ADILE: Architecture of a database-supported learning environment

This article proposes an architecture for distributed learning environments that use databases to store learning material. As the layout of learning material can inhibit reuse, the ar-chitecture implements the notion of "separation of layout and structure" using XML technology. Also, the architecture pro-poses to separate the presentation layer from the actual com-puter application that retrieves ULMs, creates menus and forms, and facilitates navigation. Only at the last moment, is layout added. This allows a learning environment to present itself in many different layouts, enhancing possibilities for reuse of learning material. Also, the presentation layer can be implemented using different technologies; the same applica-tion can both present itself through the World Wide Web (WWW or Web), as well as on the desktop of a computer for off-line learning. A prototype has been built, and proves that our ideas are implementable and yield a learning environ-ment with a very flexible layout.