XML-based Integration of Hypermedia Design and Component-Based Techniques in the Production of Educational Applications

Abstract

This paper describes a XML-based solution for developing educational hypermedia. This solution is the outcome of the lessons learned in the development of Galatea application, and integrates a hypermedia design methodology (ODH) with a generic technique for the construction of XML-based applications (DTC). Using ODH, designers can describe their application contents, presentation and interaction as XML documents. DTC copes with the development of XML based applications by linking XML documents with component-based software, using document transformations as needed. The combination of both approaches leads to a solution for educational hypermedia development that overcomes some of the main problems that appear in the construction of these applications (communication between educators and developers, explicit representation of the educational strategy that underlies the application, development complexity and maintainability).