Learn@WU Packages - Adapted for .LRN

In a project for the University of Mannheim, Knowledge Markets adapted some learn@WU specific components to be used in a standard .LRN system. These packages will be integrated in OpenACS in the near future and can already be used in standard .LRN environments. Currently the modules Assignments, Gradebook and Problem Based Learning (PBL) are available.     

Assignments

The Assignments package allows course instructors to assign homeworks to their students and review them. Assignments can be started and ended either manually or automatically at a certain time. A portlet on the start page shows the student which assignments still need to be done. The homeworks handed in can be graded by the instructor and provided with an enhanced answer.

• PDF Documentation
• Viewlet: Add Assignment Support to a Class
• Viewlet: Student's Perspective
• Viewlet: Create New Assignments
  

• Download
  • tlf-homework-0.5d.apm
  • tlf-homework-portlet-0.5d.apm
  • dotlrn-tlf-homework-0.5d.apm

Gradebook

The Gradebook provides a performance overview for the students. Course instructors can enter grades manually or use an interface to import grades from the 'Assignment' module. 

• Gradebook Viewlet
• PDF Documentation
  

• Download
  • tlf-gradebook-0.5d.apm
  • dotlrn-tlf-gradebook-0.1d.apm
  • tlf-gradebook-portlet-0.1d.apm

Problem Based Learning (PBL)

The concept of problem based learning (PBL) is based on principles of learning theory derived from constructivism. PBL was originally developed in the 1950s in the area of health care science. In PBL systems, learning is always based on a real or constructed problem. Starting from this problem, learners themselves acquire the knowledge needed to finally develop a solution. The teacher has the role of a coach, who helps answering subject-specific questions and on the other hand controls the learning process.

The main characteristics of PBL are:

• PBL always centers around a real or  possibly real problem.
• There are various possible and valid solutions.
• Working and learning takes place in groups.
• The students acquire the information needed themselves.
• Previous knowledge of the students is included in the problem-solving process.
• The application of newly acquired knowledge takes center stage.
• The teacher accompanies, supports and contributes to the problem-solving process. He/she does not direct or instruct nor contribute to complete solutions.
• The solution is assessed authentically, preferably by criteria that are applied in the real world.
  

The PBL package supports problem-based learning processes in two ways:

1. Providing a portal as a working and communication platform.
2. Support for planing, controlling and documentation of the learning process with
special tools.

 

Documentation for the PBL Package: 

• PDF Documentation
• Viewlet: PBL - Student's Perspective
• Viewlet: PBL Administration  

Download

• tlf-pbl-0.5d.apm
• tlf-pbl-portlet-1.0.apm
• dotlrn-tlf-pbl-0.5d.apm

Tclwebtest-Recorder (TwtR)

Tclwebtest-Recorder(TwtR) is a plugin for Mozilla Firefox that generates Tclwebtest scripts of a user's interaction with a web site.
The motivation for creating the tool was to reduce the time required for creating automatic tests for OpenACS.

TwtR is open source and released under the Apache License version 2.0.

It runs on Firefox 1.5 and 2.0.

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