Cross-media Technologies Cross-media Technologies

in Educationin Education

European Workshop “Emerging Technologies in Education”June 20-21, 2003, Linz, Austria

Ioannis Kaptsis, Eleftherios Metaxoudis

jkap@intracom.gr, elme@intracom.gr

International Cooperations Dept.

AgendaAgenda

Emerging Educational Models and their objectivesEmerging Educational Models and their objectives Cross-Media Publishing in Learning EnvironmentCross-Media Publishing in Learning Environment Cross-Media Publishing IssuesCross-Media Publishing Issues Learning Content Flow Process & ComponentsLearning Content Flow Process & Components Cross-media content presentation & delivery Cross-media content presentation & delivery

(CONTESSA) presentation(CONTESSA) presentation Interactive educational platformInteractive educational platform (MENTOR) (MENTOR)

presentationpresentation ConclusionsConclusions

Models of distance Education-A Conceptual Framework Models of distance Education-A Conceptual Framework Characteristics of Delivery Technologies

Flexibility Advanced Interactive

Models of Distance Education and Associated Delivery Technologies

Time Place Pace Delivery

Institutional Variable

Costs Approaching

Zero

1st Generation -

The Correspondence Model Print

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

2nd Generation -

The Multi-media Model Print Audiotape Videotape Computer-based learning

(e.g. CML/CAL) Interactive video (disk and tape)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

3rd Generation -

The Telelearning Model Audio teleconferencing Videoconferencing Audio graphic Communication Broadcast TV/Radio and Audio

teleconferencing

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

4th Generation -

The Flexible Learning Model Interactive multimedia (IMM) Internet-based access to WWW

resources Computer mediated communication

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

5th Generation -

The Intelligent Flexible Learning Model Interactive multimedia (IMM) Internet-based access to WWW

resources Computer mediated communication,

using automated response systems.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Next Generation Learning Model Objectives Next Generation Learning Model Objectives

• Integrated learning services based specifically on reusable learning objects

• Development of reusable learning components

• Emphasize on personalised learning in collaborative enviroments

• Development of a suite of modular building blocks and tools on the basis of an underlying open infastructure supporting a wide range of flexible learning activities

• Development of enviroment that facilitate interaction, including social interaction, between learners and teachers

• Encompass all functionalities needed to develop, manage and deliver courses.

Design Requirements for Learning ContentDesign Requirements for Learning Content

Learning materials must be easily transferable to different target formats, including online presentations and printable text-oriented documents.

Learning material must be easily reused in a different context:

Independent from authoring tools and presentation applications

Should match the specific requirements of the target device (media independent)

Multimedia content must be adaptable to trainees’ needs and tool complexity.

Material should be shared with other authors.

Present granularity that allows integration into any type of grouping, sequence and navigation system.

Cross Media Publishing in Learning EnvironmentCross Media Publishing in Learning Environment Web-based learning material is unlikely to completely replace print

versions EElectronic material has to be considered as an additionallectronic material has to be considered as an additional

publication channel to be servedpublication channel to be served

Web is used as learning environment Educational material needs to be tailored in HTML formatEducational material needs to be tailored in HTML format

New Web-enabled devices e.g smart phones DTV sets, emerge as learning material delivery platformsStrong demand for cross-media publishing toolsStrong demand for cross-media publishing tools

Multiple publishing formats and variety of end-user devices require technology and supplier independent solutionsXML-based XML-based tools provide the necessary technology platformtools provide the necessary technology platform

TThe XML-based Learning Material Markup Languagehe XML-based Learning Material Markup Language (LMML)(LMML) provides the provides the appropriate markupappropriate markupss

for the structuring of learning contentfor the structuring of learning content

CCross-ross-MMedia edia FFunctionalitiesunctionalities e-Content management systems enable cross-media publishing from a single

document source

Through the cross-media production system (or generically) the content management system it is provided an integrated document management activity, workflow and content editing enviroment

The cross-media publishing process has been automated through the use of standard markup languages replacing intensive proprietary production ‘courseware’ systems

XML tagged ‘courseware’ documents are structured with consistent and comprehensive parameters making them able to be treated discretely from layout and presentation

The cross-media production system uses XSLT to simplify and fully automate the task of publishing educational content in multiple formats

The rendering engine is capable of automatically converting XML content into Post Script and PDF for print delivery, and into HTML for web delivery on demand

Cross-Media Cross-Media Publishing tools makePublishing tools make ‘‘coursewarecourseware’’ available available to students in a variety of delivery modes to students in a variety of delivery modes

(print, on(print, on--line) from a single document sourceline) from a single document source

However… Deploying learning content through multiple channels in traditional

terms entails the introduction of separate workflows for each channel.

Multiple workflows results into time-consuming re-authoring of the educational content and duplication of the content creation process

In terms of cost, increased complexity calls for separate tools and more coordination in order to avoid content inconsistencies.

Common XML editors are rather complex development environments and available tools still lack user-friendly interfaces that will enable the creation of educational content by the average user.

CCross-ross-MMedia edia IssuesIssues

An integrated cross-media solution that will allow content An integrated cross-media solution that will allow content creators to use the existing authoring tools is requiredcreators to use the existing authoring tools is required

TRANS

LATION

Learning Content

ManagementSystem(LCMS)

DELIVERY

PRESENTATION

AUTHORING

WORD

PPT

PDF

WML

XML

XML

HTML

SVG

cXML

DTV -API

Print format

XML

NativeFormat

COPE- Based Learning ContentCOPE- Based Learning Content Flow Process Flow Process

Basic Architectural ComponentsBasic Architectural Components

Authoring: Represents the traditional content creation environment that occasionally may include the “XML-translation” process.

LCMS: Provides the environment where developers can reuse, manage and store learning content to a central object repository. In addition, LCMS separates content from its presentation format.

Content Presentation: Transforms content presentation style sheet based on end-user device capabilities and learner’s profile data.

Request Broker: Facilitates the transfer of data between and among internal and external applications.

Content Delivery Networks: Manage the distribution of educational content and redirects rich media files (e.g. Flash animations) to local caches for time-efficient delivery.

Cross-media content presentation Cross-media content presentation & delivery& delivery

CONCONtent tent TTransformation ransformation EEngine ngine SSupporting Univerupporting UniverSSal al AAccessccess

((CONTESSACONTESSA))

http://contessa.intranet.gr

The CONTESSA approachThe CONTESSA approach

CONTESSA’sCONTESSA’splacementplacement

Content Creation

Automatic XML

Conversion

Data Collection

Content Distribution

Tuition Audio Files

Text & Graphics

Student Portals

Educational Video

XML

Transcoding

PCHTML

PDAcXML

WAP PhoneWML

PayphoneSVG

DTV-STB

DTV-API

IP PhoneXML

Text-to-Voice

vXMLCONTESSA’sCONTESSA’splacementplacement

Content Creation

Automatic XML

Conversion

Data Collection

Content Distribution

Tuition Audio Files

Text & Graphics

Student Portals

Educational Video

XML

Transcoding

PCHTML

PDAcXML

WAP PhoneWML

PayphoneSVG

DTV-STB

DTV-API

IP PhoneXML

Text-to-Voice

vXMLText-to-Voice

vXML

MANAGEMENT

Dynamic Service Creation

Content/Asset

Management

Digital Rights

Management

Authentication

Caching

PRESENTATION

Multi-channeldelivery

Profiling

Viewing/Browsing

Streaming

Payphone

WAP Phone

PC

PDA

DTV-STB

Applications offered by CONTESSA

Tuition AudioFiles

Educational Video

Text & Graphics

Student Portal

Multimedia Aggregation

Authoring

Scripting

Structuring

CREATION

IP Phone

MANAGEMENT

Dynamic Service Creation

Content/Asset

Management

Digital Rights

Management

Authentication

Caching

PRESENTATION

Multi-channeldelivery

Profiling

Viewing/Browsing

Streaming

Payphone

WAP Phone

PC

PDA

DTV-STB

Applications offered by CONTESSA

Tuition AudioFiles

Educational Video

Text & Graphics

Student Portal

Multimedia Aggregation

Authoring

Scripting

Structuring

CREATION

IP Phone

CONTESSA in the Content Delivery CycleCONTESSA in the Content Delivery Cycle

Contessa Server

RequestExecutionResults

Device-specificFormat

TranscodingModules

PhoneXML-to-HTML

XML-to-WML

XML-to-Voice

XML-to-iTV

XML-to-SVG

XML-to-Any Format

PC

Profiler UserProfiles

Profiling Engine

Parser

Device Identification &Request Translation

PDA

Service Definition byService Provider

ContentCollector

Content CollectionEngine

XML Producer

Results inXML Format

Local ContentStorage

DatabaseHandler

Clients Requests & Replies inDevice-Specific Format

Action Handler

Service Creator

ServiceDefinition Toolkit

Client Devices

Payphone

Transactions

TransactionManagement

Engine

ContentCollectors

...Content Providers

ContentCollector

...DTV- STB

WAP Phone

User Registration& Preferences

Contessa Server

RequestExecutionResults

Device-specificFormat

TranscodingModules

PhonePhoneXML-to-HTML

XML-to-WML

XML-to-Voice

XML-to-iTV

XML-to-SVG

XML-to-Any Format

PCPC

Profiler UserProfiles

Profiling Engine

Profiler UserProfiles

Profiling Engine

Parser

Device Identification &Request Translation

PDAPDA

Service Definition byService Provider

ContentCollector

Content CollectionEngine

XML Producer

Results inXML Format

Local ContentStorage

DatabaseHandler

Clients Requests & Replies inDevice-Specific Format

Action Handler

Service Creator

ServiceDefinition Toolkit

Client Devices

Payphone

Transactions

TransactionManagement

Engine

ContentCollectors

...Content Providers

ContentCollector

...DTV- STBDTV- STB

WAP PhoneWAP Phone

User Registration& Preferences

CONTESSA architectureCONTESSA architecture

CONTESSA offers an expandable & layered architecture that supports emerging types of access devices by incorporating additional transcoding modules.

Separates content collection from service definition and hides database complexities by using data exchange mechanisms based on the XML standard

Provides an advanced service definition toolkit that: Allows dynamic definition of service parameters taking into account the target

device Generates layout description in XSLT format

Emphasizes on iTV applications by developing a middleware component to enhance interactive multimedia content rendering on any type of java-based set-top-boxes.

Offers easy-to-use GUIs that facilitate the creation of personalized services.

Provides an interface to electronic transaction systems (e-commerce, e-banking, etc.) from multiple channels.

CONTESSA featuresCONTESSA features

Interactive educational platformInteractive educational platform

MMultimediaultimedia EnEnhancedhanced TTrainingraining

OOffered inffered in RReal time eal time ((MENTORMENTOR))

MENTORMENTOR basic descriptionbasic description

  

Mentor is an integrated training solution that enables any organization and corporation to continuously educate their personnel by providing fully interactive training sessions to widely dispersed user groups and communities.

It provides the tools and mechanisms that enable the text-based or voice-based communication between the trainer and the trainee in real time.

The transmission of multimedia-rich training content is based on the proven advanced transmission techniques of the Internet over Satellite (IoS) platform where advanced data transfer mechanisms ensure proper and reliable distribution of training material to all users.

Functionalities are given through friendly user interfaces, hiding the complexities of network communication, synchronization of activities and material presentation.

Satellite

Satellite Transmission

Video

LAN Workstationsw/MENTOR Student Application

Stand-alone Downlinkw/MENTOR Student Application

Satellite Reception

Satellite Reception

PSTN

Return Channel(Leased Line,VSAT,etc.)

Uplink LAN Server

Downlink LAN Server

MENTOR Teacher Application

Video Encoder

MENTOR architectureMENTOR architecture

MENTOR featuresMENTOR features

Includes additional tools for remote application sharing in the desktop of a moderator’s terminal (VNC) as well as the ability to support the display of PowerPoint slides.

The platform provides applications that enable the creation and review of teaching material, like drawings and charts, text files and HTML content, located either locally or on the Internet.

The application includes the tool for generating statistical reports able to observe the performance of the trainees and the efficiency of the sessions, making the application to be a reliable tool for supporting the decision-making process.

The instructor has total control over shared application usage and system resources and also has the ability to define user group’s rights, regulating their profiles respectively.

Offers manageable tools of asynchronous collaboration (e-mail, discussion forums) and multiple tools for synchronous content presentation (shared whiteboard, shared browser, public/private chat, e.t.c.) in all users.

MENTOR MENTOR CaseCase StudyStudy – A.I.T. – A.I.T.

Promotion of scientific research and broadening of education in the fields of Information Technology and Telecommunications (Information Society)

Enrichment of the Intracom Group human resources with technology, research and development oriented engineers

Collaboration with Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

First enrolment class: September 2002

Promotion of scientific research and broadening of education in the fields of Information Technology and Telecommunications (Information Society)

Enrichment of the Intracom Group human resources with technology, research and development oriented engineers

Collaboration with Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

First enrolment class: September 2002

www.ait.grwww.ait.gr

Summarizing...Summarizing... Learning models are evolving

Emerging learning models entail the use of reusable learning objects and emphasize on personalized learning and social interactions between learners and teachers

Learning tools evolve towards modular architecturesNext generation education tools will be based on modular building

blocks that will allow authors to create educational content once using their existing authoring tools and publish it on multiple channels

XML related tools and standards are maturingXML-based based languages (LMML) and tools represent the

appropriate technology framework for the structuring and design of educational content

LCMS are becoming and integral part of the educational content workflow

Future LCMS will take greater advantage of technologies such as XSLs to facilitate the integration of LCMS with other knowledge and information management tools within organizations

Future … Future …

Chat, Instant Messaging and Discussion Groups

e-Learning Portals

IP Telephony (VoIP) / SoftPhones

Content-on-Demand (VoD / AoD)

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

Key technologies that are expected to influence the distance-learning environment