities, extensive information on particular specifications

http://www.cetis.ac.uk