Concepts, techniques and tools for an educational modeling language

In the context of e-learning, educational modeling languages (EML) aim in essence to first produce intelligible models and next derive education-oriented software components and services to implement cognitive learning applications on the top of open distance learning platforms. The convergence between software engineering concerns such as reusability and interoperability, knowledge management in education and Web-based information systems, generates the need for business languages as extensions of standards. This paper presents the CPM (Cooperative Problem-based learning Metamodel) language, a VML-based modeling language, dedicated to problem-based learning (PBL) process design. Since the recent implementation of this language in a CASE tool this paper discusses the deep nature, the use, user validation and the compatibility of this language with existing e-learning approaches and norms.