NSeCMS System Implementation Report

The NS-eCMS project focuses on the design and development of an open web-based content management, communication, and collaboration eLearning platform that addresses the specialized requirements for distance education in natural sciences. Media rich content management will be achieved through a federated architecture enabling straightforward development, exchange, and publication using international standards, specifically MathML and XML. The proposed infrastructure will support the integration of mathematical tools for the execution of computations. Additional user interfaces, e.g. light pens and electronic blackboards that facilitate efficient interaction with the system, will be explored. The NS-eCMS system will benefit undergraduate learners and undergraduate academic institutions involved in natural science teaching/instruction by providing a platform that addresses the entire educational process, from information exchange to information management, computation execution and examinations. Thus, the mail project goal is to support distance learning of undergraduate learners by providing an open communication platform for dynamical information exchange and management in a pedagogical framework. The communication system handles rich multimedia content and offers interfaces containing tools for online execution of computations, plotting, online examinations, and tests. The system supports time efficient interaction through light pens, electronic blackboards, tablet PC, etc. Mathematical objects are exchangeable from web interface to MathML standardized supporting tools and editors. The specific objectives of the project include: ? Services for administrators, learners, and content providers through a single point on web ? Flexible internal representation of content (XML + MathML) that can be transformed to several existing and forthcoming formats ? Separation of the content from the application logic and the design of the presentation ? Integration of Mathematical Software Tools (CAS servers) ? Minimal requirements for installation of client tools ? Online structured course development and editing ? Autonomy of providers through distribution of material and metadata descriptions This project, titled ?NS-eCMS: Content Management and Collaboration Environment for Natural Sciences? aims to support the asynchronous eLearning process in natural NS-eCMS 110159-CP-1-2003-NO-MINERVA-M sciences through an open, federated educational content management middleware architecture that facilitates information dissemination and through services that target the specific needs of all user groups involved in the educational process, i.e. learners, content providers, course managers, and repository administrators. This document contains details on the design and implementation of the educational content management infrastructure and services.