Vol. 10, No. 2, June 1994

Special Issue: Aspects of Courseware Authoring

Visual aspects of courseware engineering

J.W.A. Lanzing and I. Stanchev, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Abstract This contribution focuses on visualisation of information in courseware and in courseware engineering. An overview of advantages and disadvantages of visualisation is given, considering psychological and instructional, cross-cultural, and technical aspects of visualisation. Cross-cultural aspects are especially significant because of their strong relation with issues of courseware portability. Finally, an exploration of possibilities to improve courseware and courseware engineering tools by applying visualisation is included, with some practical examples of visualisation derived from authoring systems.

Keywords Authoring; Authoring tools; Courseware; Courseware engineering; Information visualisation.

Towards the architecture of an instructional multimedia database

P.W. Verhagen and R. Bestebreurtje, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Abstract The applicability of multimedia databases in education may be extended if they can serve multiple target groups, leading to affordable costs per unit for the user. In this contribution, an approach is described to build generic multimedia databases to serve that purpose. This approach is elaborated within the ODB Project ('Instructional Design of an Optical DataBase'); the term optical refers to the use of optical storage media to hold the audiovisual components. The project aims at developing a database in which a hypermedia encyclopedia is combined with instructional multimedia applications for different target groups at different educational levels. The architecture of the Optical Database will allow for switching between application types while working (for instance from tutorial instruction via the encyclopedia to a simulation and back). For instruction, the content of the database is thereby organized around so-called standard instruction routes: one route per target group. In the project, the teacher is regarded as the manager of instruction. From that perspective, the database is primarily organized as a teaching facility. Central to the research is the condition that the architecture of the Optical Database has to enable teachers to select and tailor instruction routes to their needs in a way that is perceived as logical and easy to use.

Keywords Adaptability; Instructional database; Multimedia; Object-oriented approach; Teacher-support systems.

Towards an educational SuperInterface

I.P.F De Diana and T.N. White, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Abstract It is presumed that recent technological innovations, combined with three more established (educational) technologies, could cause a drastic change in university education, if adequate organizational conditions could be created. Such conditions are needed to structure, channel and manage an as yet undreamed of flow of information. Closely related to the metaphor of the 'Info Highway', an educational 'SuperInterface' is described. Based upon networked computer platforms, such a human-computer-human interface is to support large scale telestudy (and teleworking). The SuperInterface is to be designed or is to evolve in such a way that reliable and valid organizational foundations for university education can be established. As the organizational foundation is so paramount, the authors would like to see serious research into the modelling of SuperInterface structures, resources, and dynamics. Indications of some such research issues are presented.

Keywords Computer networks; CSCW; Electronic books; Electronic learning environments; Groupware; Info Highway.

Modelling knowledge in Electronic Study Books

C. Hoede, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Abstract Knowledge graphs are a new form of knowledge representation. They are closely related to semantic networks and can be looked upon as in line with Schank's conceptual dependency theory and Sowa's conceptual graphs. The special feature of knowledge graphs is the use of a very restricted set of types of relations, that is considered to be the basic set of primitive relations. The theory of knowledge graphs is outlined in the first part of the paper. In the second part the possibilities of knowledge graphs for solving problems posed by Electronic (Study) Books will be discussed.

Keywords Electronic book; Graphs; Knowledge; Knowledge representation; Modelling; Relation.

Electronic Study Books and learning style

I.P.F. De Diana and G. van der Heiden, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Abstract Attention has been drawn to the concepts of Electronic Books and Electronic Study Books. Several publications have discussed some main ideas (paradigms) for both concepts. For the Electronic Study Book as a learning environment, it is essential to consider individual modes of learning, usually termed 'learning styles'. It is argued that Electronic Study Books should be adaptable in accordance with personal learning styles. Some options will be presented to link 'styles' and 'books'. One such option is a Style Initiating Module which we are currently investigating.

Keywords Courseware; Electronic books; Electronic study books; Electronic learning environment; Learning style.

Portability and networked learning environments

B.A. Collis and I.P.F. De Diana, University of Twente, The Netherlands

Abstract The portability of educational software is defined as the likelihood of software usage, with or without adaptation, in an educational environment different from that for which it was originally designed and produced. Barriers and research relevant to the portability of electronic learning resources are discussed and organised into a portability-limiting factors model. With the increase in number and scope of networked learning environments, portability issues take on a new dimension. Using electronic (study) books as an example, the portability problem space of networked learning environments is explored.

Keywords Electronic books; Electronic learning resources; Networks; Portability.