Abstract
In this paper we propose a language-driven approach for the high-level design of web-based learning applications. In our approach we define a domain-specific language that characterizes the key application aspects. Then we assign a suitable operational semantics to this language, and we keep it independent of low-level implementation details such as interaction / presentation or database updating. The resulting design can be easily implemented using the model-view-controller pattern that is very well supported by standard implementation technologies. In addition, these language-driven designs also allow for rapid prototyping, exploration and early discovery of application features, as well as for rational collaboration processes between instructors and developers. We exemplify our approach with a Socratic Tutoring System.
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Advanced Distributed Learning - Shareable Content Object Reference Model (ADL-SCORM), Faulkner Information Services (2003)
Bork, A.: Personal Computers for Education. Harper & Rows, New York (1985)
Bray, T., et al. (eds.): Extensible Markup Language (XML) 1.0 (Second Edition). W3C Recommendation (2000)
Clark, J. (ed.): XSL Transformations (XSLT) Version 1.0. W3C Recommendation (1999)
Coombs, J.H., Renear, A.H., DeRose, S.J.: Markup Systems and the Future of Scholarly Text Processing. Communications of the ACM 30(11), 933–947 (1987)
Clément, D., et al.: Natural Semantics on the Computer. Tech. Rep. 416. INRIA (1985)
Friedman, D., Wand, M., Hayes, C.T.: Essentials of Programming Languages, 2nd edn. MIT Press, Cambridge (2001)
Ibrahim, B.: Software Engineering Techniques for CAL. Education & Computers 5, 215–222 (1989)
Koper, R., Tatersall, C. (eds.): Learning Design: A Handbook on Modeling and Delivering Networked Education and Training. Springer, Heidelberg (2005)
Krasner, G.E., Pope, T.S.: A Description of the Model-View-Controller User Interface Paradigm in the Smalltalk 80 System. Journal of Object Oriented Programming 1(3), 26–49 (1988)
Martínez-Ortíz, I., Moreno-Ger, P., Sierra, J.L., Fernández-Manjón, B.: <e-QTI>: A Reusable Assessment Engine. In: Liu, W., Li, Q., Lau, R.W.H. (eds.) ICWL 2006. LNCS, vol. 4181, pp. 134–145. Springer, Heidelberg (2006)
Mauw, S., Wiersma, W.T., Willemse, T.A.C.: Language-driven System Design. International Journal of Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering 14(6), 625–664 (2004)
Moreno-Ger, P., Sierra, J.L., Martínez-Ortiz, I., Fernández-Manjón, B.: A Documental Approach to Adventure Game Development. Science of Computer Programming 67(1), 3–31 (2007)
Mosses, P.D.: Formal Semantics of Programming Languages: An Overview. Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science 148(1), 41–73 (2006)
Paulson, L.D.: Building Rich Web Applications with AJAX. IEEE Computer 38(10), 14–17 (2005)
Plotkin, G.D.: An Structural Approach to Operational Semantics. Technical Report DAIMI FN-19. Computer Science Dept. Aarhus University (1981)
Sierra, J.L., Fernández-Valmayor, A., Fernández-Manjón, B.: A Document-Oriented Paradigm for the Construction of Content-Intensive Applications. Computer Journal 49(5), 562–584 (2006)
Sierra, J.L., et al.: From Research Resources to Virtual Objects: Process model and Virtualization Experiences. Journal of Educational Technology & Society 9(3), 56–68 (2006)
Sierra, J.L., et al.: A Highly Modular and Extensible Architecture for an Integrated IMS based Authoring System: The <e Aula> Experience. Software-Practice & Experience 37(4), 441–461 (2007)
Sierra, J.L., Fernández-Valmayor, A., Fernández-Manjón, B.: How to Prototype an Educational Modeling Language. In: Proc. of the IX International Simposium on Computers in Education SIIE 2007, November 14–16, 2007, Porto, Portugal (2007)
Sierra, J.L., Moreno Ger, P., Martínez Ortiz, I., López Moratalla, J., Fernández-Manjón, B.: Building Learning Management Systems Using IMS Standards: Architecture of a Manifest Driven Approach. In: Lau, R.W.H., Li, Q., Cheung, R., Liu, W. (eds.) ICWL 2005. LNCS, vol. 3583, pp. 144–156. Springer, Heidelberg (2005)
Sleeman, D., Brown, J.S. (eds.): Intelligent Tutoring Systems. Academic Press, London (1982)
XTutor web site. icampus.mit.edu/xtutor (last visited June 8, 2007)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Sierra, JL., Fernández-Manjón, B., Fernández-Valmayor, A. (2008). Language-Driven Development of Web-Based Learning Applications. In: Leung, H., Li, F., Lau, R., Li, Q. (eds) Advances in Web Based Learning – ICWL 2007. ICWL 2007. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 4823. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78139-4_46
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78139-4_46
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-78138-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-78139-4
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)