POSTER
Developing an Information Model: A Lesson in Future Proofing
Chris Candler, Le Gruenwald, and Jianting Zhang
The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and The University of Oklahoma, School of Computer Science, Norman , OK, USA
ABSTRACT:
Modern commercial Learning Management Systems (e.g. Blackboard, WebCT) and locally developed Web-based courseware systems are ultimately based on an information model to structure their educational content (i.e. learning objects). These information models may be implicitly defined by database tables and relationships or in a hierarchical fashion via XML schemas. Unfortunately, these information models often do not undergo rigorous planning and testing before they are implemented. Hence, information models are often implemented in an idiosyncratic manner that is specific to the parent application and cannot be customized or extended for future uses.
In this poster we describe a computer engineering technique by which a hierarchical learning object information model was developed and refined through an iterative use-case approach. The goal was to develop an information model that would meet the following requirements:
1. Non proprietary
2. Easily managed
3. Highly available
4. Capable of effective search and retrieval
5. Secure
6. Protected against unauthorized use
7. Flexible, Extensible, and Scalable
8. Easily developed, shared, and re-purposed
9. Compliant with national courseware standards (IMS)
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:
This poster will be of use to anyone who has to purchase or create a multimedia database or learning management system for their institution. Participants will understand the importance of a robust information model and how this affects future application development.
Chris Candler
941 Stanton L. Young Blvd
The University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK
Phone: 405-271-9333
Fax: 405-271-9334
Email: chris-candler@ouhsc.edu
CO-AUTHORS:
Dr. Le Gruenwald
Jianting Zhang
The University of Oklahoma - School of Computer Science -
200 Felgar Street, Room 114 EL, Norman , OK 73019
Phone: 405-634-6338
Fax: (405) 325-3498
Email: ggruenwald@ou.edu