Title: E-learning frameworks: facilitating the implementation of educational design patterns

Authors: Michael Derntl, Rafael A. Calvo

Addresses: Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Rathausstrasse 19/9, A-1010 Wien, Austria. ' School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Building J03, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia

Abstract: Educational design patterns hold the promise of facilitating the design of educational activities and environments. We have a number of completed initiatives and projects today, but none of them has had sustained impact on the practitioner community. In this paper, we argue that the use and usability of educational design patterns for technology-enhanced learning can be increased by complementing patterns with ready-to-use tools as part of an e-learning framework approach. We present two different approaches of conceiving such an e-learning framework: 1) an |extension| approach that provides pattern-based, custom LMS components; 2) a |facade| approach that enables the pattern-based reuse of existing LMS components. To demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of e-learning frameworks we present implementations of both approaches.

Keywords: educational design; design patterns; e-learning frameworks; learning management systems; LMS; online learning; electronic learning; internet; world wide web; educational activities; educational environments; ready-to-use tools; extension approaches; pattern-based components; custom components; component reuse; feasibility; benefits; facade approaches; Beehive; pattern managers; PatMan; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2011.040225

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2011 Vol.3 No.3, pp.284 - 296

Published online: 26 Feb 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article