Unified content design for ubiquitous learning: The soldering seminar use case

Abstract

The presence of new technologies on distance education generates a cloud of learning environments with high presence of multimedia contents and mobility capabilities. The widespread use of mobile technologies, digital TV and Internet enables ubiquitous learning environments that allow students to learn anywhere anytime. However, the diversity of computational and display capabilities of the current access devices (i.e. PC, mobile phones, set-top boxes) requires a smart content design methodology to reduce the development time. This paper aims to present the methodology followed to generate platform-independent interactive learning materials with high presence of multimedia resources and its deployment in different platforms. The methodology is shown taking the example of an interactive application to drive a seminar on the soldering process of complex BGA chip packages for building electronic systems. This content design process is shown from our platform-independent design level until its deployment in PC, TV and mobile platforms. This may help teachers and content creators in the generation of learning materials that are independent of the Learning Content Management System (LCMS) that serve it and the device used to access to it. Moreover, basic guidelines are given to generate the classroom materials through the same unified design process.