Abstract
Online learning environments provide the students access to the course content at any time and from anywhere. Most of the existing e-Learning systems are designed for content-based subjects that deliver course content such as text, images, video, audio, and simulation to the student through the Internet. In recent years, several online or remote laboratories have been developed to bring the e-Learning concept to the lab-based courses. These systems, mainly web-based, allow students to conduct real laboratory experiment, as opposed to computer simulations, from anywhere and at any time. In this chapter, we introduce a model for providing lab-based lessons as Learning Objects. The Learning Object model has been widely used in content-based e-Learning systems. We then propose a learning management system framework which helps students to remotely access the lab-based learning objects. We will also present some experimental results and implementations.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Apparatus Markup Language (AML): AML is a specification for using XML to aid in the exchange of data and commands with an apparatus.
Content Management System (CMS): CMS is a system for storing, tracking, and delivering the content.
Application Programming Interface (API): API is a set of data structures, routines, and any other programming elements that allow developers to use some part of the system software.
Extensible Markup Language (XML): XML is a standard for creating markup languages that describe the structure of data.
LearningObject: A learning object is any entity, digital or non-digital, which can be used, re-used, or referenced during technology supported learning.
Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM): SCORM is a collection of specifications that enable interoperability, accessibility, and reusability of learning content.
Learning Object Metadata: Leaning object metadata are the attributes required to describe a learning object.
Learning Management System (LMS): LMS manages students and learning events and collates data on learner progress.
Learning Content Management System (LCMS): LCMS is “a multi-user environment where learning developers create, store, reuse, manage, personalize, and deliver digital learning content from a central object repository.