Project type: Master Project

University: University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven

Term: April 2005 - April 2006

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Erb

Students: 8

Weblink: http://www.sealearning.hs-bremerhaven.de  

Abstract:

In this project we explored different didactical, organisational and technical aspects of E-Learning. We have applied methods of requirements engineering and script writing as well as multimedia, video and XML technologies in order to develop a multimedia based e-learning software (Computer Based Training, CBT) for the food company “Nordsee” Fisch-Spezialitäten GmbH in Bremerhaven.

Description:

As a result we have produced an XML-based platform independent multilingual CBT-architecture and the content of a CBT with the topic “Arbeitsschutz” (work safety) including video films and test questions. The course content was developed according to the requirements of our customer Nordsee and based on their existing paper-based materials.

The work in this project was done in a high degree collaboratively. That means several tasks have been performed by smaller teams. E.g. one team focused on evaluating tools, another on analysing the customer requirements, another on creating a 3 dimensional animated sympathy character or on creating the XML-based architecture etc.

The results were discussed together, so that the team members learned a lot from each other. This project was supported by two other courses: script writing from the professional script writer Bruni Hoffmann for creating the storyboard of the CBT-content Audio-visual media from Holger Rada for producing the videos of the CBT. At the end of the project, our customer Nordsee was very satisfied with the produced prototype. It was much better than they had expected.

So, we made a contract with them for usability testing and for finishing the open features of the CBT, especially the test questions. This follow-up research project was done by two of the master students. After the successful completion of the CBT, it is used for real "Arbeitsschutz-Trainings of the employees of Nordsee-stores".

Topic Areas of the Project:

• Evaluation of learning management systems and authoring tools with special respect to the requirements of the customer analysis, object oriented modelling and prototyping of learning software.
• Applying methods like requirements engineering, project management and cooperative work in a “real life project” with a medium company as the customer.
• Quality criteria and standardization in the area of e-learning (e.g. platform-independency, portability, modularity, multilinguality, XML-compatibility, SCORM-compatibility etc.).
• Computer supported cooperative learning and collaboration tools: web-based team and discussion rooms, blackboards, whiteboards, videoconferencing etc.
• Script writing for multimedia-based courses.
• Video production for e-learning materials.
• Production of modular, multilingual multimedia-based course materials for a food company.
• Usability engineering of learning materials
• Corporate design and web-design.