What is Reference Architectures

Regarding the role of software engineering in the development of different types of e-learning systems, a traditional situation is contrasted with a modern state of the art. Traditionally, these systems, especially the intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) or artificial intelligence in education systems (AIED), are developed as research projects (Harrer & Martens, 2006). This means a comparably small group of people is involved in system development; the systems are developed with a research focus and not with respect to reusability, maintenance, robustness, or extensibility. The systems usually are not sold or used over long periods of time. In recent years, e-learning systems have reached maturity. Several e-learning systems are available as software products. They have left the stage of pure research and can now be found in relation with the buzzwords “everyday and lifelong learning.” In particular generic e-learning systems, in contrast to the more research oriented ITS, are nowadays often developed based on software engineering techniques.