Embedding Self-Management and Generic Learning Support into Courseware Structures

Traditional computer-aided teaching and learning (CAT/CAL) environments in multimedia-based tele-education do not empower knowledge consumers (trainees, students etc.) to practice content transfer and knowledge acquisition in a self-managed and context-sensitive way. Since such a transfer process has to involve both teachers and learners, it requires the support of different perspectives in material as well as interaction features for self-directed learning and context-sensitive interaction. In order to implement a proper solution, we have developed a didactic scheme for self-managed content transfer. Subsequently, we have embedded that framework into meta-models of course material. In doing so, elements of the didactic framework have been mapped to courseware features. Finally, we designed features for collaboration. As a result, a generic architecture for self-managed and context-driven CAT/CAL can be defined. We exemplify our solution through a corresponding development project, targeted at supporting academic education in the field of business information systems.