Flexible instructional strategies for e-learning

Provides an overview on a German lighthouse research project called L³ ("Lifelong Learning - Learning as a utility") in the area of e-learning systems that supply e-learning services via a virtual private network. More specifically, this paper focuses on a new approach of meta-tagging learning elements to enable the flexible execution of courses depending on the individual learning styles of the students. The notion of a content aggregation model is introduced and a set of tools and a first prototype of an associated run-time environment are described. An extension to the existing standardization according to SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is given to project future developments in this area to allow more in-depth implementation of didactical knowledge into courseware systems. A basic ontology on instructional units is described, which provides extensions to additionally allow advanced learning scenarios where group learning is supported in the design and implementation of the courseware. First results of the evaluation are provided, as the material becomes used in vocational training centres as part of the e-learning service.