System Design of Scientific Elearning Management Services

The Minerva founded NS-eCMS project is currently developing open web-based content management, communication, and collaboration services that addresses the specialized requirements for distance education in scientific disciplines. The federated architecture enables straightforward development, exchange, publication and retrieval of material through open standards like XML and MathML. Focus is on time effective communication during the educational process for undergraduate learners and undergraduate academic institutions. Such features will be obtained by exploring new interfaces for input of formulas and figures (light pens and electronic blackboards), integration of scientific calculation tools and online tests. The system provides an open communication platform for dynamical information exchange and management in a pedagogical framework. Usable content learning management services are obtained through metadata descriptions based on predefined structuring of courses with subsequent design of scientific learning objects.