Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
existing clusters (the reorganization is done on a virtual level, it does not affect the real
organization). For example, the reorganization of an existing cluster can be made not by
removing a node but by denying the access to the offered by it services. The reorganization
does not disturb the function of other nodes (as nodes are autonomous self-sufficient
educational units providing one or more integral educational services).
An important feature of the eLearning Nodes is the access to supported services and
electronic content. In relation to the access there are two kinds of nodes:
Mobile eLearning Node and
Fixed eLearning Node.
For both nodes individual reference architectures are proposed within DeLC.
The current version of DeLC (Fig.2), two standardized architecture supporting fixed and
mobile access to the eLearning services and teaching contend have been implemented. The
fixed access architecture is adapted for the following domains implemented as particular
nodes:
Education portal supporting blended learning in the secondary school;
Specialized node for electronic testing (DeLC Test Center);
Specialized node for education in software engineering (eLSE);
Specialized nod for examination of creative thinking and handling of students (CA).
The node adapts the Creativity Assistant environment [Zedan,2008];
Intelligent agents that support the eLearning services provided by the DeLC portal (AV).
The Agent Village will be presented in this chapter in more detail.
3. Mobile eLearning node
A distinguishable feature of contemporary mobile eLearning (mLearning) systems is the
anywhere-anytime-anyhow aspect of delivery of electronic content, which is personalised
and customised to suit a particular mobile user [Barker,2000], [Maurer,2001]. In addition,
mobile service content is expected to be delivered to users always in the best possible way
through the most appropriate connection type according to the always best connected and
best served communication paradigm [O'Droma,2007], [Passas,2006]. In the light of these
trends, the goal is to develop an intelligent mobile eLearning node which uses an
InfoStation-based communication environment with distributed control [Frenkiel,1996],
[Ganchev,2007]. The InfoStation paradigm is an extension of the wireless Internet, where
mobile clients interact directly with Web service providers (i.e. InfoStations). By their mobile
devices the users request services from the nearest InfoStation utilizing Bluetooth or WiFi
wireless communication.
3.1 InfoStation-based network architecture
The continuing evolution in the capabilities and resources available within modern mobile
devices has precipitated an evolution in the realm of eLearning. The architecture presented
here attempts to harness the communicative potential of these devices in order to present
learners with a more pervasive learning experience, which can be dynamically altered and
