XML and IMS and LRN

What Does This Alphabet Mean for Designing and Defining Software?

Chris Candler

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK

Abstract:

Like HTML, XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a web-based subset of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). However, HTML has several limitations, as its frozen set of tags is essentially a simple page layout language rather than a truly extensible markup language like SGML or XML.

XML allows users to define their own discipline-specific tags that they may insert into their web pages (i.e., marking up). Through these custom tags, documents can be given machine-readable context that will enable users to view the data from multiple perspectives. Additionally, XML has the ability to separate style from data, which will allow media-independent portability (e.g., computer screen, CD-ROM, laser printer). In these ways XML will deliver important features to online learning environments as it provides a more powerful framework to visualize, manage and share information.

Benefit in attending:

Participants will gain a working knowledge of XML and an opportunity to design XML documents using common tools. Knowledge of and experience with

HTML is required.

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Chris Candler

941 Stanton L. Young Blvd

BSEB 115-A

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Oklahoma City, OK

Telephone Number: 405-271-9333

Fax Number: 405-271-9334

E-mail Address: chris-candler@ouhsc.edu