Integrating Visual Representaiton of Knowledge with Learnig Management Syatems: Design Priciples for Advanced Computer-Based Learning Support

Abstract

After a review of literature pertaining to representative constituent parts of contemporary learning management systems (LMS) and features of other systems that support visual representations of information and knowledge in support of learning, a summarization of desirable design elements for a system that is meant to support distance learning is developed and elaborated. These elements include the potential benefits of having an explicit realization of a viable pedagogical theory as the underlying basis for the software, the possible benefits of integrating a variety of capabilities in as simple and usable a fashion as possible, the value of presenting a customizable interface, and the desirability of providing for sharing and reuse of instructional resources. The chapter concludes with a description of a prototype system that embodies many of the principles laid out in the paper.